If a student is starting one of the common martial arts in the US (such as; TaeKwondo, Karate, or Judo) they will all share in one common activity. That one activity is the purchase of their first martial arts uniform. A large majority of students will purchase their martial arts uniform from their instructor who most likely has them in stock. Most martial art schools actually provide you with your first martial arts uniform in the sign up fee or if you sign up for x amount of months or a full year. These uniforms serve their purpose well and are more than adequate for the beginner. These beginner uniforms are likely on the bottom rung when it comes to quality. They are usually comprised of a mixture of cotton and polyester (aka, "polycotton") with the typical color being white. As the student begins to rise in belt rank as well as their experience they begin to notice the more advanced student have different uniforms. These uniforms feel thicker and are a much brighter white than their beginner uniforms. One of the major differences between the beginner and advanced students uniform is the material it is comprised of. Starter uniforms tend to be made from the ‘polycotton' referred to earlier while the higher quality uniforms are made with 100% cotton. Another major distinction between martial arts uniforms is the weight of the material. In general, uniforms are broken down into three categories depending on the weight of their fabric. These weights and thickness categories are light, medium, and heavy. Be careful though many manufacturers will add these words to their uniforms description without actual fabric weight consideration so be careful and pay close attention to the actual ounces listed for example 6 oz.. The lightest as with most beginners uniforms is the lightweight category it is comprised of material found to be 6oz. Next is the Medium weight which is made up with fabric around 10oz. These uniforms are very durable and make a great choice for moderate to advanced students. Last is the Heavy weight category which is what the ‘Masters' wear. These uniforms are comprised of material around 14 oz. material. Heavyweight uniforms are highly recommended if a student will do a large amount of grappling. These uniforms are usually more preferred by the more experienced student for 3 reasons. First, they don't tear or rip as easily as their lightweight or middleweight counterparts. Secondly, the lightweight and middleweight uniforms quickly lose their bright white color and become very dull almost dirty looking. Last, but one of the most important reasons is they have a pop when they snap giving the appearance of crisp powerful movements. One well known tournament trick utilizes and accentuates this by adding starch the end of their Gi's. Starch will be added from the elbow and knees down to give that extra explosive snap when performing a kata (form). So first, be sure to know exactly what the uniform will be required to do. Secondly, know the 3 category breakdown which is light (appx. 6 oz.), medium (appx. 10 oz.), and heavy (appx. 14 oz.). Third pay attention to the actual weight in oz's and not the label the manufacturers puts on it.

Good places to shop online for martial arts uniforms and supples:

Martial Arts Supplies and Uniforms

Karate Depot