Difference in lightweight and heavyweight uniforms?

Question

What are the differences between the light weight and heavy weight uniforms? What are their pro's and con's? How many ounces does it have to weigh to be considered light weight or heavy weight? I'm trying to decide whether to buy a heavy or light weight uniform.

Answer 1

I can't answer all of your questions, but I do know that the heavier ones are good for martial arts that utilize throws (Judo or jujitsu, for example). They hold up longer and are less likely to tear during that kind of use.

Answer 2

The difference is the thickness of the cloth, the weight. I don't know about the actual weight--I never bothered to check and I don't do anything that requires a uniform anymore.

Lightweight uniforms are lighter, so naturally they feel easier to move in. They are usually good for general use in a standing type art. Heavyweight uniforms are thicker, heavier, and as mentioned above, are good for tournaments for a stand-up art like karate because they make a nice crisp sound when you punch and kick in a form. They also offer a little more protection when sparring without gear--but not that much more. As for grappling arts, I think the uniforms are always heavyweight and the uniforms are also made differently from a standard karate gi. Heavier cloth is better for a grappling art because of the wear and tear put on it. I'm pretty sure most grappling arts( e.g. judo, Brazilian jujitsu, shuai jiao, sambo) have their own unique type of uniform as well.

Answer 3

Light weight uniforms - used for Karate and Tae Kwon Do usually come in lighter fabrics because there are no grappling involved. There are some throws yes but the for the most part it's kicks and punches.

Heavyweight uniforms-are needed for Judo or other arts where grappling and throwing are involved

Thanks for asking a very good question
Devin Willis

Answer 4

Light weight uniforms are usually 6 oz material and cooler but they tend to wear out quicker from frequent washing and can literally get torn off your back sometimes in hard wrestling and grappling type training or fighting. I have seen some that are 4oz material but believe me -you don't want them. Heavy weight uniforms usually are 10 oz material like canvass or cotton and are warmer, much more durable, and don't wear out near as quickly, or tear as easily.

I wear nothing but heavyweight uniforms for teaching and in weapons and forms competition and sometimes for fighting although I will change to a middleweight uniform if it is really hot in the tournament. Heavy weight uniforms being hotter to wear some people find altogether to warm and uncomfortable. You may want to consider a middle weight uniform and they are usually 7oz material or slightly more and have some synthetic material along with cotton. They are cooler, last longer, and don't tear quite as easily as a light weight uniform. Century Martial Arts has all three types and that is what I wear; check them out.

Answer 5

for daily or reglar classes go with light weight and for testing/competition/demos go with heavyweight

lightweight is great for daily workouts but does not "pop" or "snap" for the "aaaahhhh" factor and the heavyweight also keeps its creases better for showmanship and neatness during testing/comp/demos

Answer 6

depends on the brand. There is only a few ounces of difference though.