dogi

Dogi is the generic term for the training uniform worn in many Japanese martial arts. In English, the garment is often called a gi, while the Japanese terms dōgi or keikogi are also used. The word 道着 (dōgi) roughly means a garment for the way, referring to attire worn while practicing a discipline.

A dogi typically comprises a heavy jacket and matching trousers, secured with a belt. The jacket (uwagi) is usually wrapped left over right and tied with the obi (belt). Some styles feature reinforced shoulders, elbows, or knees to withstand grappling, throws, and repeated takedowns. The design emphasizes durability and freedom of movement for throwing, grappling, or striking depending on the art.

Materials and colors vary by discipline and school. Cotton and cotton-poly blends are common, with weights ranging from light to extra-heavy to suit climate and training intensity. White is traditional in many arts, while some disciplines or competitions use blue gis; karate gi are often white, and some dojo policies restrict color or embroidery to maintain uniformity.

Variants of the dogi include the judogi for judo, karategi for karate, and aikidogi for aikido, among others. While worn primarily for training, competition rules in some arts specify color, fit, and permitted patches. Care typically involves washing after use and air drying to minimize shrinkage, with follow-up maintenance to preserve seams and reinforcements.

Overall, the dogi serves as standardized attire that supports safety, technique execution, and dojo identity across many martial arts.