In Aikido we wear white keikogi (also called "dogi" or simply "gi"). These are Japanese training uniforms consisting of a jacket, trousers and a belt.
In our dojo we wear a plain white keikogi without any decorative stripes, fashion embroidery or flashy brand patches. The uniforms usually have a unisex standard cut, with the size depending on your height. For beginners, dogis with a medium weight are best suited. You start with a white belt.
The jackets are usually held closed only by the belt, but there are also models that can additionally be tied with a bow at the front hem. This is the traditional Japanese style for women; whether you choose it or not is a matter of preference.
Please make sure that the jackets close high on the neck. If this is not the case, please wear a plain coloured or white T-shirt under the jacket.
We recommend looking for special aikido uniforms when buying. Nowadays, there is a wide range of these available from various dealers. Entry-level models start at about 50 EUR. Jackets with a fabric weight of approx. 500g/sqm are best suited for regular training.
A recommended shop is ninecircles.eu (e.g. their model "Intermediate 500g Sashiko Ori"). They offer the option to have your dogi embroidered with your name. This is very useful to identify your own when during a seminar you hang it up to dry along with everybody else's keikogis.
Note on the embroidery: your name is usually written in the Japanese katakana script, horizontally on the left upper arm. Please avoid automatic converters, and instead search for a confirmed transcription of your name – or simply ask us how to spell it. You are free to choose the colour of the embroidery, but it should not be too bright.
Please get two sets so that you always have a fresh dogi when you practise on consecutive days, or when you participate in seminars.
Dogis last for years if you take good care of them (wash them at 30-40 degrees Celsius).
Always bring a fresh dogi to class. Please wash yourself and remove all cosmetics before you put it on. Deodorants in particular can permanently discolour the uniforms over time.
Fold the dogi in a compact way for carrying (YouTube video). Find out how to tie a belt knot in our step-by-step instructions and in this YouTube video.
Please always bring sandals or slippers to class - the dojo should not be entered with street shoes.
