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How to choose your child’s Judo kimono (judogi)?
The main reason why judo is attracting so many children is that it’s a martial art that lets them put their energy to good use. This enthusiasm is also shared by parents, who see it as a way of cultivating discipline and developing flexibility and motor skills.
Would your child like to take up Judo as an extracurricular activity or develop more seriously in the discipline? Even before choosing a Dojo and a Sensei, you need to think about the main piece of equipment he’ll need: a Judogi. How do you choose the right one for her? These few criteria will put you on the right track.
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Taking your child’s size into account
As judo kimonos are unisex, size (both judoka and kimono) is the first criterion to be scrutinized. Children’s judo kimonos generally measure between 100 and 150 cm. Above this ceiling, it’s no longer a children’s model. It’s up to you to match your child’s size with the judogis available on the market to make the best possible choice.
But there’s one thing you need to know! Most judo kimonos are made of 100% or almost 100% cotton. This can lead to shrinkage (by a few centimetres) of the garment after the first three washes. We therefore recommend that you allow a 5 cm margin (or round up) between your child’s height and the kimono’s. If your young judoka is 133 cm tall, for example, it would be ideal to choose a 138 or even 140 cm children’s judogi. This precaution could also be useful in the long term, to keep ahead of its growth.
However, if you don’t want to worry about the effects of shrinkage, you can opt for a polycotton kimono.
Determine the ideal kimono weight for your level of practice!
Judo is defined as the “way of suppleness”. As such, every judoka needs to be flexible and agile in order to reproduce certain techniques. The judo kimono must be light enough to facilitate movement and strong enough to withstand certain holds. So the heavier the grammage, the stronger the hold.
Depending on your child’s goals :
– Opt for a light, supple fabric weight of 190gr/m2 fortraining and for a beginner judoka;
– choose a heavier weight if your child has already earned a few judo belts or is already taking part in competitions. A weight of around 350gr/m2 for a thicker kimono will do the trick. This applies mainly to
kata
(demonstration) competitions, where the judogi should be stiff, snappy and fairly heavy. For
kumite
(sparring), on the other hand, prefer a light weight, similar to that of a keikogi (training kimono).
Bear in mind that judo, like karate, is a gripping sport. The heavier the weight of the child’s judo kimono, the more difficult it will be for these opponents to hold.
Don’t forget the colors!
When you’re new to judogi, you think it’s just white. There is also a blue judo kimono . Contrary to what one might imagine, it’s not there to answer aesthetic questions. Its role is to differentiate between judokas, mainly during official competitions. If, during training, both opponents can wear the white white training kimono this is rather inappropriate when it comes to important competitions.
So, before choosing a judo kimono for your child, it’s important to determine exactly what he or she will be using it for. If you’re looking for a kimono that will give him access to training in the Dojo, a white training judogi will do the trick. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a junior judogi for competition, it’s best to get in touch with his Sensei before making a choice.
Take your budget into account!
When your junior judoka is just starting out, it’s not essential to spend too much money on judogi. Bear in mind that this may be a passing fancy for him, and that he’s turned to judo simply out of curiosity. And don’t forget that children grow up very quickly.
In any case, expect to pay between 20 and 30 euros, bearing in mind that the price is likely to vary according to the grammage.
However, for top-of-the-range judogis, generally reserved for experienced junior judokas, the cost can quickly escalate. Sometimes up to 150 euros!
Kimono or Judogi: what’s the difference?
The Kimono! If in the collective imagination this is the name given to the training (keikogi) or competition clothing worn by judokas, you should know that this is not entirely accurate. More generally, it refers to the traditional dress of the inhabitants of the land of the rising sun.
The outfit worn by judokas for training and official competitions is called a Judogi! It’s heavier, more resistant and better suited to combat than a simple kimono.
Where to buy a Judogi for your child?
Once you’ve carefully defined your criteria, you have two options. You can browse the aisles of sports equipment stores to find the outfit you’re looking for. Or simply visit several e-commerce sites to make a quick comparison and select the best offer. This alternative allows you to find what you’re looking for more quickly by setting up a filter. You’ll also find other judo equipment for children. At Daisho.be, you’ll find all the equipment you need to help your little blonde head enjoy her favourite sport to the full!
Once you’ve found the right children’s judo kimono, do you know how to care for it?
To begin with, after each training session, place it in a well-ventilated area. This prevents unpleasant odours, mainly due to perspiration. Then wash it cold for the first three weeks to avoid excessive shrinkage.
After this time, you can wash it as usual (at 30 or 40°C). However, remember to remove any parts (such as sleeves and collars) that may show stains. If you’re concerned about discoloration, you can bleach white kimonos.
Whatever type of washing you opt for, you should never put a child’s judo kimono in the tumble-dryer, as this could damage it. Always leave it to dry naturally.
After a certain period of use, you can wash your child’s judogi at a temperature of up to 90°C to restore its whiteness.
