Getting Hold of the Right Gear
There are many different forms of martial arts. They include Judo, Karate, Mixed Martial Arts and specifically Taekwondo. Taekwondo has many great benefits, the two most obvious being to keep fit and to learn a form of self defence. It focuses on inner strength and having control over the body. In order to fully indulge yourself in these arts you need to get the right gear. One of the most important things you can do to prepare is to get a Taekwondo uniform. Here are a few different points that you should consider before investing in Taekwondo uniforms.
Sizes - Uniform sizes for taekwondo uniforms are usually measured with height in mind. Whether you are buying uniforms for yourself or someone else, make sure you get accurate measurements before you start searching. When searching for uniforms, remember that if it is made out of cotton, it will likely shrink in the wash. Taekwondo uniforms have a tendancy to shrink; it is therefore advisable to get one that is a little on the large side so that it can shrink to fit.
Fabric Quality - Taekwondo uniforms are made out of a few different materials including cotton, Nylon, and Dacron. Cotton is heavier than Nylon and Dacron, and absorbs more moisture. If you are prone to sweat a lot, then you may want to invest in cotton because it is heavier and will help to keep you dry. Another reason is that during take downs or throws, cotton is often easier to hold onto.
Uniforms differ in weight as well as size and can be purchsed in light, medium, and heavy weight. Lightweight uniforms generally weigh about 6oz. and are inexpensive. These uniforms work great as Taekwando Uniforms because there is no grappling in this martial art. These uniforms are great to help keep you cool. Medium weight uniforms sit at about 10 oz. and are more versatile and durable than the lightweights. They are better for ground techniques and other, more physical, martial arts. The largest uniforms are the heavyweights, weighing in at about 14 oz. These uniforms are known to hold their value the best, but you will want to judge your decision based on your dojo requirements and your level of experience.
Some people prefer a drawstring waistband to an elastic one. Drawstrings are usually more popular because you can adjust the tightness of the band and keep the pants more secure around your waist. One thing to look for is a drawstring hole that is about twice as big as the actual drawstring. This prevents it from getting bunched up after it has been washed.