Why is it called a gi?

           During my time training in Jiu-Jitsu, I have notice several different ways people refer to the uniform we wear. In Brazil is is called a kimono, in Japan it is called dougi, and in North America it is called a gi. I thought it might be interesting to think about the different meanings behind these words and how these different words might reflect our attitudes toward the uniform we wear in training.
          I was a little confused when I first heard someone use the term kimono when referring to a gi. The reason for my confusion was because I was living in Japan at the time, and in Japan kimono (着物) would be the beautiful dress worn by women on weddings or special occasions. At first, my reaction was something like, "What the heck are these crazy Brazilians talking about? Are they trying to pull a quick one on me?" But I soon realized they were serious. The term kimono literally translated means, the thing you wear, and in earlier Japan simply meant clothing. It could be that the Brazilians attached a sense of value to the uniform and use the term kimono, or another option is that it was seen as the clothing people wore while training in Jiu-Jitsu. To me, using the word kimono just sounded so elegant and classy!
          In Japan the uniform is called dougi (道着).  Dougi literally means the way + to wear, or the thing you wear on your path to development.  Since martial arts that originated in Japan are not considered sports, they all have the character  for path/way (道) at the end signifying that it is a chosen way of life and training. Here are a few examples: Judo (柔道),  Kendo (剣道),　Aikido (合気道),　Kyuudo (弓道). Therefore a dougi is something you wear when you are training in the way. Traditionally all uniforms were white, signifying the purity of training within the rules and bettering yourself and others. Additionally, keeping the uniform clean and washing it on your own before every practice is expected in most if not all dojo's (道場) in Japan. As a result, there is somewhat of a spiritual sense/personal development associated with the use of  the character path/way (道).
            In North America we call the uniform a gi (着). You may have already noticed that this is an abbreviated way of saying dougi. Translated as to put on, did you notice that this is the same character as the first character in kimono (着物)? Although this character is used as a verb, North American culture has changed it into a noun. Not only do we use it to refer to Jiu-Jitsu uniforms, but also Judo, Karate, and Tae-Kwon-do. I think many of us just consider it the thing you put on while doing martial arts. It would be interesting to hear if others have any other associations with the use of the word gi.
           Now lets talk no-gi Jiu-Jitsu. Ever wonder why it's called a rash guard? Although this should have been a no brainer, I have to admit I didn't put the two together until after a session of no-gi Jiu-Jitsu without my shirt on. After our roll, my back was all cut up from rolling around with my back to the mat. It was very painful to take a shower for the following few days, and hence the name rash guard. Interestingly enough they use the exact same word for rash guard in Japan. Totally makes sense!

Eliot Kelly

www.edhbjj.com
El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
"Garra, Força, Respeito e Persistência"