Gi
In short
A gi is a traditional uniform worn by practitioners of martial arts such as Judo, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It typically consists of a heavy jacket, trousers, and a belt to indicate rank.
In plain words
It is a sturdy set of clothes designed for combat sports. The fabric is thick so it does not tear when opponents grab or pull it during training or competition.
A simple example
A white belt practitioner wears a plain white gi during their first few months of Judo classes. As they improve, they switch to different coloured belts while keeping the same style of uniform.
Why it matters
The uniform is essential for safety and fairness in combat sports. It allows practitioners to use the clothing for grips and throws without damaging their skin or the opponent's clothes.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse a gi with a dobok, which is the specific uniform used in Taekwondo.