How to Iron a Karate Gi
A gi is the uniform of the karate student. The martial arts student needs to keep in mind that the uniform should be worn respectfully for the discipline, your master, and the school that you are studying at. Ensuring that the gi is kept clean as well as crisply ironed ensures proper respect.
The appearance of the gi is especially important during belt tests as well as promotion ceremonies.
- Ensure that your gi is damp. This will make it easier to iron out any wrinkles. Either iron the gi directly after washing, or spray it with water.
- Use the heat setting of “cotton” on the iron. The typical gi is made of cotton or a cotton blend. Make sure that the iron is hot before beginning the ironing process.
- Pay particular attention to the arms of the gi. When ironing the arms, ensure that the patches lay flat. Begin at the front of the sleeve, and work to the elbow for each arm. This will result in creases along the front and back of the arms.
- Drape the gi across the ironing board so that the back is on the surface. Smooth any wrinkles that may be present, taking care to not burn or snag any patches on the gi.
- Iron the front of the gi by moving one side to the top of the ironing board. The lapel should lie flat on the ironing board. Begin at the top and work down smoothing out any wrinkles.
- Press the collar of the gi, which runs from one lapel around to the other lapel. Remember that this material is typically thicker than the rest of the gi, so spend a few extra seconds in each spot as you complete the ironing process. The crisply ironed collar helps to complete the clean, crisp look of the gi.
- Iron the gi pants by placing then on the ironing board with the front facing up. Work from the waist down on one leg, and then move to the other leg. Turn the pants over, and complete the same process on the rear. Take care to ensure that ironing any patches do not crease or fold the gi pants.