The first modern martial arts uniform, the ‘gi’ is thicker and heavier than training uniforms from other martial arts, because it is intended to be gripped and used in throws. In the very early years, Judo creator Jigoro Kano used various traditional Japanese kimonos which were too limited in strength. He looked for a stronger fabric, finding it in the heavy hemp jackets and pants used by Japanese firefighters of the day. Using this stronger fabric and a looser designs that allowed more freedom