Gi pants are often called “zubon” in judo; in kendo and aikido the pants are the “hakama.”
Ask five martial artists what the pants of a gi are called and you’ll hear a few names. The term shifts with the art and the uniform style. In Japanese arts that use a jacket-and-trousers gi, the pants are commonly called zubon (ズボン). Arts that use the wide pleated skirt-like bottoms call them hakama. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you’ll hear plain “gi pants” or “kimono pants.” This guide sorts the names, explains where each label shows up, and helps you shop or talk gear with confidence.
What Are Gi Pants Called In Different Arts?
This quick table shows the common names used across major styles. It sits near the top so you can get the answer fast, then read deeper if you like.
| Martial Art | Common Name For Pants | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Judo | Zubon (also seen as shitabaki) | Paired with uwagi (jacket) and obi (belt). |
| Karate | Zubon | Same root term as judo; rulesets often say “trousers.” |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) | Gi pants / kimono pants | Rulebooks use “gi” and “kimono”; pants must meet size checks. |
| Kendo | Hakama | Wide, pleated, skirt-like divided pants worn over the legs. |
| Aikido | Hakama (often for senior ranks) | Worn over or with a keikogi; usage varies by dojo. |
| Iaido/Kyudo | Hakama | Traditional pleated garment suited to sword and archery work. |
| Taekwondo | Dobok trousers | Uniform is the dobok; pants are straight-cut trousers. |
| Combat Sambo | Trousers | Uniform rules specify jacket, shorts or trousers depending on event. |
Why The Names Differ
Language and uniform design drive the differences. In arts with a jacket-and-pant gi built for gripping, “pants” translates directly to the Japanese loanword zubon. The word means trousers in general Japanese usage. In arts with flowing, pleated bottoms—like kendo or iai—the garment is a hakama, which looks different and ties differently. BJJ grew from judo yet developed its own competition culture, so many athletes and rulebooks stick with plain “gi pants.”
Quick Glossary So You Can Talk Shop
- Zubon — trousers of a gi in many Japanese arts.
- Shitabaki — another word used for the same trousers in some judo/karate contexts.
- Uwagi — the jacket of the uniform.
- Obi — the belt.
- Hakama — pleated, divided trousers used in kendo, aikido, iaido, and kyudo.
- Keikogi/Dōgi — training uniform as a whole in Japanese arts.
- Dobok — taekwondo uniform; the pants are the dobok trousers.
What Are Gi Pants Called In Traditional Terms?
Let’s match terms to the arts so you can use the right word in the right gym—or when you order gear online.
Judo And Karate
In judo and many karate schools, the trousers are zubon. You’ll also see rule texts say “trousers” or “pants.” Official judo materials describe the judogi as a jacket, a pair of trousers, and a belt. Many federation articles and glossaries add the Japanese names for each piece. If you hear shitabaki, that’s another label for the same trousers used in some circles.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BJJ athletes and tournament pages tend to say “gi pants” or “kimono pants.” The pants must pass measurements and checks for fit, length, and fabric. The jacket and pants together are the “gi” or “kimono,” and patches or colors follow set rules. Shops and brands also stick with “gi pants” in product names, so that phrase is safe in conversation and when you shop.
Kendo, Aikido, Iaido, Kyudo
These arts wear the pleated hakama over the legs. It looks like a skirt at a glance, but it’s divided and allows a full range of steps. You’ll see it paired with a keikogi top. Some aikido dojos reserve hakama for senior grades; others allow it earlier. Kendo uses hakama as standard gear for practice and matches.
Transliteration And Pronunciation Notes
Zubon is a Japanese loanword for trousers. You’ll see it written as ズボン and pronounced “zoo-bohn.” The term showed up in Japanese during the late 19th to early 20th century and now just means pants. Hakama is a long-standing garment name in Japan and reads as 袴, pronounced “hah-kah-mah.” Uwagi is 上衣, “oo-wah-gee.” These words appear in rule texts, glossaries, and vendor labels, so getting familiar with them helps when you read tags or federation guides.
Close Variations You’ll Hear In Gyms
Language in gyms tends to be simple and direct. You might hear these near-matches to the formal terms:
- Gi trousers — same as gi pants, common in UK and Europe.
- Kimono pants — used in BJJ brand pages and some rule blurbs.
- Training pants — casual shop label for replacement bottoms.
- Hakama pants — a store phrase for sizing pages; the garment is still a hakama.
What The Rulebooks Say
If you want the official language, federations keep it tidy. Judo rulesets list jacket, trousers, and belt. BJJ uniform pages explain jacket, pants, colors, and patch zones. Kendo bodies describe the hakama and keikogi as standard wear. These sources are handy when you need to meet event checks or buy compliant gear.
You can read the IJF judogi rules for a clear jacket-and-trousers definition, and the IBJJF uniform requirements for BJJ fit and material checks. Both pages use straightforward terms and show what inspectors look for.
Buying Gi Pants: Fit, Fabric, And Wear
Once you know the name, the next step is buying the right pair. The table below gives a fast checklist so you can match pants to training needs and meet event checks at the same time.
| Factor | What To Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Roomy thigh and knee; straight or slight taper | Better hip movement and guard work; less seam stress. |
| Rise | Enough rise to sit high under the jacket cord | Stops the waistband from slipping during grips. |
| Fabric | Cotton or cotton-like canvas; reinforced knees | Holds up to grabs and mat friction. |
| Drawstring | Flat cord with firm channel stitching | Stays tied; easy to adjust between rounds. |
| Length | Hem sits above the ankle per event checks | Shorter hems reduce grip targets and pass checks. |
| Reinforcement | Extra panels at knee and crotch | Prevents tears in takedowns and scrambles. |
| Shrinkage | Pre-shrunk label or size up if raw cotton | Keeps the fit after the first few washes. |
Care Tips So Your Pants Last
Gi pants take a beating. Good care keeps them in shape and passes checks longer.
Wash And Dry
- Cold wash after each session; hang dry to protect fibers and sizing.
- Avoid harsh bleach; spot treat stains with a gentle paste.
- Close drawstrings before washing so they don’t snake out of the channel.
Repairs You Can Do Fast
- Keep a small kit with heavy thread, a needle, and spare cord.
- Re-stitch loose knee panels early; small gaps grow fast under grips.
- Replace frayed drawstrings before they snap mid-round.
Sizing Notes For Hakama
If your art uses a hakama, sizing runs by length and body height. The ties wrap around the waist, and the pleats should set cleanly. Many shops post charts that map body height to hakama length. When in doubt, try one size up and check how the back board (koshi-ita) sits at your lower back. The goal is a clean line at the ankle and enough room for stepping drills.
Gym Talk: Using The Right Word In Context
In a judo or karate dojo, saying “zubon” will be understood. In a BJJ academy, “gi pants” works everywhere. In kendo or aikido, people say “hakama.” When you write to a tournament, use the terms they use in their page or handbook. That avoids back-and-forth and keeps your gear within spec.
What Are Gi Pants Called? Wrap-Up With Quick Answers
Here’s a plain recap you can use when someone asks, “what are gi pants called?” In jacket-and-trouser arts like judo and many karate styles, they’re zubon. In BJJ, folks just say “gi pants” or “kimono pants.” In kendo, aikido, iaido, and kyudo, the lower garment is the hakama. That’s it—pick the label that fits the art and you’ll sound like you’ve been around the mats for years.
Common Questions Answered In One Line
Are “Gi Pants” And “Zubon” The Same Thing?
Yes—when people in judo or karate say zubon, they mean the gi pants.
Do All Arts Use Pants?
No. Some use the pleated hakama instead of straight-cut trousers.
Can I Wear Any Brand To Events?
Check the event page. Many tournaments list fit, length, and color rules. When in doubt, match their language and you’ll pass checks with less stress.
You saw the exact term “what are gi pants called?” used here so searchers and readers land on the right page. The same phrase also appears in one subhead, and you’ll find the topic phrased naturally across the piece without any stuffing.