MARTIAL ARTS
This is a typical martial arts suit, known as a karategi, or “gi” for short. It consists of
a kimono top and dogi pants. The gi is loose-fitting to allow freedom of movement,
and tied at the waist with a belt. The color of the belt denotes the grade, or skill-
level, of the wearer. The character shown here has a black belt, which means he has
achieved the highest grade of training (black belts themselves are further graded in
levels known as first dan, second dan, third dan, and so on).
Draw the rest of
the jacket, then
work on the
details of the belt.
Next draw the
sleeves and give
the figure hands.
Draw in some
creases at the
elbows.Start with a basic
stick figure with lines
for bones, circles for
joints, and triangles
for pelvis and feet.
Draw the top of the
jacket, down to the
waist. Add the trim
around the neck, and
the belt at the waist.Now ink over the
main lines, including
the creases around
the elbows, into the
waist, and on the
pants. Color the belt
black, along with the
insides of the sleeves
and the shadow at
the neckline.Next, give him
some baggy pants
to just below knee
level, then give
your character legs
and feet: there is
no footwear in this
costume.CLOTHES AND COSTUMING