US20220312860A1

US20220312860A1 - Kimono pants

Info

Publication number: US20220312860A1
Application number: US17/637,763
Authority: US
Inventors: Dean Ronald Thompson
Original assignee: Submission Sportswear Ltd
Current assignee: Submission Sportswear Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-23
Filing date: 2020-08-21
Publication date: 2022-10-06
Also published as: CN218898425U; WO2021036935A1; DE212020000705U1

Abstract

A martial arts kimono pants (200, 300, 400, 500) comprising a pair of leg portions (230, 310, 510) and a waistband portion (210, 320, 520) for extending about the waist of a user, wherein the leg portions (230, 310, 510) and waistband portion (210, 320, 520) are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric; at least one discontinuity (220, 330, 430, 551) extending through at least the waistband portion (210, 320, 520), wherein the discontinuity (220, 330, 430, 551) provides a relief for tightening and engagement of the waistband portion (210, 320, 520) against waist of the user and provides an opening in the waistband portion (210, 320, 520) moveable from open state towards a closed state; an elasticized waistband (340) circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion (210, 320, 520); wherein the elasticized waistband (340) urges the waistband portion (210, 320, 520) against the waist of the user, and upon the elasticized waistband (340) urging the waistband portion (210, 320, 520) against the waist of the user the discontinuity (220, 330, 430, 551) moves from the open state towards the closed state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of sports garments, in particular martial arts kimonos such as are worn in martial arts such as jiu jitsu, judo, tae kwon do, karate, kung fu or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Persons and athletes who practice the discipline of martial arts, such as jiu jitsu, judo, tae kwon do, karate, kung fu or the like, typically wear specialized clothing articles, garments, uniforms, which may be used on a basis of tradition, or in view of codified requirements of a sport.
Such clothing as used in martial arts are traditionally referred to as a kimono or gi, and by way of example is a Brazilian jiu jitsu gi.
As is generally known in the martial arts field, the kimono, which is a Japanese traditional garment, has been adapted for the practice of different types of martial arts, so as to fit the body of a martial artisan in such a manner and so as to impart the ability to execute full range motion and/or movements as may be required for the art being practiced.
The kimono, which is commonly used in Brazilian jiu jitsu, has been adapted from the original kimono.
The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) is a main governing body for international jui jitsu tournaments and sports. within IBJJF Regulations are stipulated the requirements of kimonos and uniforms for jiu jitsu.
Whilst there exist uniform requirements in other martial arts activities and sports, in relation to jui jitsu the IBJJF Regulations are considered the standard by which those who engage in the sport of jui-jitsu comply with globally.
The kimono is required to be formed using cotton or cotton-like fabric, and the fabric is required to not be so thick or hard as to impede an opponent from gripping it.
In addition to the physical requirements of a material from which a gi must be formed, there also exist standard requirements in relation to leg and arm length of the trousers and jacket of a gi, the size of the lapel and the width of the belt securing the jacket.
Athletes are required to use a belt which is durable, 4 to 5 cm wide belt, and coloured according to the athlete's rank or grade, typically with a black tip, except for black belts whereby the tip should be white or red.
The belt is worn over the top, wrap around the waist twice, and be tied using a double knot tight enough to hold the GI top closed. once tied in a double knot, each end of the belt should hang 20 to 30 cm in length.
A specialized kimono assessment tool, which is often formed from a wooden block with slots formed therein, is used to check that a jui-jitsu's gi is in compliance with regulations.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a kimono or gi, which overcomes or at least partly ameliorates at least some deficiencies as associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a martial arts kimono pants comprising a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein the leg portions and waistband portion are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric; at least one discontinuity extending through at least the band portion, wherein the discontinuity provides a relief for tightening and engagement of the waist band portion against waist of the user and provides an opening in the waistband portion moveable from open state towards a closed state; an elasticized waistband circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion; wherein the elasticized waistband urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and upon the elasticized waistband urging the waistband portion against the waist of the user the discontinuity moves from the open state towards the closed state.
The martial arts kimono pants preferably include two discontinuities, and each of said discontinuities is located at opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion.
The discontinuities may be provided as a “V” shaped cut-out extending with an opening at the most upper part of the waist portion, and tapering downwards and converges below said opening.
The martial arts kimono pants may further include A covering element which covers the discontinuities.
The covering element may be elasticized element and is formed from an elasticized material and allows for movement between said open state and said closed state.
The covering element may further extend across the interior of the kimono pants in the form of a lining.
The covering element is formed from an elasticized material including Lycra® and spandex
The martial arts kimono pants may further comprise a belt element and a plurality of belt loops affixed to the kimono pants at or adjacent the waistband portion.
The belt element may extend through an internal passage within the waistband portion and exits said internal passage adjacent the opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion.
The elasticized waistband extends upwardly from waistband portion. Alternatively, the elasticized waistband may terminate at or below the upper circumference of the waistband portion.
The elasticized waistband is affixed to the waistband portion by sewing, stitching, darning, lacing, adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, heat and pressure sensitive adhesive, sonic welding, or combinations thereof.
The martial arts kimono pants may further comprise a silicone or silicone-based material extending about the inner circumference of the elasticized waistband.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides a martial arts kimono pants comprising a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein at least a portion of the waistband portion is elasticized; an elasticized waistband circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion; wherein the elasticized waistband urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and the elasticized portion of the waistband portion provides for extension and contraction of the waistband portion in removal and affixing of the kimono pants to the user.
The martial arts kimono pants may further include a lining affixed to the interior of the kimono parts. The lining may be formed from an elasticized material including Lycra® and spandex
The martial arts kimono pants may further comprise a belt element and a plurality of belt loops affixed to the kimono pants at or adjacent the waistband portion.
The elasticized waistband may extend upwardly from waistband portion. Alternatively, the elasticized waistband may terminate at or below the upper circumference of the waistband portion.
The elasticized waistband may be affixed to the waistband portion by sewing, stitching, darning, lacing, adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, heat and pressure sensitive adhesive, sonic welding, or combinations thereof.
The martial arts kimono pants may further comprise a silicone or silicone-based material extending about the inner circumference of the elasticized waistband.
In a third aspect, the present invention provides martial arts kimono pants comprising a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein the leg portions and waistband portion are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric; two discontinuities, and each of said discontinuities is located at opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion, wherein the discontinuities provide a relief for tightening and engagement of the waist band portion against waist of the user and provides an opening in the waistband portion moveable from open state towards a closed state; a first elongate portion of the waistband portion extends in a direction of from the rear of the kimono over each discontinuity and towards the front of the kimono; a second elongate portion of the waistband portion extends in a direction of from the front of the kimono over each discontinuity and towards the rear of the kimono; said first elongate portion is affixed by a first elastic element to the waistband portion, and said elongate portion is affixed by a second elastic element to the waistband portion; wherein the first elastic element and the second elastic element urge the discontinuities towards the closed state and urge the waistband portion against the waist of the user.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention martial arts kimono pants comprising a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein at least a portion of the waistband portion is elasticized; wherein the elasticized portions of the waistband portion urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and the elasticized portion of the waistband portion provides for extension and contraction of the waistband portion in removal and affixing of the kimono pants to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that a more precise understanding of the above-recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any reference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 1a shows a partially transparent side view of a user wearing a standard kimono of the Prior Art for assessment of compliance of the kimono;

FIG. 1b shows a partially transparent front view of a user wearing the kimono of the Prior Art of FIG. 1a for assessment of compliance of the kimono;

FIG. 2a shows a Front view of kimono pants of the Prior Art;

FIG. 2b shows a Side view of the kimono pants of the Prior Art of FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3a shows a side view of kimono pants according to the present invention;

FIG. 3b shows an elasticized waistband of the kimono pants of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c shows a front view of the kimono pants of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3d shows an enlarged side view of the kimono pants of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4a shows a front interior view of another embodiment of a kimono pants according to the present invention;

FIG. 4b shows a side interior view of the embodiment of the kimono pants of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5a shows a first portion of an elasticized assembly for a kimono pants according to the present invention;

FIG. 5b shows a second complimentary portion to the first portion of FIG. 5a or the elasticized assembly;

FIG. 5c shows the first portion of FIG. 5a and the second portion in an assembled state as an elasticized assembly, and in a first state, as a portion of a kimono pants;

FIG. 5d shows the elasticized assembly of FIG. 5c in a second state;

FIG. 5e shows a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6a shows a front view of yet another embodiment of a kimono pants according to the present invention;

FIG. 6b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6b ; and

FIG. 7 shows a side view of yet a further embodiment of a kimono pants according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present inventors have identified shortcomings of the prior art, and upon identification of the problems with the prior art, have provided kimono pants which overcomes or ameliorates the problems of the prior art.
By way of background and example, referring to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b , there is shown a side view and front view of a user or athlete 102 wearing a standard kimono 100 of the Prior Art for assessment of compliance of the kimono in accordance with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) regulations.
The kimono 100 is comprised of a cotton material jacket 110 and pants 120 which may be cotton or reinforced trousers.
According to the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) regulations, the kimono should be tailored using cotton or cotton-like fabric only. The fabric should not be so thick or hard as to impede an opponent from gripping it. For juvenile, adult, master and senior divisions, a GI fashioned from woven fabric is mandatory.
According to the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) regulations, the sleeve 115 of the jacket 110 kimono should reach no more than 5 cm from the users 102 wrist 132 of the arm 130 when the arm 130 is extended straight parallel to the ground as shown.
Regarding the trousers 140, these should reach no more than 5 cm above the tibial malleolus (ankle bone) 124 of the user 102.
A measuring tool is used to measure the requisite dimensions and fit requirements of the kimono when worn by a user 102 prior to competing in a tournament, and such conformity is strictly enforced.
Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b , there is shown a portion of the pants 200 of a kimono. The pants are made from a cotton or cotton-like or other material, and include a waist band portion 210 above the leg portion 230 of the pants 200.
The pants 200 further include a “V” or cut-out portion 220 which extends through the waist band portion 210 and may extend into the leg portion 230.
The kimono pants 200 further includes a belt element 240 and belt loops 250 for securing the kimono pants 200 to the body of a user. The belt element 240 can extend through a hem or passage in the waist band portion 210 around the rear of the user, and may pass twice around the user in some configurations is shown.
As a kimono is formed from a cotton or cotton-like fabric or material or fabric, which is substantially inelastic, the cut-out portion 220 is provided which allows the pants 200 to be pulled on by a user, then when the belt element is used to tighten the waist band portion 210 so as to secure the pants 200 to the user, cut-out portion 220 at least partially closes. As will be understood, the cut-out portion 220 acts functionally as a fly in a pair of trousers or jeans, so as to provide relief and extending of the waist band portion 210 when a user pulls on or removes the pants or trousers, then is closed when the fly is zipped or buttoned up, and the waist band portion 210 then appropriately is seated on the waist of the user.
As is shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b the kimono pants are of a traditional type having the belt element 200 which is utilized to hold the pants to the body of the user during use of martial arts.
Such pants 200 are typical of those used in the martial arts disciplines of jiu jitsu and as used in in judo.
As will be understood, it is paramount that a kimono and its fit to a user is compliant with regulations governing the particular sport it is to be used in, and the abovementioned description, although in reference to jiu jitsu, is applicable to any sport in which a kimono or gi is used, which may have governing regulations.
Failure to comply with any requirements will result in a user being excluded from entry in a jiu jitsu tournament, which can result in harm to a user's success, loss of time due to training and preparation, loss of reputation due to the inability to compete in a tournament.
There are further detrimental results of seeking to use a regulation non-compliant kimono, such as having placed aside time to compete, costs of travel and accommodation, loss of time for vigorous training and preparation regimes. In some cases, there can also be financial loss for professional athletes.
As will be understood, a kimono is a traditional article and the appearance is required to comply with the requirements of the sports regulations, also it is required to have an appearance in keeping with that as used traditionally in the discipline of the martial art to which the garment is to be utilized.
The present inventor has identified performance problems with kimono and gi′ pants of the prior art, in particular those as used in jiu jitsu and judo, and has sought to provide a kimono for use in martial arts, such as jiu jitsu, judo, tae kwon do, karate, kung fu or the like.
The present inventor has identified that during practicing martial arts, in particular the disciplines of jiu jitsu and judo, the kimono pants will often loosen and/or slip down the body of a user.
This can happen for a variety of reasons such as a degree of stretch of the fabric occurring, such as hydration of the fabric due to sweating by a user, grappling and grabbing of the pants by an opponent, and from general in-use motion by a user.
During use and in competition, a user or athlete is frequently hitching up and adjusting their kimono patents, which in some cases may require adjustment of the belt and tightening thereof, or combinations thereof.
Such frequent hitching up and adjusting their kimono patents, in addition to being generally inconvenient when being worn in general or in competition, can be detrimental in competition and can contribute to the performance of the user or athlete. For example, this can slow down movement and re-positioning of a user to a different stance, which can be detrimental in martial arts type competitions, such as jiu jitsu and judo.
Such interruption in the performance of a user or athlete in competition, can cause competitive advantage to an opponent, and can result in the user or athlete losing position and potential loss of a competition.
As is noted by the present inventor, during a competition, a user or athlete is required to adjust it reposition their kimono pants numerous times, causing inconvenience and exposure to being overpowered or out maneuvered by an opponent.
The present inventor, having identified the disadvantages of the kimono pants of the prior art, has provided a pair of kimono pants suitable for marital arts including jiu jitsu and judo, which:

- (i) overcome the problems of the prior art,
- (ii) are compliant with the competition and performance regulations of martial arts disciplines,
- (iii) are aesthetically in keeping with the visual appearance of traditional kimonos, and
- (iv) are easily and conveniently affixable to the waist of a user.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d , there is a shown a first embodiment of a kimono pants 300 according to the present invention.
The kimono pants 300 comprises a pair of leg portions 310 and a waistband portion 320 for extending about the waist of a user.
The leg portions 310 and the waistband portion 320 of the kimono pants are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric
The kimono, similarly, as described in reference to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b , has a discontinuity 330 in the form of a IV, which extends through at least the waistband portion 320.
The discontinuity 330 provides a relief for tightening and engagement of the waistband portion 320 against the waist of the user. As should be understood, it also provides an opening in the waistband portion 320 moveable from open state towards a closed state, in a direction shown by arrow 332.
The kimono pants 300 also comprises an elasticized waistband 340 which is circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion 320. The elasticized waistband 340 is provided so as to urge the waistband portion 320 against the waist of the user, and upon the elasticized waistband 340 urging the waistband portion 320 against the waist of the user the discontinuity 330 moves from the open state towards the closed state.
As is shown in the present embodiment, the martial arts kimono pants 300 include two discontinuities 330 which located at opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion 320.
Also as is shown, the discontinuities 330 are provided as a “V” shaped cut-out extending with an opening at the most upper part of the waistband portion 320, and tapering downwards and converges below the opening.
The martial arts kimono pants 300 further includes a covering element which is provided as an elasticized element 335 which covers the discontinuities 330. The elasticized element 335 is formed from an elasticized material and allows for movement between said open state and said closed state. The elasticized element 335 effectively blocks the opening as formed by the discontinuity 330.
The kimono pants 300, further comprising a belt element 350 and a plurality of belt loops 355 affixed to the kimono pants 300 at or adjacent the waistband portion 320.
The belt element 350 extends through an internal passage within the waistband portion 320 and exits the internal passage adjacent the opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion 320.
As is shown in the present embodiment, the elasticized waistband 340 extends upwardly from waistband portion 320 of kimono pants. In other and alternate embodiments, the elasticized waistband 340 may terminates at or below the upper circumference of the waistband portion 320.
The elasticized waistband 340 is affixed to the waistband portion any appropriate process of technique, including by sewing, stitching, darning, lacing, adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, heat and pressure sensitive adhesive, sonic welding, or combinations thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b , there is shown a further embodiment of a kimono pants 400 according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, covering element which is provided as an elasticized element 435 is provided which extends over the discontinuity 430 and further extends across the interior of the kimono pants in the form of a lining 437 inside the kimono pants 400.
The lining 437 is effectively a pair of shorts, which is affixed inside the kimono pants 400, and can be formed from an elasticized material including Lycra® and spandex.
Referring now to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d , there is shown another embodiment of the present invention, which is a kimono pants 500 with an elasticized assembly for securing the kimono pants to the waist of a user.
The martial arts kimono pants 500 comprises a pair of leg portions 510, including a first leg portion 542 and a second leg portion 544, and a waistband portion 520 for extending about the waist of a user, wherein the leg portions 510 and waistband portion 520 are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric.
Similarly, as described in reference to other embodiments above, two discontinuities 543 are provided and are located at opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion 520.
The discontinuities 543 provide a relief for tightening and engagement of the waist band portion 520 against waist of the user and provide an opening in the waistband 520 portion moveable from open state towards a closed state, in a direction as is shown by arrow 551.
There exists a covering element 541 which extends over each discontinuity 551 on the waistband portion 520. The covering element 543 is made of either an elastic or non-elastic fabric.
The covering element 543 is attached to a first leg portion 542 and a second leg portion 544 to cover discontinuity 551 in between during the expansion and contraction from the closed state to the open state thereof.
Initially before expansion, as is shown in FIG. 5c , the elastic elements 545 and 551 are in a relaxed state. The discontinuity 543 between the first leg portion 542 and the second leg portion 544 is with a smaller size when compared to the discontinuity 543 of FIG. 5 d.
Upon expansion along the direction 551, the first elastic element 545 and the second elastic element 551 are stretched away from each other, causing the discontinuity 543 to increase in size. Despite of the size increase of the discontinuity 543, the covering element 541 still extends over the discontinuity preventing anything within the discontinuity 551 to be visible by the public.
Such discontinuities 551 of the pants 500 provides a relief which can accommodate people with different body sizes. By adjusting the discontinuities 543 from the closed state to its open state, people with a wide range of waistbands, rather than a particular waistband, can fit in the same pants. The relief provided by discontinuities 551 also assists in putting on and taking of the pants by the users.
A first elongate portion 540 of the waistband portion 520 extends in a direction of from the rear of the kimono 500 over each discontinuity 530 and towards the front of the kimono 500
A second elongate portion 550 of the waistband portion 520 extends in a direction of from the front of the kimono 500 over each discontinuity 530 and towards the rear of the kimono 500.
The first elongate portion 540 is affixed by a first elastic element 545 to the waistband portion 520, and said elongate portion 550 is affixed by a second elastic element 555 to the waistband portion 520.
The first elastic element 545 and the second elastic element urge the discontinuities 530 towards the closed state and urge the waistband portion 520 against the waist of the user.
As is shown, the first elongate portion 540 is attached internally to the waistband portion 520 internally, by an aperture in waistband portion 520 and this can be hidden by a belt loop 560 in FIG. 5 e.
As such and as can be seen, the kimono 500 maintains the appearance of a traditional kimono, with the elasticization being hidden, and the kimono can be field from cotton type materials.
FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b show another embodiment of a kimono pants 600 according to the present invention, whereby the kimono pants 600 has a waistband portion 620, and an elasticized waistband 640 which is hidden from view as it does not extend above the waistband portion 620.
Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a side view of yet a further embodiment of a kimono pants 700 according to the present invention. The kimono pants 700 are similar to above embodiments, however the waistband 720 includes an elasticized portion 725.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A martial arts kimono pants comprising:

a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein at least a portion of the waistband portion is elasticized;

an elasticized waistband circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion;

wherein the elasticized waistband urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and the elasticized portion of the waistband portion provides for extension and contraction of the waistband portion in removal and affixing of the kimono pants to the user.

14. A martial arts kimono pants according to claim 13, wherein the martial arts kimono pants further includes a lining affixed to the interior of the kimono parts.

15. A martial arts kimono pants according to claim 14, wherein the lining is formed from an elasticized material including Lycra® and spandex

16. A martial arts kimono pants according to claim 13, further comprising a belt element and a plurality of belt loops affixed to the kimono pants at or adjacent the waistband portion.

17. A marital arts kimono pants according to claim 13, wherein the elasticized waistband extends upwardly from waistband portion.

18. A marital arts kimono pants according to claim 13, wherein the elasticized waistband terminates at or below the upper circumference of the waistband portion.

19. A marital arts kimono pants according to claim 13, wherein the elasticized waistband is affixed to the waistband portion by sewing, stitching, darning, lacing, adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, heat and pressure sensitive adhesive, sonic welding, or combinations thereof.

20. A martial arts kimono pants according to claim 13, further comprising a silicone or silicone based material extending about the inner circumference of the elasticized waistband.

21. (canceled)

22. A martial arts kimono pants comprising:

wherein the elasticized portions of the waistband portion urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and the elasticized portion of the waistband portion provides for extension and contraction of the waistband portion in removal and affixing of the kimono pants to the user.

23. A martial arts kimono pants comprising:

a pair of leg portions and a waistband portion for extending about the waist of a user, wherein the leg portions and waistband portion are formed from a substantially inextensible fabric;

at least one discontinuity extending through at least the waistband portion, wherein the discontinuity provides a relief for tightening and engagement of the waist band portion against waist of the user and provides an opening in the waistband portion moveable from open state towards a closed state;

an elasticized waistband circumferentially affixed to the waistband portion;

wherein the elasticized waistband urges the waistband portion against the waist of the user, and upon the elasticized waistband urging the waistband portion against the waist of the user the discontinuity moves from the open state towards the closed state.

24. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 23, wherein the martial arts kimono pants include two discontinuities, and each of said discontinuities is located at opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion.

25. the martial arts kimono pants according to claim 23, wherein the discontinuities are provided as a “V” shaped cut-out extending with an opening at the most upper part of the waist portion, and tapering downwards and converges below said opening.

26. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 24, wherein the martial arts kimono pants further includes a covering element which covers the discontinuities.

27. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 26, wherein the covering element is elasticized element and is formed from an elasticized material and allows for movement between said open state and said closed state.

28. The martial arts kimono pants according to 26, wherein the covering element further extends across the interior of the kimono pants in the form of a lining.

29. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 26, wherein the covering element is formed from an elasticized material including Lycra® and spandex

30. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 23, further comprising a belt element and a plurality of belt loops affixed to the kimono pants at or adjacent the waistband portion.

31. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 30, wherein the belt element extends through an internal passage within the waistband portion and exits said internal passage adjacent the opposed lateral positions of the waistband portion.

32. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 23, wherein the elasticized waistband extends upwardly from waistband portion.

33. The martial arts kimono pants according to claim 23, wherein the elasticized waistband terminates at or below the upper circumference of the waistband portion.