Proper uniform for martial arts training
Proper uniform for martial arts training
So what is a proper martial arts uniform. Since there are so many different styles and organizations it is not possible to give one correct answer. What I can do is to tell you what is traditionally correct for most Japanese and Okinawan styles. Traditionally it is proper to wear a uniform that is either solid white or solid black. While most ryu/styles use the solid white Gi, others use only solid black. In either case the use of patches is usually the same. Traditionally one or at most two patches are displayed on your Gi. Most common is the organization or style patch placed over the heart. If allowed a second patch for the branch dojo may be displayed as well. For may years that was all that was allowed in traditional dojo. Now with the popularity of tournament karate, things have gotten out of hand. At most tournaments it is common to see multi colored and designer Gi. Often these Gi are covered with multiple patches. Another recent practice is to have the back of the Gi jacket printed with large letters spelling the school name or other information. While this may be acceptable to many Americans, it is considered rude by traditional standards. As for me my students are allowed only solid black uniforms. No more than two approved patches are to be displayed. They may have their name in Japanese written down the right lapel if they choose to. No printing of any kind is allowed on the back of the GI. Also, The wearing of a black T-shirts under the Gi is mandatory for female students. Male students are not allowed to wear a T-shirt with their GI. Although other martial artists are free to wear what ever they choose to wear, we stick to these simple standards. Fancy uniforms do nothing to improve ones abilities. Only much proper training will improved a students abilities. Those that excel will easily be recognized for their abilities. Besides, the martial arts are seen to many times in a carnival unrealistic view rather than the serious fighting art that it was and should be.
So what is a proper martial arts uniform. Since there are so many different styles and organizations it is not possible to give one correct answer. What I can do is to tell you what is traditionally correct for most Japanese and Okinawan styles. Traditionally it is proper to wear a uniform that is either solid white or solid black. While most ryu/styles use the solid white Gi, others use only solid black. In either case the use of patches is usually the same. Traditionally one or at most two patches are displayed on your Gi. Most common is the organization or style patch placed over the heart. If allowed a second patch for the branch dojo may be displayed as well. For may years that was all that was allowed in traditional dojo. Now with the popularity of tournament karate, things have gotten out of hand. At most tournaments it is common to see multi colored and designer Gi. Often these Gi are covered with multiple patches. Another recent practice is to have the back of the Gi jacket printed with large letters spelling the school name or other information. While this may be acceptable to many Americans, it is considered rude by traditional standards. As for me my students are allowed only solid black uniforms. No more than two approved patches are to be displayed. They may have their name in Japanese written down the right lapel if they choose to. No printing of any kind is allowed on the back of the GI. Also, The wearing of a black T-shirts under the Gi is mandatory for female students. Male students are not allowed to wear a T-shirt with their GI. Although other martial artists are free to wear what ever they choose to wear, we stick to these simple standards. Fancy uniforms do nothing to improve ones abilities. Only much proper training will improved a students abilities. Those that excel will easily be recognized for their abilities. Besides, the martial arts are seen to many times in a carnival unrealistic view rather than the serious fighting art that it was and should be.
posted by Charles B. Stanley at 7:55 AM
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