The Uniform also known as a Gi
The proper name for the uniform worn in karate class (and most martial arts, for that
matter) is the "gi". The gi is composed of a jacket, pants and a belt (obi).
The gi should be treated with the same amount of respect as the dojo, as your teacher,
and as yourself. Your gi is your outward appearance for your art. The gi should not
have holes in it or be dirty. The holes can be repaired and dirt should be washed out.
The gi should NEVER be left in a pile. When not being worn or washed, it should be
hung up, folded or rolled up and tied with the belt.
Now, a word about belt color. There is a somewhat "standard" progression in belt
colors, but many schools add their own colors into the mix. This usual progression
appears to be: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown/Red and
Black. There are then up to 10 levels of black belt. When you compare belt color with
other martial art practitioners, be aware that your school may, or may not, use the same
color progression as another school. The belt colors (other than white and black) are
really only valid within the walls of your own dojo.
Speaking of white and black, these are the only colors of the belt that are "original".
The entire concept of adding various colors to designate rank was added when Judo
and Karate began being taught to US servicemen in Japan. The original idea of a
"black" belt was due to the use the belt got and its age. A student would start his
training with a white belt. Over the years, as the student trained and practiced, sweated
and bled, the belt would get dirtier and dirtier. Eventually, the belt would be "black". If
the student trained long enough for the belt to get this color, they probably knew what
they were doing (or they trained in a REALLY dirty dojo).
The proper name for the uniform worn in karate class (and most martial arts, for that
matter) is the "gi". The gi is composed of a jacket, pants and a belt (obi).
The gi should be treated with the same amount of respect as the dojo, as your teacher,
and as yourself. Your gi is your outward appearance for your art. The gi should not
have holes in it or be dirty. The holes can be repaired and dirt should be washed out.
The gi should NEVER be left in a pile. When not being worn or washed, it should be
hung up, folded or rolled up and tied with the belt.
Now, a word about belt color. There is a somewhat "standard" progression in belt
colors, but many schools add their own colors into the mix. This usual progression
appears to be: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown/Red and
Black. There are then up to 10 levels of black belt. When you compare belt color with
other martial art practitioners, be aware that your school may, or may not, use the same
color progression as another school. The belt colors (other than white and black) are
really only valid within the walls of your own dojo.
Speaking of white and black, these are the only colors of the belt that are "original".
The entire concept of adding various colors to designate rank was added when Judo
and Karate began being taught to US servicemen in Japan. The original idea of a
"black" belt was due to the use the belt got and its age. A student would start his
training with a white belt. Over the years, as the student trained and practiced, sweated
and bled, the belt would get dirtier and dirtier. Eventually, the belt would be "black". If
the student trained long enough for the belt to get this color, they probably knew what
they were doing (or they trained in a REALLY dirty dojo).
| © 2005 NWLA Martial Arts Academy. All rights reserved |
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