I probably have no right to even ask this question, since I have not practiced my martial arts in so very long. Never-the-less, I took a look at some of the martial arts school websites on the internet and was completely blown-away by how much "latitude" people seem to take upon themselves during training and (much worse, in my opinion) testing for the next belt/rank/dan.
Not to geeze too badly here. Ok. So I do want to geeze. But to me, the idea of a "uniform" should be to have some sort of uniformity, at least within the dojo/school. If I walk into a martial arts dojo and I see that all of the students are dressed alike, with the exception of the colors of their belts, and I see that all of the instructors are also dressed alike, then I think to myself, "Hey. This place is really organized. Look at the discipline here. Everyone knows their place and comes here to learn and grow - including the instructors."
On the other hand, if I were to visit a dojo to watch them train, and the students and instructors are allowed to show "individuality" to the level where some are wearing embroidered patches up and down their sleeves, while others are dressed like "Evel Knievel"...well, am I the only one that thinks it shows a lack of respect for their dojo?
Am I too much of a traditionalist?
pugpaws22010-08-01T23:18:54Z
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It really frost my rear to see martial artists w that look like a walking billboard, or as if they are trying to make a fashion statement. Personally i feel that students studying Asian martial arts should show a little respect by wearing what ever is the traditional GI/uniform that their style has worn in the past. When I was on the board of Directors for one respected Kempo and Jujitsu Organization, I showed up for a seminar as requested. While changing into my Gi I was asked why I was not wearing a Red Gi top. Seems that the Soke had decided that everyone of Sandan or above was to wear a red top and black b pants. I was told to get one and wear it to future organization events. I did as ordered, but refused to wear it at my dojo. Later I was asked by the Soke my opinion of the red Gi tops. I told him that I felt that it gave a bad first impression to those that did not know us or what we did. It made me feel like we looked like many Taekwondo Mcdojo that wear red tops, or blue ones. The roots of our art go back to the 1300's. I see not reason to draw incorrect impressions form other before they even get a chance to see what we do. Shortly after that the organization quit using the red tops. I do not allow students to wear anything other than a full uniform. No Gi pants and t-Shirts. No patches unless they are approved, and must be worn where designated only. And my pet peeve is male student wearing a t-Shirt under their Gi top. It looks wrong and the Asians don't do it. In the late 1980's, I finally had to throw a student out of class because he refused to come to class without a T-Shirt on under his Gi top. He was warned several times but decided he would defy me. When others students started asking why they could not wear a T-shirt under their top too, I gave him one last chance to conform. He came to class with one anyway, and was dismissed.
The martial arts are serious and should be approached with respect and a willingness to act properly. Wearing uniforms that make you look like a circus clown do nothing for the public image, and nothing for a persons ability.
Every class I have been associated with, except the Kajukenbo class, required a white Gi for all under black belts and every one at "official" events. The black belts could wear a black Gi for normal classes. If we were at an open tournament any Gi of our choice was allowed. The Kajukenbo class was a black Gi if a Gi was required ( testing), the rest of the time any loose clothing with out zippers or buttons was allowed. The Chung Do Kwan class I was in is the only one that used patches, An American Flag on the right arm and a Korean Flag on the left arm. That was eventually done away with. Personally I don't have a problem with a Tasteful class logo on the back or an association patch. I do however agree that the uniform should be uniform in color across the class. It just looks better and is more professional.
I may be mistaken here, (wouldn't be the first time) but traditionally the Gi was nothing more than the fore runner of sweatpants. They were simply loose clothing to work out in. Traditionally there were no large groups that worked out together. It was simply a teacher and one or two students that were most often family members.
It all depends on the style and focus of the facility in which you train. Where I train, we don't do uniforms. In fact we don't do gis. We train in sweats, t-shirt, and shoes. We're not interested in any rituals, katas, meditation, etc. We're only interested in learning how to fight strictly within the paradigm of self defense. In that sense, uniforms mean nothing. Sometimes we even run stress drills in street clothes. After all, for us, in matters of self defense, street clothes is most likely what you will be wearing, right?
For others, they may be more attracted to the ritualistic side of martial arts. Tradition and history may be important to them. That's OK, too.
If uniforms and "discipline" mean something to you, than look for a place in which it means something for them as well.
To me, the term "uniform" serves as a means of showing respect to a style/school/organization and as a way to express a sense of unity and camaraderie amongst your training partners.
IMO, plain uniforms - maybe with a single badge of the organization the dojo belongs to or something like that - means a lot less distraction. It doesn't necessarily mean or guarantee that it's a traditional, well-organized, and disciplined dojo; but when instructors and students don't spend their time fussing about colors, badges, patches, etc., maybe they spend that time doing something more constructive... like fussing over technique and training methods.