To Karate gi or not to Karate gi?

In the AOKK we wear the traditional karate uniforms for ceremonial events. It is worn for testing for promotion and in tournament competition. In the early days of karate there was no such thing as a karate uniform. This is a relatively new concept promoted by proponents of Japanese karate. This tradition of the karate uniform has been adapted worldwide. There are many different types of uniforms worn in the practice of martial arts. The Judo uniform or judogi has a heavily padded coat while the karate gi is more lightweight and less durable. BJJ uniforms are heavier than the karate gi but not as substantial as the judogi. In the AOKK we also wear T-shirts along with karate pants when training. There are schools that wear uniforms with very short sleeves and short pants. As you can see there are many different types of apparel used in martial arts training.

AOKK normal class attire is T-shirts, karate pants, and belt rank during our training. Our uniform choice is black because they are stain resistant. White uniforms become dingy after several months of training. When we are in full uniform, we also wear a T-shirt underneath the uniform top. This is not commonly found in other schools or styles. This is done so the uniform top can be removed when necessary for range-two and grappling training. It is also because we fight in a semi-full contact manner that requires the use of body armor and head gear. Because of this equipment the body becomes exceptionally hot during kumite (sparring) and the uniform top exacerbates the problem. We also opt for T-shirts and pants because the weather in Phoenix is extremely hot in the summertime.

Students ask, “why do we wear T-shirts when we train?” It is because we train in all three ranges of personal combat and when developing our throwing techniques we feel the judo or karate uniform top gives you too great of an advantage. This is an advantage you will not have if you are attacked on the street. Occasionally we will use the karate gi top when we choose to teach lifting and twisting techniques that require grasping the opponents clothing. We rarely teach this type of technique, so it is unusual to see our students in full uniform. There are old traditionalists, like me, that wear the formal uniform except in the heat of the summer. A student, if they choose to, is always allowed to wear the full uniform anytime they choose. New students are allowed to train in loose fitting and comfortable clothes. This is because many young students start and for whatever reason do not choose to continue their training, so purchasing a uniform is an unnecessary expense. Again, this is a parental choice and if the parent chooses to purchase a uniform, we obviously will not oppose that. This is parent’s prerogative, and not something our school promotes.

The AOKK also sells T-shirts with their logo on the front. There is no requirement for a parent to purchase one of these shirts. Many students have purchased Cobra Kai T-shirts that promotes a popular television show about karate. This type of shirt is acceptable. The only shirts that are objectionable are ones that promote sexual content, alcohol, drugs, or profane language.

The AOKK’s purpose is to promote martial arts. The uniform is a very small part of the student’s martial arts experience. Having said that, one of my fondest memories, from the late 70s, is when I received my first uniform. If a student, is promoted to the rank of yellow belt, at this point they should purchase karate pants at a minimum.

Karate uniforms come in different weights and vary greatly in price. I have found that medium weight and light weight uniforms are great for training. Light weight pants are better for practicing high kicks. I have also found that heavyweight uniforms are better for tournament competition. They contain an extra bit of snap. A student may wear the hakama while training with or performing with weapons, but here too this is not a requirement.

Once a student has obtained belt rank, they are required to wear their belt at each class or training session. When a student shows up to class without their belt, they will receive a stern correction. This is part of the discipline within the ranks of the kyudansha or students studying in the same school. You must have discipline when teaching something that can be harmful to others. Remember, this is a discipline. It is based on the martial training of the palace guards in Okinawa. The discipline taught via karate, is one of the most important aspects that is student can learn. The student must never throw his/her belt on the floor. This is a sign of disrespect. The belt is the link that ties the student to his instructor and all instructors before him or her. Throwing the belt to the floor, is like spitting on the student’s karate lineage.

Is the uniform important? Many believe it is an old concept that has lost its’ usefulness, but I believe it builds esprit de corp. This is a sense of unity among students. It builds a sense of belonging that lasts long after their training ends. When you’re trained to move as one-unit it helps to look like one-unit. I believe there is nothing more beautiful than a line of karateka moving in simultaneous rhythm, and this is enhanced by wearing the traditional uniform. Many schools have turned the uniform into an advertisement. I have no problem with this because an instructor must find new sources of revenue to keep his/her doors open. Traditionalist do however frown on this promotion. In tournament, during the seventies, the student could only wear the traditional white uniform, but today more exotic uniforms are allowed in competition. I am an old traditionalist, but even I have moved to wearing a black uniform.

To wear the traditional uniform is up to the school. Our goal should be to teach students viable self-defense. We need good technique over fashion, but there is a reason an army wears similar uniforms and that is so they can recognize other that share their philosophies or tradition. Uniforms place you on the same team. I have no answer to the question, except it is up to the like-minded students of that discipline whether or not to gi or not to gi.