man wearing a karate uniform holding his belt
What Is a Karate Uniform Called? Exploring the Symbolism of the Attire

Both masters and students of karate wear a karate uniform. But do you know what it is called? Many people mistakenly call it “gi” (pronounced “ghee”) but this is not a concept that a native Japanese speaker would understand.

That’s because the word “gi” is always either preceded or followed by another word to have full and proper semantic meaning. While “gi” means “uniform” or “wear”, it shouldn’t be used alone.

The more correct terms to use would be “karategi” or “dogi”. For example, “karategi” is only used in the context of karate. Meanwhile, “dogi” is used to describe the uniform worn for different martial arts such as Judo, Aikido, and Kendo.

Having covered the basics, let’s explore what a karategi looks and feels like. Firstly, it is made of cotton that can come in varying thicknesses such as 6 oz to 8 oz. The reason for this is its durability. However, thicker uniforms are better suited where more grappling is involved.

Regarding the jacket, also called “uwagi”, it always crosses the left side over the right side. The only exception is in death when the body is dressed for burial with the jacket crossed right over left. It has a loose and comfortable fit and the cross-over is tied with a belt, called an “obi”.

As for the pants, called “zubon” the waist is usually elastic. But traditional karategi pants have a drawstring closure. Ultimately, the karategi is designed for mobility and comfort.

The Meaning Behind the Karate Uniform

The traditional color of the karategi is white. And just like the name karate has a special meaning, so too does the color of the karategi, symbolizing purity. Wearing a uniform to your karate class is important for social, personal, and mental health reasons. It emphasizes numerous values, including

Promotes equality

Every student that wears a karategi feels a sense of commonality and belonging with their peers, irrespective of age, rank, or gender. Ultimately, practicing in such a supportive training environment creates a sense of equality among the students and instructors. In addition, wearing the karategi gives students confidence and a sense of community.

Pride

Wearing a karate uniform and being part of a group fosters an exclusive feeling and sense of pride in one’s practice.

Discipline and respect

Students perceive their dojo or karate school with respect while also fostering a sense of discipline when wearing the uniform. Plus, the ritual of putting on a karategi and tying the belt mentally prepares students for class and helps them focus on their practice.

Tradition

Respectful of tradition, the karategi symbolizes the long history and traditions of martial arts, connecting modern practitioners with previous generations of martial artists.

Purity and simplicity

The white color of the karategi represents purity, simplicity, and humility. In karate, the symbolism behind the white karate uniform represents the student’s commitment to their training with a clear and focused mind, both on and off the training mat.

Are All Karate Uniforms the Same?

Reflecting on the style of karate, it’s important to note that not all karate uniforms are the same. There are three main cuts you should be aware of as you embark on your journey to your karate practice. Here are the three most prominent ones:

European

The European cut of the karategi has long sleeves and long pants with a short lapel. It is sometimes chosen because of its aesthetic appeal.

Japanese

This cut has short sleeves and short pants, providing greater room for movement while offering less restriction. It also has a longer lapel that ensures it doesn’t ride up over the belt.

Kata

This is a highly rare cut and is even shorter than the Japanese cut. It is usually chosen because of its aesthetic appeal.

While there is no right or wrong cut that you should wear, your karate school will be able to advise you on the cut they prefer so that you can feel comfortable and enjoy a sense of equality with your peers.

Want to Begin Karate? Your Uniform Awaits!

If you’re considering starting karate classes, you’ve come to the right place. At the Action Karate school, you can take advantage of three karate classes together with a free uniform when joining. Our team of experienced and caring instructors will ensure you get the most out of each class.

Remember that karate goes beyond physical and health benefits. It’s about mindset, too. With Action Karate, you’ll be training both your body and mind in a holistic way that helps you uncover your true potential. Isn’t it time you signed up?

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BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL!

Black Friday Special!

3 Lessons + Uniform + $100 Birthday Party Gift Certificate 

Value $249, now Only $49!

Gift wrapped for you! Just pick up box from your local school!

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WHAT WE CAN DO AMIDST BACK-TO-SCHOOL TERRORS

Which scary scenario are you agonizing over the most?

Fear of:

– getting sick from Covid

– your child being able to stay masked

– other kids keeping their mask on

– administrators enforcing the mask mandate

– the kids ability to hear and communicate and behave with a mask on

– getting childcare after a sudden school closing or quarantine

– getting everything done without falling behind

– constant absences for every sneeze

– the effect of it all on your child’s mental health

Remember when the fear was more about getting to school on time, making a friend, keeping up with classwork, avoiding bullies, and getting calls from the principal’s office. 

The way we see and scan the world for our kids’ safety has changed. In the martial arts industry, we often get a front-row seat to the fears and challenges parents face on a daily basis. We’re the place where parents go to help boost their kids’ confidence if they’re inactive, disinterested, screen-addicted, unmotivated, struggling with focus, or getting in trouble in school.

Here’s what we’re seeing: In states where school already started, instructors are reporting an overwhelming number of frustrated parents who can’t take it. They are struggling to get their kids to school and manage their homework and balance the new set of fears with their work and life schedule. Perhaps most terrifying is that they’re feeling helpless to parent their child with the child’s behavior in assimilating and adjusting. Routine things like making dinner and packing a water bottle for school are turning into breakdowns. 

 This is going to be a challenging start to the school year. With all of the disruption from the pandemic, combined with the typical chaos of a transition, the goal for the first few weeks is to be supportive to your child as they navigate their way through the next stage of their education. 

One parent in Philadelphia shared this sense of dread over the start of the school year: 

“I will deal with days where I won’t be able to help or be too paralyzed or exhausted to help. All of these days are ahead of me and I have to accept this,” wrote Mental Health Clinician Leslie Rivillo, whose child has not skipped a beat in martial arts training. “Check in with your people, give them some grace and help if you are able to do so. Give yourself a bit of grace as well, this pandemic will last well into 2022 and we have to try to make it for ourselves, our families and our communities.” 

Another parent responded: “I realized our entire year is going to be constantly making these decisions and keeping our kids home at the slightest sniffle. It’s just all so stressful and I’m so angry we’re still here.”

 Imagine a kid with a severe illness who could not go to school or see classmates for a year or two during the most formative time of social development. And now that kid has to wear a mask to try and communicate. That’s ALL of our kids. We want kids to get into a rhythm and be enthusiastic about their education. Our plan is to be patient with their adjustment in the first few weeks. 

Here are 7 Black Belt tips to help you get through:

  1. Don’t panic – Panic is defined as “sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior.” When you feel yourself start to panic, make the decision later. Breathe and wait. Do something different. Walk away.
  2. Make your word of the year “Grit” – Every hard day is an opportunity to develop grit. Don’t want to? Understandable. But every time your child sees you show grit, it builds up their reserve of grit as well. It sets the example that they can keep going. Grit is staying focused on your long-term goals even when it’s difficult or challenging. Vow that when things get tough, your family will choose grit over quit. I choose grit over quit. Recite it.
  3. Do not take your child out for special events like mini-golf or ice-cream that first week. Just let them sleep and relax and digest their day. They don’t need more exciting moments that lead to meltdowns. They need to reflect to have a full tank for the next day.
  4. Stick with as much of your healthy routine as possible. Extracurriculars and hobbies help them develop important skills and coping techniques outside of the school setting. Don’t quit martial arts or tutoring or therapy or swimming or chores or dance. Doing so will often take away an experience that is important for their growth.  
  5. Give your child space to process their day. They might need to sit in their room or listen to music or watch TV or even complain about dinner. Don’t escalate a temporary emotional reaction. Give them space to experience their day, and stick to what’s good for them. Don’t let them quit something that’s good for them. The same way you shouldn’t give them ice cream for dinner to appease a hard day, don’t take away stress-relievers like martial arts because they said they didn’t want to go. Remember you are their safe person and they can be emotional and dramatic and let it all out with you. 
  6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your martial arts instructor can help. Your relatives can help. Your peers can help. 
  7. Take it one week at a time. You don’t have to solve every problem the first day or first week. Your child doesn’t need straight A’s and four after-school activities this week. Do an assessment of what worked week by week and you’ll see improvements. Just wait until next week or the week after and see what fits and benefits your family.
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GROWING UP WITH NO EXCUSES

My Dad didn’t have to ask what was wrong, he knew the drill when he heard me wheezing.

We’d head to the dining room, unpack the bulky nebulizer, plug it in the wall, put the droplets in, and wait for the mask to “fog” before I strapped it on.

My Dad would sit with me with his eyelids bobbing up and down.

“Deep breaths” he’d mumble, and I’d do that on repeat until my panting slowed.

I’d often pretend to be Darth Vader as the “fog” blew from my mask.

My dad would pretend to laugh.

As a kid, I had pretty bad asthma. It got so bad one time, I was even hospitalized [pictured].

Anywhere my feet went, my inhaler went too. If I stayed at a friend’s house, my nebulizer would be in my bag.

But my parents never let me use asthma as an “excuse” not to do something.

They told me that I needed to “workout” my lungs to make them stronger.

Not sure if that’s true, but I internalized that sentiment.

Now that I’ve been working with kids professionally for over 8 years, I’ve noticed a trend.

Parents often come to us because they want their kids to build discipline or confidence…

But right when the kids give them any resistance..

karate is too hard

karate is boring

I don’t like sweating

I’m out of breath

Parents give up.. they don’t want to deal with the whining, so they let them quit.

But what they fail to realize is the best lessons aren’t learned when things are fun and easy.

Life’s greatest lessons are taught when things are DIFFICULT and HARD.

And that’s what my parents taught me by putting me into karate, and making me stick it out, even when I didn’t feel like it- even when I was wheezing and struggling to catch my breath.

I’m grateful they didn’t let me quit or use my asthma as a reason not to do things.

P.s. I’d later go on to grow out of my asthma, which I’m very grateful for, and my Dad grew out of pretending to laugh at my star wars jokes. Can’t win ‘em all.

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WHAT ASTRONAUTS AND KARATE HAVE IN COMMON

Recently I heard this incredible story I had to share.

Before he became a famous NASA astronaut, John Glenn was a fighter pilot in the Korean war.

One day, when he and his commanding officer were flying low near enemy territory, his commanding officer’s plane was shot down, and Glenn saw him evacuate and parachute down. He didn’t know where his fellow officer landed exactly, so he decided to circle the area and wait for rescue helicopters.

Help didn’t come.

And here’s the insane part, Glenn continued to circle the area, even though his fuel was running so low he wouldn’t be able to return to his base.

Talk about commitment to your friend.

But as crazy as this sounds, this was his plan. He did a calculation in his head of how much fuel he had left and how far he was from base.

He stayed circling the area as long as possible, and as his fuel levels neared zero, he shot straight up to 40,000 feet, and when the engine totally cut out as he calculated it would, he glided all the way back across the ENTIRE span of North Korea to his base in South Korea.

We can barely figure out how much change I’m owed at the supermarket, and this guy is risking his life on a dizzyingly complex mid-air calculation in the hopes of saving his friend.

But it gets crazier.

When he landed, he didn’t just sigh of relief. He got back into another plane and flew back to search for his friend.

Long story short, he never found him. His commanding officer survived and became a prisoner of war and was released after the war.

This had me thinking, Glenn never prepared for his specific scenario, but all his training in the past gave him the tools he needed to make the right decisions when it came to the moment.

This is exactly what karate does.

It gives kids the tools they need to succeed later in life, so they can handle life situations they don’t expect, but will inevitably happen.

Whether it’s the confidence to stand up for him/ herself when getting bullied, or the ability to focus on a test when there are lots of distractions, karate creates the character that kids need to thrive under pressure!

Parents can’t prepare their kids for every scenario that can happen, but they CAN help their kids prepare for unforeseen circumstances by training them in life skills so they can figure it out on their own!

It takes a village to raise a kid, and we love being part of that village.

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THE LESSONS IN YET AND GET

Oftentimes parents feel pressure to be “perfect,” even though no parent is (sorry Mom 😇), but there are always small adjustments you can make as a parent.

These 2 simple words can drastically change your child’s…

– Self-esteem: specifically how they perceive challenges

– Discipline: to get things done the FIRST time you ask

– Confidence: sticking with difficult tasks they don’t feel like they are good at or don’t want to do.

The best part is, you can make this change right away! It’s simple and easy to implement.

So here are the 2 words: Yet & Get

Let me explain.

Next time your child says “I can’t do it” when it comes to doing school work, riding on a bike, or even practicing a karate piano, simply add in the word “yet” to the end of the statement.

“I can’t do it yet” means something way different.

It insinuates that you will be able to do it soon, with time and effort, and that’s one of life’s most important lessons that kids often miss, and parents aren’t sure how to teach.

Kids need to learn that failure is part of success. It’s not a destination, it’s just a speed bump. In order to reframe how your child sees challenges, make sure you always add the word “YET.” As a parent, be careful that you use the same language with yourself too!

Just because you can’t do something now, doesn’t mean you never will. So next time your child says “I can’t..” have them include the word yet at the end.

Okay that makes sense, but what about word #2: Get

Well, imagine if you didn’t have a car, and there was no public transportation, so every day walked 3 miles to work. There are two different ways you can frame this situation. You either “have” to walk 3 miles, or you “get” to walk 3 miles. This small change makes a huge difference. To you, having to walk 3 miles to work might seem like an inconvenience, but to someone who had a step-count goal every day, they “get” to walk 3 miles.

The situation doesn’t change, but your perception does.

Saying “today you have to practice your karate” is way different than “today you GET to practice your karate.”

“Have to” sounds like a chore, “get to” sounds like a reward.

One of my favorite quotes is “small hinges swing big doors,” and this tiny little adjustment is that small hinge that can open big doors for you and your family!

But don’t wait until later to apply this, let’s be real, you’ll probably forget.

Let’s implement this today so we can boost your child’s confidence NOW! (and yours too😉)

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