In order to make some more connections in the Karate community and network with other webmasters who host similar blogs, I have begun emailing various bloggers whose blogs I frequently read. In doing so I stumbled across an article I had read before entitled “Our Logo Is…“. Sensei Charles Goodin explains that he has no logo, he has no patch, and that he has no writing on his belt.

Having worn a plain white gi with a plain black belt for about three years, I felt a strong connection to him on his feelings about this. He talks about how it is more important to understand Karate and be prepared for the unfortunate day you may have to use it. On that day, you will not have your gi, your obi, your patches, and if you do – they will make no difference.

Exploring the Idea

This was a discussion I had with a Shotokan karateka. We had been exploring the Kyu/Dan system for potential ways to improve it or better alternatives. As of this point in our exploration, it seems like a very solid system and we are both in favor of keeping it. My partner on this project, Patrick Wilson, offered this when we discussed alternative uniforms:

Personally I am not a fan of any patches. Maybe a schools name on the Gi written in Kanji. I feel school patches [and] achievement patches are all juvenile…My main reason for disliking achievement patches is that a true warrior trusts his skill. Medals, patches, certificates, and the [like] are meaningless to him/her. Confidence without reward and pride without acknowledgment are part of the mental fortitude one should seek to achieve through the traditional martial arts and whilst becoming a Karateka.

Alternative Gi

We eventually came to the conclusion that a plain gi with a standard belt are more than enough for you regular karate class. We thought it would look good to have an extra gi with your school name/logo on it, a belt with gold embroidery to identify your dan grade, and I have always been a fan of Tang Soo Do’s black trim. This is however, all ceremonial, and should never be a requirement, simply an elaborate option to have a more formal look for major seminars, demonstrations, and tournaments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I agree with Sensei Goodin that there is no reason to charge students $50 for patches and elaborate belts. A simple gi (my instructor likes blue) and a plain belt are all that a karateka should ever need in a class. Currently we wear our gym gear because it is more convenient. Should you have extra money and a desire to have a more formal looking uniform, I believe it should be in good taste and not resemble girl scouts jacket. What kind of uniform do you or your school wear?