Just4Fun Unlimited: Traditions of a Gi

Traditions of a Gi

I was doing my thing this morning going through other websites and other blogs to find something interesting to write about. I came across black belt Mike Fowler's webiste and blog. He had a very interesting article about how the representation of your Gi in regards to your individual respect toward your school and master. We are not always told how to properly wear our Gi's we usually just play it by ear or someone tells us how to put on a Gi. From what I discovered there is more to it than just that. When I first put on a Gi I was never told what I read in Mike's article. Like Mike when I first started training I only thought that the Gi was just a formality. The next time you throw on your Gi remember this article from Mike Fowler:

Crossing Tie:

     The Crossing tie in the black represents Confucian principles behind the martial arts. Kyu (colored belts) students wear a Confucian tie.

Single Unit Tie:

     The single unit tie represents unity of both belt classes to make a dan (black belt). Dan (black belts) practitioners wear a single unit tie to seperate themselves from kyu belt students.

Square Knot:

     The square knot represents wholeness in the martial arts. As you are practicing jiu jitsu, it becomes part of you as you become a part of it to become a whole. Martial art forever changes your mindset and gives you the tools to become a leader who stands out from the rest.

Evenness of Belt Ends:

     Evenness of belt ends represents the equal knowledge of both the hands and feet. An uneven belt in the Dojo not only disgraces the student wearing the belt, but disgraces the school and your teacher.

Respect Your Belt:

     Never throw your belt on the ground as this is a sign of disrespect to every student and teacher in martial arts, whether in the past, present or future. Also by throwing your belt on the ground shows you are ungrateful to your teacher who gave you the knowledge of jiu jitsu.

Gi Top:

     Wearing your gi top the right way means constant use. A student's lapel should always cross from left shoulder to the right waist. By wearing your gi top from right to left means you are attending a Japanese funeral. A ceremony in which you are expected to commit the ultimate act of Seppuku or disemboweling yourself to die an honorable death.

The next time you guys are at the school and begin to put your gi on, remember the information that was shared here today. Thanks to Mike Fowler for a great article. For other great articles by Mike Fowler, check out his website and blog

Shoot!!

Tyrtl

Posted by Tyrtl at 7/29/2010 9:20 AM