WHY WE WEAR UNIFORMS IN KARATE?
UNIFORMS – THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS
The moment a student begins the martial journey, he or she receives a uniform and a white belt. It is a special moment, and you can see it on the student’s face. This sets the foundation for the entire martial journey. Here are just a few reasons why.
A SYMBOL OF COMMITMENT
The uniform demonstrates a student’s commitment to the martial journey. People who learn commitment at an early age are better able to persevere when life gets difficult. High school, college, graduate school, and a career all require commitment. So do relationships, friendships, and parenthood. Those who remain committed to their values, to the people in their lives, and to a career path, tend to live longer, happier, healthier lives. Teaching your child about commitment sets the foundation for success.
A SYMBOL OF UNITY
The uniform is a symbol of unity. It says, “we are one, and we are doing this together.” When a child connects to positive, goal-oriented peers in a family-friendly environment, he or she is more likely to make good decisions later on in life. Soldiers, police officers, and firefighters – heroes always seem to be in uniforms. For millennia the uniform has helped us draw strength from each other, and build the courage to face the challenges ahead. Not wearing the uniform sends the message, “It’s all about me.” Wearing it says, “For this hour, it’s all about us.”
A SYMBOL OF BEING IN A SPECIAL PLACE
When a child wears their uniform, they see, hear, and feel that this space is different. The student gets the message, “I am here for a special reason. This isn’t like my other activities.” Every student of the martial arts, from Oscar Silvera, Sensei to the newest white belt, bows on the way into the dojo. Similarly, everyone wears a uniform. It builds a foundation for a student to accomplish things they can’t accomplish anywhere else.
A SMART IDEA
Uniforms are just a smart idea. We move, jump, run, tumble, fall, grab, strike, block, and roll around in Karate. Wehand-selected this uniform to stand up to the rigors of martial training. Lapels and seams have multiple stitching. The 5 oz. material is light enough for comfort, but strong enough to withstand being grabbed, rolling around, or kicking over the head. While the uniform represents important martial values, it is also excellent workout gear.
WHAT ABOUT THE T-SHIRTS?
In our studios, students are allowed to wear the school white t-shirt to a regular workout, as an alternative uniform or a regular white t-shirt. They must still wear their belt and uniform pants, and martial shoes are still encouraged. Students must still wear the regular uniform jacket to formal events, such as belt advancement, tournaments, and special classes. Many parents are not aware that wearing other t-shirts to class is an outward sign of disrespect. Karate parents understand the value of the martial arts, and would never send a child to class wearing street clothes.
SEND THE RIGHT MESSAGE
Life can be very hectic at times, and important messages can get lost if we don’t highlight them. Sending a child to class without a uniform confuses a child. It undermines the important life lessons that brought us here in the first place. When you insist your child wears their uniform, you send a message that you love them, that you support their learning, and that your child can do anything they set their mind to.
Order an approved Karate uniform from these links:
- $25 kids uniform. Link to Buy It
- $30 teens uniform. Link to Buy It
- $35 adults uniform. Link to Buy It
