The Uniform

The Belt

When Worn: Your belt should only be worn in class or when doing a demonstration or tournament outside of class. We show respect and humility by not displaying our rank outside of class. If your wear your uniform to class, you can carry the belt to the studio and then tie it on.

How Worn: To tie the belt, hold the belt about a foot from the end, with your left hand. Wrap the belt two times around your waist, from left to right, leaving the end you are holding hanging down. The end of the belt held in your right hand (the end you have been wrapping with, is then taken under the two layers of belt, entering from the bottom and coming out the top. The knot is finished by taking this same end and tying it under the first belt end and out the top. The completed knot is a square knot.

Meaning: White signifies the hidden potential of the beginner, like a page which is without writing, or a seed hidden beneath the winter snow. Yellow stripe represents the first sprout of potential peeking forth. Yellow represents the beginning of growth. Gold shows a new vibrancy as the growth continues. Orange represents the full sprouting of the seed as the warmth of the spring sun melts the winter snow. Green is a growing plant, the discovery of your identity. Blue indicates the sky, as a student reaches toward their potential. Purple shows a student who is beginning to gain perspective. Brown is the color of maturity, the fall season with the approaching harvest. Brown with a red stripe is the growth of the plant completing it's cycle. Red is the green leaves turning red and reaching maturity. Red also indicates danger. And...Black is the color of mastery. No color can be added to it to change it's color. A Black Belt signifies a Master of Basics. It is merely the completion of one cycle and the beginning of another.

The Uniform

When Worn: The uniform can be put on at home. Respect should be shown for the uniform. Fold it neatly or hang it up when it isn't being worn. Do not leave a sweaty uniform wadded up in an equipment bag. It should never be worn for play or other activities. From a practical standpoint, grass stains and catsup are very difficult to remove from white pants.

How Worn: For the traditional uniform which wraps around the front, the left side wraps across the right. This is so the right handed warrior could stash his dagger in the uniform and be able to get it with his right hand. Jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, watches, rings with sharp edges, or dangle earrings should not be worn with the uniform.