| Technology, Clothing and Uniforms | ||||||||
| To see what air quality and health monitoring technology we are using click here | ||||||||
| Clothing depends on the course of study, environment (temperature, indoors or not ...) and occasion. | ||||||||
| For Japanese martial arts like judo, aikido and karate click here | ||||||||
| For Chinese arts class dress is more varied and can range from informal (whatever the student has on) | ||||||||
| to formal silks and shoes. Loose lightweight pants, preferably with a drawstring or elastic waist, | ||||||||
| are preferred. The primary concerns are that hips and thighs move freely, and that kicks and steps are not limited by | ||||||||
| ankle fabric constrictions. Shorts are usually acceptable, although they do allow an opponent to read intention based | ||||||||
| on the movement of one's knees. Any comfortable athletic shoe may be worn. A t-shirt is common. With long sleeves | ||||||||
| care should be taken that the shoulders, elbows and wrists can move freely. As cooler weather permits and the event | ||||||||
| demands, the traditional black cotton pants and full black jacket with white button loops can be worn. There are four | ||||||||
| choices for shoes: regular athletic shoes; kung fu shoes with cloth soles, so-called kung fu boots and kung fu shoes with | ||||||||
| reddish-brown plastic soles. There is a link to a picture of these three types of footwear at the lower right. They are | ||||||||
| just a few dollars. Tai chi exhibitors do not typically wear sashes. The most formal of events usually merit silk or | ||||||||
| satin tops and pants. There is a separate page about weapons ornamentation. For all students who wear eyeglasses | ||||||||
| elastic glass guards are advised. Wearing a necklace, especially when doing judo, is not a good idea. Long hair, large | ||||||||
| earrings and necklaces tend to provide accessible high-value targets for your opponent. Of concern is that other chain | ||||||||
| jewelry such as bracelets or anklets can fly off and break or strike someone. The need to look glamorous when | ||||||||
| practicing fighting for one's life is appreciated, but some thought should be given to the consequences of striking | ||||||||
| near someone else's face while you are wearing a bracelet as well as what happens if an opponent grabs your | ||||||||
| bejewelled wrist. To an extent, rings are equally double-edged. Your treasured heirloom can have a gemstone | ||||||||
| cracked or tear across an opponent's formerly handsome visage. Judo and,to a greater extent, karate, are pretty | ||||||||
| tough on fingernails. We sell kits of clothing, weapons, shoes, tools and accessories by martial art and level | ||||||||
| To go to our online store to buy a kit or lessons click here | ||||||||
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