So I start tonight's writing with a slightly heavy sigh. I appears, I owe someone a dollar. Due to an alarm clock malfunction (i.e. I don't know the difference between AM and PM apparently), I did NOT make it to the early class on Tuesday Morning. I did, however recieve my new Gi(uniform) in the mail over the weekend. I do have to admit it was sort of like Christmas. I have owned several Gi's throughout the years. This one is a bit different than I was expecting. First and foremost was the fact that this sucker is PURE WHITE. All gi's I have worn till now have been black. I think that has something to do with the art and its origin. I have noticed that the Chinese arts tend to lean towards the black uniforms whereas the Japanese tend to favor white uniforms.(This is NOT a rule as anyone who stops by the Iaido class on Weds nights can attest to). I have also heard tell that the white versus black is based in the core philosophy of the art. The black uniforms of the Chinese arts is, according to rumor, to symbolize that the arts core value is to destroy, wound, maim, or kill all in the name of self preservation. On the other side the white uniforms symbolize a desire to preserve life, and only disarm or incapacitate not NOT to kill. I don't really know how much truth there is to this. From my observations there is SOME evidence to prove the point, but I cannot say that it is ALWAYS the way. I mean look at how deadly Aikido can be, BUT also know that Aikido's core principle is for one to create harmony with the world and one's opponent. One thing I learned in my research recently is that the Hakama, a split pleated skirt or pleated trousers (take you pick) has in it 7 pleats. One to represent each of the seven virtues of bushido: Benevolence or Mercy, Honor or Justice, Ettiquette or Courtesy, Wisdom or Intelligence, Sincerity, Loyalty, Piety. I have heard different versions of the seven virtues, but the idea still remains the same.
After the color of the Gi, first of all, thing I noticed were the pants. All of the uniform pants I have had up until this time were semi-cheaply made, had a simple drawstring waist and I diamond panel in the crotch (to allow for extra movement that martial artist tend to favor). These new pants have a double drawsting, one for each side, AND more peculiarly a little loop on the front. I have NO CLUE as to the function of the loop. Each side of the pants has a deep V cut where the drawstrings come out of the pants. Upon closer examination the pants are heavily re-inforced in the knees and at the seams. Ultimately the pants fit VERY well, allow for extra room to move in and feel very light. I think I may just have to be weary of my under garments as the sides leave one a tad bit exposed.
The top honestly feels like a BIG comfy bathrobe. I swear this thing MUST be too big. When examining the top closer a couple things are quickly apparent. First the material is heavy. VERY sturdy. There is a sort of almost waffle like pattern inthe fabric. Again all the stitching is re-inforced. It seems as though there is a double layer of fabric on the shoulders and elbows. I am a littel worried I will be too warm in this, but this IS what I was told to order. It does seem to me that most other students have slightly lighter material in their Gi's I wonder if there is a light weight version out there. I am going ot want that as the weather warms up and gets hot. The Gi also came with an Obi, AKA belt. I think i am going to use my old Obi. I know it doesn't really matter, but I do see the dirt on my old Obi as a sign of past accomplishments that shall guide me into the future.
SO what's the first thing that a Dustin does when he gets new clothes??? YUP!!! He tries them on! So i THOUGHT I bought it too big, the relaity is, when I tie everything together, my new Gi fits VERY nicely. I think i am going to end up wearing a shirt and shorts underneath to manage sweat production, but I am pretty sure almost everyone in class does some variation on a theme, particularly the women (for modesty's sake, I am sure.) Now here is where I have to admit something minorly shameful... after almost 10 years of not actively studying... I forgot how to tie my belt. I thought it would be in muscle memory... not so much. I sort of got it... nope... not really. I didn't want ot look dumb going into class so I will also openly admit, I looked it up. What I found is that different styles and school sometimes use different ways of tieing. I found one paticularly good video that I can no longer find the link for, that describes the 'knot' being an actual knot per se, but more or a specific way to fold the cloth so it cannot come undone. This actually makes more sense than a knot anyhow since if you fall to your belly, that LAST thing you want to land on is a knot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksKl1ptKUV8
Well... I got my Gi, so now I won't feel so out of place, and I have a clue as to how to tie my belt... I guess this means I need to get my ass back to class. Weds night is my next chance. Double class with weapons then trivia. Should be a good day.
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