The world of karate is fragmented: different styles, and different organizations within styles, set their own rules as to what is proper or improper in terms of uniform. Many schools set guidelines according to traditional practices, while others set them to coincide with more modern trends. When in doubt, check with the leadership of your karate program -- those who set the rules can be relied upon to know them.
Uniform Components
Karate uniforms consist of three parts: a jacket, pants and belt. The pants are loose-fitting, traditionally held up with a drawstring. Modern versions often use elastic. The jacket is also loose, with long sleeves, made of quilted or flat cotton. They open in the front and overlap to allow closure. The belt, perhaps the most iconic symbol of karate training, is worn around the waist and ties the flaps of the jacket together.
Uniform Color
Traditionally, a karate uniform consists of white jacket and pants and a belt corresponding to the student's training level. Modern schools sometimes permit other colors -- such as the black on black uniform of many kenpo karate schools. School occasionally tie in the color scheme to their rank structure. For example, the AKKA organization of New Mexico has white on white uniforms for under belts, white on black for black belts and other colors for progressively higher levels of black belt.
Belt Knot
The ways to wrap a belt around the waist and tie it in place are numerous. As karate schools developed during the feudal period of Japanese history, a belt knot was a trademark practice of an instructor: all students of one teacher tied their belts in the same way, and anybody using that tie who wasn't a student risked being beaten or even killed. Some modern schools insist on uniform tying standards, but few place a trademark level of importance on their practice.
Safety Equipment
Karate is an inherently risky sports. To combat this risk, and often to lower insurance rates, many modern schools include safety equipment in their description of a proper uniform. Groin protection and mouthpiece are the most common of this kind of gear. Schools that include sparring often require protective pads for those who want to participate in that activity.
References
- "Inifinite Insights Into Kenpo, Vol 1 - V"; Ed Parker; 1985
- Dave Coffman; martial arts historian; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Google Timelines: History of Karate Uniforms
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