KARATE - GI
History of Karate - Gi

According to historical accounts of Okinawan martial arts, the islanders were more influenced by Chinese culture than by Japanese culture, and although they had trade relations with both countries, there was always a strong interest in accessing Chinese products - trade relations between these countries mainly occurred between the 12th and 14th centuries. On the other hand, in 1392, a large immigration of 36 Chinese families took place in Okinawa, and they imposed their customs on the islanders. Later, in 1609, the Japanese invaded the island, led by Shimasu, and from then on, the island remained under their governance. Nevertheless, the Okinawans did not assimilate Japanese culture, as they never forgave the atrocities committed during the Japanese occupation and only exhibited the stoicism of a subdued colony. Thus, the idiosyncrasy of the Okinawans remained rooted in that of their ancestors.

Chinese customs manifested themselves in the way of life of the islanders, for example: there was the use of tables and chairs; the floors of the houses were made of wood and the traditional Japanese kimono was not worn. Furthermore, Shintoism - which was the official religion of Japan - did not penetrate the hearts of the Okinawans. On the contrary, Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism spread rapidly on the island..

In martial arts, these differences were also evident, since, for the islanders, it was very natural to practice Karate - Dō in shorts and with a bare chest or with a t-shirt, and this was a Chinese custom.

The introduction with which I have started this article will be justified by the following anecdote:

In the year 1922, Master Gichin Funakoshi was invited for the second time to Tokyo, Japan. And, on that occasion, he was invited by the creator of Judo, Jigoro Kano, to perform a demonstration at the Kodokan, which was and is the central Dōjō of Judo in Japan. For this occasion, important figures were invited from the monarchy, politics, and high society. There was great anticipation because Master Kano had highly recommended the Karate-Dō demonstration by Master Funakoshi. His opinion was highly respected throughout Japan. Thus, Master Kano went to the dressing rooms, with evident anxiety. And, when he found him, his surprise was immense to see that Master Funakoshi was dressed in a t-shirt and shorts. At that very moment, Master Kano felt he had to think quickly of something practical to save that awkward situation.

"Sensei Funakoshi, I come to take you to the exhibition hall," Master Kano said respectfully. "However, I would like to suggest that you wear a different outfit for your demonstration."

-My outfit? What’s wrong with it, is something wrong? -replied Master Funakoshi, very confused.

-That's right, Sensei -Master Kano replied-. What happens is that in Japan we are very careful with formality and your attire would not be well received by the guests..

-But, I don’t understand why -added Master Funakoshi-. In Okinawa, we usually dress this way when we train, it's very normal.

-I understand very well, Sensei Funakoshi -Master Kano hurried to say-. But, we Japanese are different. I suggest you wear a Judo Gi, as this is a traditional outfit and I believe it will adapt perfectly to your movements. Allow me to bring you one.

Master Kano went to get him a Judo gi and quickly returned, hoping that this outfit would please Master Funakoshi.

-Please, Sensei Funakoshi -he said-, try it on. And, I also bring you a black belt, which in Judo represents the hierarchy of the Dans, and since you are a master of Karate-Do, you should wear it so that the guests can properly understand your position in your martial art.

Master Funakoshi looked at the Judo gi with great attention and admiration - for at first glance it looked beautiful and impeccably white - and then he tried it on.

Then he tied the black belt and observed carefully. He was truly fascinated. Soon after, he smiled to himself with satisfaction and thanked Master Kano for his suggestion.

The demonstration by Master Funakoshi was a success. The Japanese were very impressed with the new martial art that Sensei Funakoshi brought. And, on that same day, he was extended an invitation to reside in Japan and teach Karate - Dō.

After the exhibition, Master Funakoshi returned to Okinawa with his new outfit to practice Karate-Do, as Master Kano had given it to him.

When they saw him in Okinawa, wearing his new Karate Gi, the other teachers didn't even have to think about it: they all joined the initiative and quickly the new Karate outfit was established on the island. And, regarding the black belt, the same happened. All the teachers began to wear it and openly copied the grading system from Judo. Thus, the Karate Gi and the grading belt became the official uniform of Karate Do and later became known worldwide.

Note: The Judo gi was derived from the ancient costume used in ancient Jiu-Jutsu, which was made of linen, brown in color, and lined with cotton fabric. In ancient accounts, it is said that due to perspiration, the intense friction from practice, and routine washing, it became white naturally over time. For this reason, when Master Jigoro Kano decided to establish the official Judo uniform, he took this into account and decided that the most appropriate color was white.

By: Roberto Fernández de la Reguera
Why is the Karate Gi white?

White represents death in Japanese culture; ancient samurais wore a white Dogi under their armor to symbolize their disdain for death.

Following that ancient samurai tradition, when Karate passed from Okinawa to Japan, it had to be Niponized, so to speak, in order to be accepted by the conservative Japanese community.

It is worth remembering that Okinawa (formerly Ryukyu) was an independent state of Japan with its own customs.

It is thus that Karate acquires the Japanese custom of using a white Karate-Gi as in other martial arts of purely Japanese origin.

Fuente: http://es.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090112131408AAtTUvK
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