Gi Tops Off

Akil Todd Harvey · Post by **Akil Todd Harvey** » Tue Feb 26, 2002 6:36 am

Hello everyone,

I brought my improper grammar and incorrect spelling back from Singapore....trying to catch up and trying to add something of value to these forums.

Somewhere in all the recent posts I read of a non Uechi person who reacted to our somewhat unusual practice of "gi tops off'". This is not a topic that has been discussed here before is it? (I know I need to read the archives)

Lest there be any confusion about Uechi with regard to "gi tops off" Women do wear some garment (taking off the gi top is not required and a t-shirt is worn).

Despite this, I can imagine some potential discomfort is there. I know I used to feel uncomfortable as I had only one or two chest hairs and not the best example of a male body. The good news is that I did not die from the embarrassment.

Discuss please

Peace, ATH

TSDguy · Post by **TSDguy** » Tue Feb 26, 2002 8:02 pm

Most schools today allow the option of wearing a plain tee-shirt or school tee-shirt anyway. Come to think of it, I don't ever remember training in a school where you HAD to wear a gi. Unless you're in Judo/JJ, there is really no need for a uniform. It's not that uncommon, in casual classes, to take your top off just becasue you're hot. (temperature wise, people.)

candan · Post by **candan** » Tue Feb 26, 2002 9:55 pm

I do not think it essential to remove the GI top in order to check form or determine if a student requires correction. I realize this is almost a sacred practice to many as it has a long tradition and I have no objection to its practice. At one time I felt it was required in order to actually see the position of the shoulders (or the entire torso) and focus of the upper body muscles. I slowly phased out the request to remove the tops when I found it more effective to check form by "touch" and observing the students entire structure as it seems more accurate than viewing as each persons body structure is different. Is it not what`s below the surface we are "looking" for? Opinions?

uechiwoman · Post by **uechiwoman** » Wed Feb 27, 2002 3:09 am

I too find a soft "test" with gi on or off tells me the most information about how a person is using their stance and body alignment. I do not need to see their body to tell where their energy is going, I can feel it.

From a teaching standpoint I do find that having the person see my body position without a gi is helpful especially in the beginning of training. What does "shoulders down" mean? How are the hips tucked? I can see if they are keeping a Sanchin belly throughout the kata. Energy follows structure. I feel that if a student is doubly reinforced by seeing and feeling the difference in body alignment that it can help them learn. I learn visually and I work on teaching visually, kinesthetically, and aurally because each student learns in a different way. I also enjoy seeing how each person incorporates the Sanchin principles into their form.

On a different note, I know many women who feel safer and stronger with their gi top on. Somehow it is the idea that this white coat protects them in someway when they do karate. Having people remove this coat and still do Sanchin can be a transforming experience for them.

[This message has been edited by uechiwoman (edited February 26, 2002).]

f.Channell · Post by **f.Channell** » Wed Feb 27, 2002 4:01 am

Women in judo traditionally wear a plain white shirt under their gi top, this is required for competition. Unlike a gi top in Karate there are no ties on the sides to prevent it from opening.
As a Uechi instructor I see no need for a woman to take her gi top off for a test. I do think its a good idea to do kata in street clothes for men and women however. Not to say other instructors may see it as being important, I just don't.
My last 4 belt promotions have been women by the way, so maybe I'm doing something right.
f.

uechiwoman · Post by **uechiwoman** » Wed Feb 27, 2002 5:53 am

I was surprised the first time my sensei said, "Gi tops off for Sanchin Kata!" I always wear some sort of tank top under my Gi and I saw that the two other women in the class full of half clad men had on shirts. So I was not too traumatized. I have made it a point now to tell all new women students to where a shirt or an appropriate sports top under their gi. My teacher explained that taking off the gi top was so that he could see our body line. It can be challenging to tweak a persons stance when all you see is puffy thick cotton. Because of this I have made a point not to wear funky neon, patterned shirts that would distract the eye from my body or someone elses body (not that I wear funky neon pattern shirts much anyway

).
I along with other students have also done many tank top and shorts workouts. Giving people a clear visual of the leg position has been a great help.

-Heather

tunetigress · Post by **tunetigress** » Mon Mar 04, 2002 2:18 pm

Akil Todd, thanks for clarifying the gi top issue for me. I am a student of Kenpo Karate, and we do not have any Uechi-Ryu dojos anywhere around this neck of the woods, (west coast of Canada) and I am unfamiliar with the traditions of your style.
I truly appreciate being able to be a part of this forum, as the postings are both intelligent, and for me, totally educational! Respectfully, _(_)_ Tune