Cutting sleeves?

[AdmiralX]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what it means to cut the sleeves off a gi? I understand each dojo has its own set of rules and regulations, but is there any general meaning to cutting the sleeves off my gi? In private, outside the dojo, I practice extensively and normally wear gi bottoms and a Nike sleeveless basketball top (light mesh) because it is not too warm or cold (Tucson Arizona is HOT during the day, then can be cold at night). I searched the internet but could not find anything on this....

[Jussi Häkkinen]

Cutting sleeves means that you shorten the sleeves to suit you better. Some like to cut the sleeves completely off, some just shorten them. "Sleeveless" do-gi is not accepted in every dojo, but shortening should be OK.

 

Take the do-gi to a local seamstress to finish the cut sleeves.

 

Personally, I like the sleeves shortened in a way that they just cover my elbows. Pants extend a bit below the halfway of my calf.

[AdmiralX]

I found one reply to my post, thanks for that. What I was considering is taking the sleeves TOTALLY off. Like, cutting them off at the shoulders! I noticed how much better practicing without a gi top felt to me (with the Nike sleeveless shirt I mentioned above) and I know at my dojo, the sleeves being cut off would probably not be allowed by Shihan. Outside of the dojo though, I was wondering if there is any meaning attached to a "karate-ka being without sleeves." Years ago I played a game called "Street Fighter 2" and two characters who practiced Shotokan karate had their sleeves cut off, then in "Best of the Best 2" Travis Brickley (Chris Penn) had his sleeves cut off and I wanted to know if anyone has ever heard of any beliefs attached to going with a sleeveless gi. Is it disrespect? Most tournament rules require sleeves be around the elbows (in general).

[Jussi Häkkinen]

I recommend you to ask about this from your teacher.

 

Generally, sleeveless do-gi is a "bad *" -style and not usually accepted in dojo.

 

Of course, it's up to personal preferences. When at home, I train wearing a Nike Dri-Fit T-shirt.

 

It's an uniform, after all - I think that there's a certain dresscode to karate training. I understand the appeal of a sleeveless do-gi, but...well, I still think that you should ask the teacher about his views.

[aefibird]

I'd say that if you want to cut the sleeves off your gi to wear at home then that would be OK. Many traditional (and some not-so-traditional) schools wouldn't allow you to train in a sleeveless gi top. Plenty of people find it disrespectful and that it promotes an image not usually associated with traditional MA training.

 

However, if you're wanting to cut the sleeves off your gi top just to wear it to train in at home, then there's no reason why you shouldn't save your gi and just keep on training in your basketball top. When I train at home or on my own in the dojo (not in a regular class), I don't wear my gi. I usually wear a tracksuit or gi pants and a t-shirt.

 

If in doubt then check with your instructor.

[mindsedgeblade]

My sleeves come down near my wrists. I prefer them long for practicing rolls, drop kicks, spin take downs, and grappling. They save a lot of wear on the arms.

 

On off nights, I just wear a t-shirt and gi pants. Sleeveless gi sounds uncomfortable to me. Love my gi pants- plenty of room and flexibility, and no zippers or snaps or anything to catch or hit.

[cathal]

I definitely don't like the long sleeves; opponents can get caught up in them, and they are also easy to grab.

[Kieran-Lilith]

Mine are usually rolled up to a bit below my elbows, though that's normally just because we're practicing something that if my sleeves are rolled down they'll get caught. During tournaments and such they're rolled down. But mostly, they're rolled up because a higher rank ordered it so and I don't know if I'm allowed to have them down.

[Jussi Häkkinen]

But mostly, they're rolled up because a higher rank ordered it so and I don't know if I'm allowed to have them down.

Uhh...kay. You might ask this "higher rank" person about the dojo dresscode.