why is this???

[french fri25]

my instructors friend asked us today, why does the left side of the gi or dobok go over the right side? the only thing i could think of was because the school patch goes on the left side, but he said that that wasnt the answer. do you guys know why the left side of the uniform folds over the right side? he wouldnt give us the answer and told us to try to find out why, so hit me with some theories.

[tekki]

All I can think of is that this is the way the uniforms are manufactured. The manufacturer's label is always on the bottom of the left side anyhow. as or why the uniforms are all made to close one way, I guess that's just to keep them true to the name "uniform." Otherwise, it could just be convention, like the buttons on men's shirts being on one side while the buttons on a women's blouse are on the other.

[Ace2021]

I would think that because majority of Humanity is right handed, or something along those lines. Good question though.

[bushido_man96]

I would think that because majority of Humanity is right handed, or something along those lines. Good question though.

You are kind of on the right track, here. I was told (but am not sure of the reliability) that the reason is because in the days when swords were worn, they were always worn on the right side, whether you were left handed or not. Therefore, if the sword, dagger, etc., was worn inside or outside the clothing, it would be on the right side, and thus easier to draw.

Go with it, and see what you get.

[cross]

One theory i have read(not sure how true it is, and didnt see the need to look into something so trivial) is that during traditional japanese funeral services they would wrap the body in a gown with right over left. So wearing a gi left over right signifies life, while right over left signifies death.

[bushido_man96]

One theory i have read(not sure how true it is, and didnt see the need to look into something so trivial) is that during traditional japanese funeral services they would wrap the body in a gown with right over left. So wearing a gi left over right signifies life, while right over left signifies death.

That is kind of cool.....that is new to me. Thanks for sharing that, cross!

[cross]

No worries, pretty sure i read it in "idiots guide to karate" or a book similar to that, in the section about uniforms.

[bushido_man96]

No worries, pretty sure i read it in "idiots guide to karate" or a book similar to that, in the section about uniforms.

Cool. I have that book, but has been some time since I read it. I like to read, but I don't retain information very well!

[cross]

No worries, pretty sure i read it in "idiots guide to karate" or a book similar to that, in the section about uniforms.

Cool. I have that book, but has been some time since I read it. I like to read, but I don't retain information very well!

Haha, I dont think its something important enough to remember... which makes me wonder why i do...

[bbk2132]

hmmm...thats a good question.

In my style we do a lot of things left over right. Like when we kneel, we are supposed to put our right knee down first. And once we are all the way down, our left toe is supposed to cross over our right. And then once we bow from a kneeling position, we are suppose to slide our left hand down to the floor, and then out right.

Coinsidence? I think not...