why is this???

[Jeet Kune Do]

I bet Sohan could answer this

[Shorin Ryuu]

For centuries, Japan has always assimilated Chinese culture in varying ways. The Yoro code from the 700s stipulated that kimono should be worn in the Chinese manner, left over right. The Chinese viewed this as the proper way because it was more difficult, as wearing it right over left would be easier for right-handed people. You'd have to be a barbarian to do it right over left... The Japanese court greatly respected Chinese culture and assimilated much of it. Because it is always been left over right, they use right over left only for burial, as mentioned previously.

Edit: As far as the dobok thing... the Koreans have always been influenced by Chinese culture, even more so than the Japanese. But the wearing of gi (dobok, whatever) as a standard for martial arts practice was something started by Jigoro Kano in the early 1900s. Their use in karate was a little later, adopted by the Japanese styles of karate much earlier than on Okinawa, where karate came from. The heavy influence of Japanese styles and martial arts on occupied Korea results in the wearing of the dobok in Korean martial arts today, many of which have their main origins in Japanese styles.

[IRKguy]

"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."

Are you sure? I think that weapons were (before pistols) generally worn on the left side so the right hand could draw them, daggers in the back for a quick left hand draw without crossing the sword and slashing your own arm. In Western ettiquette, that's why you offer a woman your right arm, so the scabbard would not bounce off her skirts and so she would be behind you if a fight broke out. (Think military weddings where men are wearing swords. If you drew the sword, she'd let go of your elbow and you'd have your scabbard behind you as you step forward to protect her. Her grip on your right arm is also a sign of peace.) Even when dancing, you offer a woman your right arm. I've seen a couple Iado demonstrations, and they tend to cross-draw (right hand reaches for the scabbard on the left side), which makes sense. A right handed man cannot comfortably or quickly draw a sword on his right side. You can't even draw a sai from your obi unless you either cross draw or it is in the reverse grip.

In my school, it is common during testing for weapons to unexpectedly appear in the uke's right hand from under the jacket. However, I would say that this is just taking advantage of the fact that the jacket is open on the right side to make a concealed weapon available. (I'd imagine the Japanese took advantage of the same fact.) Even western robes, jackets, double-breasted suits, men's shirts, and overcoats are made that way (which is why shoulder holsters work). It seems to me that you if your jacket was open on the left, you would run the risk of a long weapon, like a sword, getting the hilt tangled in your jacket on the draw.

I like where ShorinRyuu was going with this, but I have to say the exact opposite. In both Eastern and Western cultures, a man's jacket is closed on the left and open on the right to allow for smooth drawing of a sword and maybe for access to a short weapon hidden under the jacket.

[ps1]

For centuries, Japan has always assimilated Chinese culture in varying ways. The Yoro code from the 700s stipulated that kimono should be worn in the Chinese manner, left over right. The Chinese viewed this as the proper way because it was more difficult, as wearing it right over left would be easier for right-handed people. You'd have to be a barbarian to do it right over left... The Japanese court greatly respected Chinese culture and assimilated much of it. Because it is always been left over right, they use right over left only for burial, as mentioned previously.

Edit: As far as the dobok thing... the Koreans have always been influenced by Chinese culture, even more so than the Japanese. But the wearing of gi (dobok, whatever) as a standard for martial arts practice was something started by Jigoro Kano in the early 1900s. Their use in karate was a little later, adopted by the Japanese styles of karate much earlier than on Okinawa, where karate came from. The heavy influence of Japanese styles and martial arts on occupied Korea results in the wearing of the dobok in Korean martial arts today, many of which have their main origins in Japanese styles.

Wow. Great explination. It makes perfect sense too. I've read about the "Islands of Wa (Japan)" sending emmisaries to China in ancient times in order to learn their traditions, seek commission, and learn trade. It only makes sense that they would pick up some of their customs too. Thanks Shorin Ryuu!

[bushido_man96]

"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."

Are you sure? I think that weapons were (before pistols) generally worn on the left side so the right hand could draw them, daggers in the back for a quick left hand draw without crossing the sword and slashing your own arm. In Western ettiquette, that's why you offer a woman your right arm, so the scabbard would not bounce off her skirts and so she would be behind you if a fight broke out. (Think military weddings where men are wearing swords. If you drew the sword, she'd let go of your elbow and you'd have your scabbard behind you as you step forward to protect her. Her grip on your right arm is also a sign of peace.) Even when dancing, you offer a woman your right arm. I've seen a couple Iado demonstrations, and they tend to cross-draw (right hand reaches for the scabbard on the left side), which makes sense. A right handed man cannot comfortably or quickly draw a sword on his right side. You can't even draw a sai from your obi unless you either cross draw or it is in the reverse grip.

In my school, it is common during testing for weapons to unexpectedly appear in the uke's right hand from under the jacket. However, I would say that this is just taking advantage of the fact that the jacket is open on the right side to make a concealed weapon available. (I'd imagine the Japanese took advantage of the same fact.) Even western robes, jackets, double-breasted suits, men's shirts, and overcoats are made that way (which is why shoulder holsters work). It seems to me that you if your jacket was open on the left, you would run the risk of a long weapon, like a sword, getting the hilt tangled in your jacket on the draw.

I like where ShorinRyuu was going with this, but I have to say the exact opposite. In both Eastern and Western cultures, a man's jacket is closed on the left and open on the right to allow for smooth drawing of a sword and maybe for access to a short weapon hidden under the jacket.

Yeah, I think you are right. I just had it mixed up. That is what I was thinking, though.

It was tougher to visualize, not wearing my dobok!

[bushido_man96]

Edit: As far as the dobok thing... the Koreans have always been influenced by Chinese culture, even more so than the Japanese. But the wearing of gi (dobok, whatever) as a standard for martial arts practice was something started by Jigoro Kano in the early 1900s.

I agree with you. That is why I can still relate it this way, as all three cultures seem to have been influenced in the same manner.

[french fri25]

wow... many theories. thanks for the answers guys. i'll ask my instructor to see what the answer is and post it to you guys.

[french fri25]

well... once again Bushido man is right... what a surprise. its because the samurai carried 3 swords and the smallest one was tucked under their gi, and so, if the left side was on top it would be easier to draw the sword.

[bushido_man96]

well... once again Bushido man is right... what a surprise. its because the samurai carried 3 swords and the smallest one was tucked under their gi, and so, if the left side was on top it would be easier to draw the sword.

That's interesting. I didn't really think about the Samurai using 3 weapons. However, there is probably more than one right answer to this question. I just got lucky!

[Power_J]

Wow i didnt know any of this stuff not having worn a gi myself (my dobok is joined at the middle) I thought it was just down to tradition although i did hear it was bad luck putting the left side down first.