Clothing and Uniforms
 
For judo a heavyweight gi top is recommended because many of the grabs and throws tear ordinary clothing.
This is a tactical consideration in real life use of judo. For karate a lightweight gi top is recommended. Besides white,
 red, blue and black gis have been worn at exhibitions and other events where photographic results are taken into
consideration. Getting steel weapons, for example, to show well against a white gi can be challenging. For both
karate and judo ask for help learning to fold a gi and tie a belt. Almost everyone wears matching gi pants. The
student may wear white socks, white tabi or no socks. The rank belt is worn - and never washed. Frequently,
the belt has a name or nickname embroidered when third degree is achieved. The thicker (3" wide) belt is used to 
hold weapons such as sais or swords. The wearing of a school patch over the heart is optional. When there is a
 more formal event the instructor and any third degree or higher degree black belts traditionally wear a black
hakama. When the weather is especially warm shorts and a t-shirt are sufficient, with the consent of the
 instructor. Be warned shorts don't offer much protection from mat burn. Wearing any shoes, especially street
shoes,  on the mats is considered very poor manners. If whoever sweeps the mats is present he or she will likely
make displeasure obvious. Wearing shoes on to the mats and not bowing in a Japanese dojo is usually interpreted 
as a challenge to mortal combat.
 For all students who wear eyeglasses elastic glass guards are advised.
Wearing a necklace, especially when doing judo, is not a good idea. Long locks, hair clips, large earrings and
necklaces tend to provide accessible high-value targets for your opponent. Of concern is that other chain jewelry
 such as bracelets or anklets can fly off and break or strike someone. The need to look glamorous when
practicing fighting for one's life is appreciated, but some thought should be given to the consequences of striking
near someone else's face while you are wearing a bracelet as well as what happens if an opponent grabs your
bejewelled wrist. To an extent, rings are equally double-edged. Your treasured heirloom can have a gemstone
cracked or tear across an opponent's formerly handsome visage.  Judo and,to a greater extent, karate, are pretty
tough on fingernails.
 
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