Every Time i tie my obi (belt)...

When I first started out training in Karate (Okinawan based Goju Kai), I remember that the uniform (or, "do-gi") was seen as an essential, inseparable part of the art, and it had to be clean and ironed. This also showed an element of discipline and self-care, and self esteem. All things that have come to be associated with Karate and Japanese culture - and rightly so, in my humble opinion.

In the years since Mixed Martial Arts (which I have a lot of time for) became popular, there seems to have been a relaxation in some "traditional" arts approach to the Do-gi. Whilst wearing a do-gi is still very much the norm, I have seen many "no-gi" sessions - something which has actually become a category in its own right in competition BJJ - in Karate. Then one starts hearing debates on the value of wearing a do-gi at all!

On another note, you hear about how "you don't walk around on the streets wearing your belt", so no-one knows whether you're a martial artist and can potentially be effective in a self defense situation. This is a very valid, core point - your confidence comes from your skill and conditioning, which can only come from solid time training, not from a belt.

That all said...

For me, putting on a do-gi and, in particular, my black belt results in an instant change in mindset and how I feel. All at once, I feel a sense of achievement, a sense of belonging to an elite group (genuine black belts and above are a very small percentage of the population), as well as a sense of pressure. Pressure - a weight on my shoulders, if you like - to be a black belt. Walking the walk: Having the knowledge, skill, ability, and (crucially) mindset of a black belt. To live up to expectations.

How does the help? You might ask...

Well, those combined thoughts and feelings, for me, result in improved performance. It feels like putting on a "power-up" super-suit which makes me 30% better at everything martial arts related (okay, except BJJ!). It's that extra motivation to live up to your

grade and what you perceive as the benchmark for that grade.

But, there's more...

You are also hyper-aware of when you don't live up to that benchmark; and when that happens, you really know what you need to work on!

Everyone has different motivating factors. If wearing the belt motivates you to train harder, then it matters - to you. Besides, I just like the feel of wearing a do-gi after so many years of doing so. You could say it's like the effect a $5,000 high end 3-piece suit might have on someone.

Maybe I need to wear my do-gi and obi all the time!! 😄