| While it may all be well and good to choose your | | | | wore it in Judo or Jiu Jitsu practice. While most |
| martial arts clothing for the fashion sense, the most | | | | martial arts clothing is geared towards ease of |
| important aspect of choosing it is for the particular | | | | movement, not all clothing would hold up well in |
| martial arts style. Different styles come from | | | | practicing a different style. |
| different locations around the world, and some of the | | | | There are also other problems with mixing clothing |
| countries involved have had antagonistic relationships | | | | styles. For instance, can you imagine wearing a full |
| over the centuries. | | | | set of Kendo Bogu to Karate practice? Yes, this is |
| A fine example of this is Japan and China. Although | | | | an extreme example, but it bears mentioning. Besides |
| relations are basically civil between their governments | | | | being a ridiculous choice aesthetically, it is completely |
| these days, each one considers the other to be an | | | | inappropriate to the style. You don’t wear armor |
| inferior culture. One thing they can agree on is that | | | | in Karate, since it could slow your movements, and |
| they both believe the Koreans are inferior to both of | | | | potentially injure the other students. Armor aside, the |
| them. This competitive spirit, of course, plays out in | | | | Kendo Hakama isn’t useful for kicking in the same |
| relation to their respective martial arts forms. | | | | way as a heavy, ankle length skirt isn’t. |
| Aside from not wanting to raise the hackles of your | | | | In the end, if you’re changing martial arts styles, you |
| instructor, there are practical reasons to choose the | | | | will most likely have to change martial arts uniforms. |
| appropriate clothing for the appropriate style. A nice | | | | It’s not just a matter of conformity, it’s a matter |
| silk kung fu uniform would get torn to ribbons if you | | | | of practicality. |