Why do so many martial arts schools wear the Gi with the right side crossed over the left?
A. Because they are either ignorant, or disrespectful, of Japanese culture. The Gi, like the Kimono, should always be worn in traditional Japanese fashion by both men and women. That is, the left lapel of the Gi always crosses on top of the right. The only exception to this rule is when the person is dead. Then the Gi is crossed right over the left. And we would certainly hope that instructors have more confidence in their ability to teach, than to allow their students to dress for their own funeral. The problem is, too many Kenpo and other martial arts instructors do not know the history or traditions of Kenpo or their martial art, and many are so arrogant as to presume to change custom through their ignorance. They have learned moves without gaining the heart of Kenpo or the martial arts. They have turned the art into an American system that has lost the “Soul of Kenpo” and the martial arts. Back to Top Q. I’ve noticed some schools, such as American Kenpo schools, wear their belts wi
