Why does Kenpo/Kempo use a “Black Gi” (uniform)?
This is one of the most asked questions. When James Mitose returned to Hawaii in 1937 from his Kosho/Kenpo training with his Grandfather, Sukuhei Yoshida (20th Great Grand Master) in Japan, he knew that people would assume his “Art” was just another Japanese/Okinawan martial art. He immediately wanted to send a message to all the other martial artists in Hawaii that this was not the case. He did this by wearing a “Black Gi,” which was contrary to the nature of the “Traditional” Japanese martial arts! James Mitose wanted all to know that while there were some similarities to other martial arts, Kosho/Kenpo had taken a different path of development and was a style of its own – not to be considered Japanese in nature or origin! The Japanese government recognized this when they did away with the Samurai as a class and outlawed the traditional wearing of swords. At this same time the Japanese Government’s edict went out: when the sanctity of human life was affirmed, Kenpo was made an illega
