Non-white Gis

[monkey mind]

Of course if it is simply a matter of preference for black dogi...?

oneya

Originally this was meant to be my point before focus fell on my suggested reason for such a preference. But I think the direction the discussion took was illustrative: Preference always has a reason behind it and, if one were so inclined, one could probably find fault with any stated reason for preferring black/moving away from white (maybe more fault in some cases than others!).

I agree with Mark's point that there's often a certain arbitrary nature to the conventions we choose. For example, we may be expected to keep our dogis neat & spotless while a tattered obi is worn as a badge of honor. There may be symbolic reasons for such practices and if the meaning you find in those reasons helps strengthen your overall practice then that's great. But you could flip things around & they'd be just as meaningful, couldn't you?

[oneya]

It is not so much fault finding MM but perhaps - talking in terms of renshu - it is more coming to the realisation of the depth of one’s own understanding of how far one is knowingly or unwittingly prepared to be a passenger in one’s own life journey..

Renshu is not necessarily only about stropping the technique, I think more than this: Renshu is all about one’s own input into one’s own life, as realised via a life in wado ryu.

Yes there is a certain arbitrary nature to wado ryu so having joined do we then eschew this nature the moment we encounter it. Is looking for an easier way of say, choosing a black dogi over a white dogi, going to white ant your will power or permanently dampen your spirit for an extra thirty minutes watching the TV or sleeping instead of relishing the water therapy in a little extra laundry.?

Is it easier to consign one's own willpower to the bench or bleachers in the forging of one's own spirit or do you see an opportunity for renshu.?.

oneya

[monkey mind]

The above are excellent points and it never hurts to be reminded of them. I agree that we should strive to examine our motivations for and the effectiveness of all our actions. And we should think carefully about how we spend our time.

[oneya]

But I can't help thinking I must have given a wrong impression somewhere.

Not really MM, I'm just wrestling with aspects of appearances and realities and how we can confuse the two.

oneya

[monkey mind]

Oneya, it looks like I edited my last post while you were in the process of quoting it. Sorry about that. In any case, I'm with you on the appearances & realities thing & I appreciate all your comments.

[oneya]

Ah, 6PM, good timing MM, I must open the wine.. The question is: Red or white.?

oneya

[wadoka]

The above are excellent points and it never hurts to be reminded of them. I agree that we should strive to examine our motivations for and the effectiveness of all our actions. And we should think carefully about how we spend our time.

Oneya certain does push us all hard to evaluate whatever it is we are doing. Some misinterpret that and don't benefit from his years of wisdom :-)

I need to get back to sorting out the pleats on my hakama. I gave up after two attempts at ironing.

My wado has always waxed and waned as is the nature of life, but after these wise words and having filmed myself doing a spot of training, renshu it is then.

[andyb28]

I have to say, a black gi would be more practical. I treated myself to a really good Japanese made Gi after I passed my Shodan. It was a blue / white colour and really nice looking. One of our classes is in a squash court, as its not as busy and doesn't therefore require the main hall at the leisure centre. My Gi is ruined from the dusty floor of the squash court. There is no amount of cleaning that is going to get the knees clean.

I agree a Gi is important, but I am not so sure about the whole puriety thing. I dont really have a view on this as my sensei says I wear white, so I wear white, but to play devils advocate a bit here...

Would you say that these people are any less pure because they aren't dressed all in white?

Are people who practice ninjutsu, akido, Judo blue suits, fallen off the path?

Andy

[WadoAJ]

In Japan, white symbolizes death.

[steveig]

I always thought white was a sacred colour in Japanese society and represented purity and cleanliness.

Steve.