Uniform

The uniform worn at Seishinkan dojos is a plain white uniform with no badges. The best uniform is an single weave Judo uniform, but any similar white uniform may be worn. A cheap white Karate uniform is a low cost acceptable alternative, but the grappling we do will eventually cause them to tear, usually around the sleeves. This is true even for the heavyweight canvas types as the stitching is never as strong as a Judogi and for this reason they are not recommended. Competition judo uniforms with the manufacturer's logo stitched into the fabric are not permitted (a small manufacturer's logo at the bottom of the lapel is permitted).

The sleeves should not be rolled up, although they may be shortened – which is usually a good idea for weapon work. The ideal length of sleeve is around midway between wrist and elbow.

For weapon work a hakama is worn All yudansha (black belts) should own and be able to wear and fold a hakama, although the use of a hakama for daily training in jujutsu is optional. Hakama are the traditional Japanese trousers that are so big they resemble a skirt. The hakama should be black or very dark indigo blue.

Men wear the hakama level with the top of the hip bone, women slightly higher. The length of the hakama is ideally slightly below the ankle, although this is not strictly enforced.

It should not be possible to see the thigh at the split at the sides of the hips of the hakama. Usually gi pants are worn under the hakama, and if they are worn they should not be visible at the bottom of the hakama.

If training in severe heat (such as is likely to be experienced in Japan) you might want to invest in white shorts, or cut down a pair of gi pants to aid in staying cool. Another option is to wear a white kendo gi which is longer than a judogi, and covers the thighs.

Knee pads may be worn when doing iaijutsu. Although most do not find them necessary for short training sessions, it is a good idea to own some for the extended training sessions under Sekiguchi Sensei. Some people find that it is enough to wear one only on the left knee, but others find this awkward.

When training in Japan white tabi (Japanese split toed socks) are compulsory, and these are optional for wearing in New Zealand. Tabi are indoor tabi, not outdoor jikka-tabi or 'ninja boots'. Note that training in tabi is a skill in itself since the floor will be more slippery.