The MMA Zone: Martial Arts Like Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, and MMA

Karate Uniform: How to Take Care of a Karate Uniform

There are many symbols that are associated with the art and science of karate. If there

Karate Uniforms

was one piece of ‘karate equipment‘ that is most clearly associated with the art, it would be the karate uniform. The traditional white karate gi first emerged roughly 100 years ago and no karate class would be complete without students wearing the uniform. Of course, these white uniforms can lose their quality look if not properly maintained. That means you need to take a few extra steps to make sure the uniform remains neat and clean. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

First, you really need to make sure the karate uniform is properly stored when you are not wearing it. That means it should be hanging in the closet and away from any ‘errant harm’ befalling it. When the karate uniform is not properly stored, it runs the risk of being ripped, torn, or otherwise damaged. Clearly, this is not what you would want to see happen to the karate gi. So, always be sure to store in properly when not in use.

Of course, the karate uniform should be washed thoroughly after use. That means it needs to be placed in the washer with a strong detergent and a decent amount of bleach. This will allow the uniform to maintain its white color. However, you should not overdo it with the bleach because this could lead to the uniform being damaged.

Brushed Cotton Jackets

It is also best to wash the karate uniform immediately after you get home from class. When sweat or dirt is allowed to sink into the gi, it can prove to be extremely difficult to get the dirt out of it. When it is washed immediately after use, the problem of permanent stains will not be at issue.

On a side note, the karate uniform will shrink the first time it is washed. This will usually be the case with a cotton garment. That is why it becomes necessary to purchase a uniform that is a little larger than your usual size. Again, you need to be wary of the shrinking of the uniform as it will shrink.

If the karate uniform does suffer a rip or a tear, simple sewing and stitching can often fix the problem. In some instances, you could even stitch on a patch or other decorative item to the gi to cover up the problem. Just be sure any add-ons are in compliance with the rules of the training hall you have signed on with.

Your belt is also part of your uniform and it is common tradition to never wash a belt. Some dojos may have different rules regarding this. However, if you do wash a colored belt, do not use a detergent that would wash out or dull the color of the belt.

It really is not all that tough to take care of a karate uniform. You just need to follow a few simple and basic steps. This will allow you gi to always look as good as new.

Item of the week: Karate belt display – 6 Belt Display

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Should Your Child Learn Ninjitsu?

Category: Ninja

Tags: equipment, Ninja, Ninja Swords, ninjitsu, weapons

Being a parent isn’t a walk in the park. This becomes more of a problem when they don’t pay

Kids Learning Ninjitsu

attention in school and won’t even do homework. Of course, this may appear harmless during the first few school years, but if this attitude is not corrected, it can be a cause for them to completely lose interest in school.

Worse, this can contribute to their tendency to grow up as dependent, underperforming, indolent or downright irresponsible adults. For this reason, it is all the more important that parents teach their kids discipline from an early age.

While it’s very easy to say that, it is quite a monumental task. This becomes more of an issue when both parents are working and the child is often left under the care of a babysitter who may not care about anything except to collect her pay. This is why parents need to be creative in the parenting methods they use. They have to consider that while they’re away at work, the kids deserve to make better use of their time either in school or through other activities where they can cultivate their sense of discipline independently. If you’ve been thinking how to do this, consider martial arts.

Whether a boy or girl, your child is going to benefit much from this type of activity where self-control is best emphasized through self-defense training. For example, allow your child to learn ninjutsu and he will not only master his body movements but begin learning how to use all the cool ninja equipment they see in their video games. He will also become more cognizant and conscious about the things in his life. For instance, if your child doesn’t care about doing his homework, enrolling him in a martial arts class will help him become more conscious of the fact that he needs to do his assignment if he wants to continue training in ninjutsu. The more your child realizes this, the more he will improve that sense of discipline which he’s going to need so he can keep doing his homework and other tasks that may be assigned to him. With continuous training, the child will eventually develop a sense of responsibility.

Teaching discipline and responsibility is not limited to martial arts. The point is just to engage the child in a challenging yet fun activity because learning is always more effective that way. Children will always be children and you can’t teach them with words and books all the time. Ninjutsu classes can help your children grow up to be disciplined and a creditworthy adult.

Ninja Shoes

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‘Walk to Run’ – Get Army Fit!

Category: MMA Training

The US Army as one of the top fighting forces in the world has strict fitness standards not only for passing basic training but also as part of on going testing to ensure a regulated high level of fitness. The US Army’s Physical Fitness Test (also known as the PFT) consists of just three basic exercises; push ups, sit ups and running.

“Running Portion”

The running portion of of the US Army PFT consists of a 2 mile timed run. Army recruits and personnel are graded on a point system that requires different levels of scoring depending on sex and age. The logic here is that if you can compete at the levels required by the US military’s combat troops you should at least be half way to being in the kind of fighting shape you need to be to become a serious UFC contender.

“High Level of Fitness”

Even though the US Army has to demand a high level of fitness from it’s troops and extremely tough training, it still recognizes the need for new recruits or potential recruits to build up to that level and avoid injury. The Army has dubbed their guidance for this part of training the ‘Walk to Run’ program, where potential recruits can work their way up to being in the required condition. The idea is for you to begin adding jogging and running into your walking gradually and build up strength and conditioning just like in MMA training.

“It’s All About Levels”

Level one consists of walking for 5 minutes followed by jogging for one minute and repeating for 30 minutes. This increases through level 5 reducing one of the walking minutes and increasing the consecutive jogging in one minute increments. Finally reaching level 6 you should be able to continuously jog/ run for 20 minutes, with walking 5 minutes before and after to warm up and cool down. So if you have wanted to get back into running, then this is a perfect structure for you to put in place.

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Who Else Wants to Learn How Clothes Can Make Life Easier!

Category: Apparel

How MMA Apparel Can Make Life Easier This might seem like a joke at first, but this is

MMA Shirts

for real. Wearing MMA clothes can really make your life easier in many ways. For those of you who haven’t experienced it yourself get some new threads, whether it’s a Tapout T-shirt, some American Fighter shorts or a UFC baseball cap and see how it works. The UFC and MMA is so loved by people of both sexes and of all ages it is the topic of so many random conversations these days from the supermarket to the post office. So using your MMA clothes as an icebreaker you can meet new people and get what you want easier. This also works great with women. Of course women all love clothes and may compliment you any way, but this makes it easier.

Wearing your Tapout, Hitman, Throwdown gear or other MMA inspired clothing wherever you go will no doubt generate the opportunity for a lot of conversations and meeting new people. This usually starts with them asking if you are a real UFC or MMA fighter – a great opener for getting a fun rapport going with the opposite sex, and hey if they think you are tough too, what’s the harm. This also works exceedingly well outside of the US and Canada where these types of MMA clothes are more rare.

MMA Camo UFC Shirt

You can easily be mistaken for a real UFC or MMA fighter and get to lap up all the advantages that has. Don’t be surprised if the stewards at the airport when you land or are leaving ask if you are a fighter and offer to take you to the front of the line. Maybe eating a a restaurant will lead to a free meal or you may even get a free upgrade at your hotel. And even if not, worse case scenario you will at least look cool. Now you shouldn’t pretend to be someone you are not, but if they make the assumption, then great. And if nothing else it’s a great way to break the ice and make new acquaintances.

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How to Use Shuriken

Category: Ninja

One of the most important aspects of becoming a ninja is learning how to properly use the gear

ninja shuriken

that ninjas use. Throwing stars, or Shuriken are an important part of the ninja artform. Before you begin, it is vital to realize that these throwing stars are illegal in most states and you must never practice with one against a human being. Injuries are all too common and may be fatal. These are lethal weapons and are not designed for “fun.”

Build a proper target made out of plywood or drywall. This target should have a firm base and be strong enough to withstand several practice throws. Place the target at least ten feet away from you when you are first beginning. It will take time to develop the skills necessary to reach your target and hit it accurately. Practice in an area where there is no chance of hurting someone else or yourself.

Bat Throwing Shuriken

Begin by holding the star vertically in one hand. Place it between your thumb and index finger. Using a forward throwing motion, hurl the star at your target, snapping your wrist as you let the star go. Keep practicing until you are consistently hitting your target then move it further away. In time, you will be a master of the Shuriken.

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