Street Clothes Week… it’s a student favorite at The Martial Arts Studio. Why? Because students don’t have to change into a uniform (a.k.a. Gi) before coming to class. They can train just as they are. And one less step is easier. Everyone likes easier.
But what’s the purpose behind Street Clothes Week? Well, chances are you’re not going to get in a fight while leaving martial arts class. Nope. Most likely something would happen while you’re out and about in regular clothes. So, you have to know what it feels like to throw that Front Kick in jeans. Or, how having a jacket on may affect your ability to get out of an arm grab. Makes sense, right.
But now, you’re probably asking yourself… OK if we’re not going to be wearing a martial arts uniform when being attacked, why wear one for training at all? Good question. And the answer probably isn’t what you think (like… because it’s traditional). We wear uniforms because it puts you in the right MINDSET for what’s about to happen… training.
See, what we wear sends a message… to ourselves and to others. Wearing bunny slippers and a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirt to work tells your boss that (1) you’re not going to take the day’s responsibilities seriously, and (2) you (hopefully) don’t have any in-person meetings that day. And, to your brain that outfit says, “I don’t really want to be here and am only going to do what I have to in order to make it through the day.”
How you dress sets the tone for not only how you think, but what you do. Dressing with a purpose gives you purpose.
So, that's why we train in uniforms. Not because they look cool ('cause they do), but putting on a uniform get you in the right head space for what's about to happen. Mindset matters.
