In Karate, discipline is expressed not only through movement but also through appearance and respect. One of the most fundamental — yet often overlooked — details of Japanese clothing, including the Karate uniform (karate-gi), is the way it is wrapped. Wearing it correctly shows understanding, humility, and connection to Japanese tradition.
1. The Correct Way to Wear It
Both a kimono and a karate gi are crossed at the front. The correct way is simple but essential:
👉 Left side over right side.
When you put on your gi jacket (uwagi), you should always:
Hold the right flap against your body first. Then bring the left flap across the chest, covering the right. Tie your belt (obi) around the waist to keep everything in place.
This way of dressing is called “hidari-mae” (左前) — literally “left side in front.”
It’s the proper and respectful style for living people in Japan.
2. Why It Should Never Be Worn the Other Way
In Japanese culture, wearing the right side over the left (migi-mae, 右前) has a very different meaning.
That way of wrapping clothing is used only for the dead — when preparing a body for a funeral or cremation.
Thus, if someone wears their gi or kimono with the right side on top, it unintentionally symbolizes death. In martial arts, where tradition and respect are core values, this is seen as a serious mistake and sometimes even as a bad omen.
3. The Symbolism in Karate
Karate is more than a physical discipline — it’s a spiritual practice rooted in respect (rei 礼) and mindfulness.
Wearing the gi correctly is part of that respect:
Respect for the art and its Japanese origins Respect for your sensei (teacher) and dōjō Respect for the tradition passed down through generations
When a karateka ties their belt and closes their gi correctly, they demonstrate not just neatness, but also awareness — a key principle in martial arts.
4. A Simple Rule to Remember
“Left over right — for the living.
Right over left — for the dead.”
In Japanese:
生きてる人は左前、死んだ人は右前。
(Ikiteru hito wa hidari-mae, shinda hito wa migi-mae.)
So the next time you put on your Karate gi, remember — the way you dress is the first bow of the day.
Karate Kenkyū Shitsu 