5 Great Tips to Help You Take Care of Your Taekwondo Uniform
The Taekwondo uniform, or dobok, has its own style which makes it unique to this particular discipline. Taekwondo is a type of martial arts that finds its origins in Korea and was put to use with the special forces group called the Hwarang. Through evolutions of several amalgamations of styles, Taekwondo mades its appearance. Now, one of the most practiced of the martial arts in the world, Taekwondo is also one of the only two martial arts to be in the Olympic games.
As with any type of martial arts, the way that you take care of your dobok is of vital importance. There is a lot of tradition that is involved with the martial arts and this does not stop with the Taekwondo uniform. Everything from the size that you buy to the way that you wash it are all important for when you show up at the dojang, or dojo, ready to practice, teach, or test.
Choose The Right Size for Your Outfit
Unlike many other clothes, the dobok is not sized in a small, medium, or large. They can be sized in centimeters which corresponds to your height, or with a number from 00 to 7. Each one though are dependent upon height, weight, and waist size. Choosing the right size is very important as it will dictate how well you will do in your practice. Pants that are too long will cause you to step on the hems and lose your balance. Tops that are too tight will not allow you to move with fluidity or ease.
Choose the Right Color for Your Martial Arts Outfit
One of the many mistakes that people make when purchasing their Taekwondo uniform is to buy different colors. Most schools require that beginning students wear all white doboks without any adornment at all. Of course, this is up to the sensei, and some allowances are made for wearing t-shirts. Colored, or those with black trim around the collars, are reserved for those who are black belts or on the verge of completing their test.
Wearing Your Uniform in the Correct Manner
Besides purchasing the right uniform for you, great care must also be taken in the way that you wear your dobok. The pants are put on with the label on the front inside. There is usually ties available for you to tighten your pants to a comfortable size. The top goes on much like a t-shirt, but with a little twist. There is an elastic that goes around your waist to a button under a flap to pull the back in tight. Make sure that the elastic is hidden by your top and not hanging down.
Sew Badges With Care on Your Taekwondo Uniform
After going to tournaments, or just showing off your school, you may want to sew a patch onto your uniform. Always make sure that the patch is sewn on the left side of your dobok and with small stitches. The last thing your sensei wants to see is a badly sewn patch in the wrong place.
Take Great Care When Washing Your Taekwondo Dobok
After each practice session make sure to wash your uniform. Use cold water on a gentle cycle and immediately hang it to dry. Once dry you should always iron your uniform to ensure there are no wrinkles.