Gi with wide sleeves for jodo?

[A. Bakken]

I'm going to order a uniform from Daimyo Outfitters (http://home.att.net/~daimyo.outfitters/product_info.html), but I'm uncertain about which sleeve style I should choose. Has anyone tried using a gi with "Musashi style" (wide) sleeves for jodo? Do they get in the way (e.g. the jo getting caught up in the sleeves), or is it just a matter of getting used to them?

Any comments and suggestions would be most appreciated.

[Meik Skoss]

I don't know what the uniform you've described looks like, exactly, but if the sleeves are similar to those of a kimono then, no, they're not ideal for jodo training (I assume you're talking about the Shinto Muso-ryu version of whacka-sticks). That's why people wear uwagi when they train: it avoids getting the sleeves entangled with the weapons.

If, however, there's no way around it but to wear a kimono, then you probably ought to use tasuki (a cord used to tie the sleeves back and out of the way). There are several ways to put them on/take 'em off, dependent on the ryu, but it's not taught in Shinto Muso-ryu.

Hope this helps.

[A. Bakken]

Thanks for your reply, mr. Skoss. The gi design I'm referring to, is sort of half-way between a regular uwagi and a kimono.

Kimono:
http://home.att.net/~daimyo.outfitters/mifune.jpg

"Musashi sleeves":
http://home.att.net/~daimyo.outfitters/musashi.jpg

Regular:
http://home.att.net/~daimyo.outfitters/gaijin.jpg

I'll look into the tasuki cord, and discuss the matter further with my sensei. He recommended the semi-wide sleeves since I do iaido as well.

[Andy Watson]

Aage

I notice that in your signature block you call yourself a "ZNKR samurai".

If it is ZNKR iaido which you are doing then you should not be using "Musashi" sleeves. These are forbidden to be worn at gradings and taikai's under the ZNKR and EKF rules up to a certain grade and you would certainly look odd wearing them at a seminar. I would stick to regular if I was you.

Regards

[A. Bakken]

Andy,

Yes -- I practise ZNKR/SMR jodo and ZNKR/MSR iaido. I was not aware of the regulations to which you refer, and I am most grateful to have been informed.

PS -- the "ZNKR samurai" signature is somewhat tongue-in-cheek... ;)


Originally posted by Andy Watson
Aage

I notice that in your signature block you call yourself a "ZNKR samurai".

If it is ZNKR iaido which you are doing then you should not be using "Musashi" sleeves. These are forbidden to be worn at gradings and taikai's under the ZNKR and EKF rules up to a certain grade and you would certainly look odd wearing them at a seminar. I would stick to regular if I was you.

Regards

[Andy Watson]

Aage

You're quite welcome. As far as I can remember, you must use nagasode for 6th dan and above gradings (including embu's etc). Below that they are not accepted at any events. I think the reason is that you are "dressing" up your iaido even if you cannot deliver good techniques.

As for SMR jodo, nagasode are never worn.