Your Do-Gi & Obi

DO-Gi means Training uniform and is an extension of yourself. As such it is important to always keep it clean and ironed. Turning up to class in a dirty Gi is seen as disrespectful to your Sensei and fellow students.

OBI means belt. This too should be washed regularly as it will tend to soak up sweat and can smell if not kept clean.

During a lesson, should your OBI come loose or your Gi come untucked do not adjust it whilst facing your Sensei. This too is a sign of disrespect. Bow to your Sensei and tunr your back then kneeling down on your left knee adjust your Gi or Obi and then stand, turn and bow again to your Sensei.

Here is the correct manner in which to fold your Gi

Place the Jacket on the floor with the sleeves spread out to the sides.	Fold the sleeves, one at a time, inward across the chest of the jacket at the shoulder seam.
Fold the outer edges of the jacket inwards, one at a time..	..so that the width of the jacket is similar to that of the trousers once they have been folded lengthways.
Fold the trousers lengthways..
..then in half so that the label / name is showing	Place the trousers on top of the jacket
then fold the hem of the jacket up and over the trousers	then turning your attention to your OBI (belt) - fold it in half lengthways then in half again and again until it is roughly the length of your forearm. then place the Obi on top of your DO-GI

How to tie your OBI

Hold a section of belt approx. 12 inches long in your left hand against your stomach. Wrap the belt around your waist from left to right	As the belt comes back around to the front continue over the top of the first section ..	..wrap around a second time.
Tuck the uppermost part of the belt underneath both layers..	..to keep the belt together.	You should now have two equal tails. Cross these over in front of you with the tail in your left hand going under the tail in your right.
Then bring the tail from underneath up and over ..	..down through the hole you have created. Pull the OBI tight	Note: if you have done this correctly both tails should hang down rather than one side sticking upwards.