Why is the Karate Dogi White?

Why is the Karate Gi  (dōgi 道着) White?

---

I was asked this question recently by a student at Ryushinkan Brighton Dojo. Here are my thoughts!

This is a great question especially as the Karateka takes such care and pride over the presentation and maintenance of the Dogi.
 
It is believed that the modern Karate Gi derived from the Judo uniform adopted by Jigoro Kano. White cotton was often cheapest, and dyes would fade easily. I guess much like today cost and obtainability played a part especially as Karate classes started being taught on mass around the 1940’s.

Was the Karate Gi a marketing tool to popularise KarateDo?

It has been claimed that when Jigaro Kano’s Keiko Gi (稽古着) was formerly adopted by Karateka, that it was in an attempt to make the Okinawan art of Karate more appealing to the Japanese on the main land, The Japanese had at the time in part, looked unfavourably on Okinawan's and their fighting systems. 

What about a deep and meaningful answer…

​In Karate there is always a deeper meaning, and in this case we can look at a few different historical references and theories. The samurai, immaculate in dress and prepared to die in battle, would wear a white Gi like undergarment beneath their Kimono, White in Asian culture, can be a symbol of death…possibly dressed prepared to die in battle?
 
Also by wearing a single colour of Karate Gi it forms unity and can remind us that we all start the same, mutual respect is always observed. Finally, the Gi is perfect for the job! Ease of movement, breathability, and comfort are all in support of the design. Perhaps this is a case of simple clothing with minor adjustments to compliment the physical aspect of Karate practice.

Why is it so important to keep the Dogi immaculate?

​Sensei always emphasized the importance of a clean, ironed, tidy Dogi, I can still hear his voice now every time I’m in a rush for class and haven’t had time to iron my Gi… “Clean Tidy, make sure its clean and tidy!”
 
Keeping our Karate Gi clean reflects deeply on how we approach our training, A Karateka that shows pride in their appearance will more likely take pride in their efforts during training. Karate is not a sport, the way of Karate (Do) means that every part of the practice is important to us. The physicality and repetitive training that we, as Karateka undertake, is no different to the etiquette. Bowing and cleaning the Dojo (Soji 掃除) all form the very backbone of the mental development process. Being mindful of etiquette is to bring the mind into the present, this practice over time helps to develop the character, etiquette requires concentration, constant attention and self reflection. With time we become mindful of others, and sensitive to the needs of our fellow students.