Uniforms and Patches
When watching a Karate America Class, you will notice different uniforms on different students. Similar to Belt Ranks, Uniform Color indicates which phase of their martial arts development a student is in. Earning a new uniform is not like getting a new outfit, it really means that the student has achieved a new level of dedication in their training.Uniform Progression
White
New students will earn and begin their training in a traditional white uniform. The Karate America Logo is screened on the gi top in red, blue and black on the back.
White and Blue
Black Belt Team Members wear their white gi top and new blue pants. This is to signify a Black Belt Team recommendation has been earned, and the student has decided to make a personal commitment to earn their Black Belt in the future.
Blue
Students on Leadership Team receive a full Blue Uniform. The logo on the gi top is embroidered. The full blue uniform indicates that the student has decided not only to earn their Black Belt in the future, but to enrich their training further with weapons training and leadership class.
Red
Black Belts continuing to Masters Team earn a Red Uniform. The Karate America Logo is embroidered on the gi top, along with the student's first initial, last name and home school. A red uniform indicates a student who is looked to as an example and role model by other students. Out of respect, we address these students as "Mr. or Mrs." and "Sir or Ma'am."
Red and Black
Instructors can be recognized by their Red Top and Black Pants. These Black Belts have shown a talent in instructing, and will take leadership roles in class. By working with the Primary Instuctor, these students will hone their instruction skills while providing an example for all other students in the school. Out of respect, we address the instructors as "Mr. or Mrs." and "Sir or Ma'am."
Black
The Primary Instuctor wears a Black Uniform. He or she is the certified Instructor of classes. Out of respect, we address the Primary Instuctor as "Mr. or Mrs." and "Sir or Ma'am."
Uniform Patches
You can learn a lot about a student's training in the Martial Arts through their patches. A patch is earned for a particular acheivement or milestone, and is work on the left shoulder of the gi top. At each uniform level, different patches can be earned. A Masters Team Student in a full red uniform will also wear the patches earned when they were wearing a white or blue gi top. In this way, the patches worn on a student's shoulder show the journey they have taken as a karate student.
The BLACK BELT TEAM patch is one of the first patches earned, showing commitment to earning your Black Belt. It is worn with the bottom edge aligned with the left shoulder seam. This patch can be earned while a student wears a White or Blue top.
