Martial Arts Equipment

Ryukyu Shorinji Ryu Karate Association Uniform Policy

This policy establishes the official uniform requirements for all students to maintain consistency, discipline, and respect for the traditions of Ryukyu Shorinji Ryu Karate Jutsu.

Required Uniform
All students are required to wear a clean, well-maintained white gi during training sessions, examinations, and official school events.

Embroidery Guidelines

• The gi may be embroidered with “Shorinji Ryu.”
• Approved embroidery placement is on the left front side of the gi.
• Embroidery must be neat, professional, and appropriate in size and style.

Patches and Placement

• School Patch: Must be worn on the left shoulder.
• Lineage Patch: Must be worn on the right shoulder.
• All patches must be securely attached and properly aligned.

Compliance
Students are expected to comply with this uniform policy at all times while participating in training or representing the school. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in corrective action as determined by the instructor.

Ryukyu Shorinji Ryu Karate Association Sparring Gear Policy

This policy establishes the required sparring gear for all students to ensure safety, reduce risk of injury, and promote a controlled training environment during kumite (sparring).

General Requirement
All students participating in sparring activities must wear approved protective gear. Gear must be in good condition, properly fitted, and worn at all times during sparring.

Required Sparring Equipment
The following equipment is mandatory unless otherwise directed by the instructor:

• Headgear: Protective headgear designed for martial arts sparring.
• Mouthguard: A properly fitted mouthguard must be worn at all times.
• Hand Protection: Approved sparring gloves or mitts.
• Groin Protection: Required for all male students; recommended for female students.
• Shin and Instep Guards: Protective padding covering the shin and top of the foot.

Additional Recommended Equipment
The following items are strongly recommended for enhanced safety:

• Chest protector (required for certain divisions or age groups as directed)
• Forearm guards
• Foot pads (if not integrated with shin guards)

7. Compliance
Students who do not have the required sparring gear or whose equipment is deemed unsafe will not be permitted to participate in sparring activities.

Note recess in the back of the composite makiwara, to allow 4 “1×4” planks to fit into a “4×4” bracket

This configuration can be placed in the ground also but be sure to coat the post with a protective coating if burying in the ground.

Now that we have our makiwara secured to the ground, let’s talk about the makiwara pad.

The top of the makiwara is typically covered with a pad. The traditional choice of the old masters was to use straw (hence the name maki-wara). In modern times, many people use high density foam or rubber covered by leather. You can make one yourself, for example, from a used tire or high-density closed-cell foam, or purchase one from a martial arts stores. There is even an expensive model from Shureido.

Making the leather makiwara pad is straight forward. All of the supplies can be procured from a hobby store. Cut the high density foam (or rubber) to size. Use a very thin layer of foam — you want just enough to provide a little protection for your knuckles. Too much foam will make the makiwara pad too “squishy,” which will reduce the amount of feedback you will get back from the makiwara.

Self Made Pad

is a pocket that is sewed from thick canvas. Inside the pocket, place a Ziploc bag filled with rice. The consistence of the rice is just perfect for hitting. As you use the makiwara pad, the rice will be gradually ground into flour. At that point, simply replace the content of the pad with a new batch of rice, and you are good to go again. You can also make the “pocket makiwara pad” of leather, so it can be more easily disinfected when multiple practitioners use the same makiwara.