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Zori And The Tradition Of Martial Arts Footwear
Zori, is the name given to the traditional Japanese footwear, a specific type of Japanese sandal made from wood, that was once worn by everyone in Japan. The zori and slippers worn by the Japanese warrior and martial artist being distinct in their design from those worn by other members of the population.
Traditional clothing and non combat footwear such as zori and slippers were worn for the benefits of good health and hygiene practices historically intertwined in Japanese culture. The same values that include zori and slipper wearing are also embedded strictly in the practice of martial arts. The respect paid by following the traditions are to oneself and to ones opponent or host. The style and design of the zori or slipper would have been appropriate to the station of the individual. Zori and similar slippers are easy to put on and remove particularly bearing in mind the tradition of removing one's footwear before entering tea houses and private premises. Modern sports slippers and shoes are conceptually very similar in design to zori and other styles of japanese slippers and serve as an acceptable alternative.
Here at zenuniformjudogo.com we promote the practice of the traditional wearing of zori or slippers whether at training or competitions. They, of course, are to be removed before stepping onto the mat, entering the dojo and so on. By carrying out this form of cleansing, one states respect in having left behind all of the elements of the outside world physically, spiritually and symbolically. Therefore several purposes can be served in maintaining the tradition of wearing zori, slippers or other such martial arts footwear. Click here for mens modern zori and here for women's modern zori.
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