Taking care of your equipment

Hi everyone!

Announcements: Extra training is on this Wednesday (21/12/11), 10am-12noon at the martial arts hall.

The juniors will be getting/already gotten all their equipments and gi so I've decided to write what I know here about taking care of your equipment and stuff (cos I'm bored).

Choken
Leave it in the plastic tube if you can to prevent it from bending. Sun your choken occasionally or else it'll smell cos of all the sweat.

Helmet
Preferably no direct sunlight if you intend to sun it, the outer layer might crack. Wipe it after you use it.

Gi
Remove the black tag found at the bottom of the top. Soak it in bleach for a few hours once every 1-2 months if you want your gi to be sparkly white (but since all of your gi are new you guys can ignore this for now). Wash your gi early, the top takes a lot more time to dry than normal clothes. Fold your gi pants and sleeves during training if you find it too long unless you want to fall down. P.S. Your gi will shrink over time.

Belt
Remove the logo. Soak your new belt in warm/hot water for a few hours/half a day to soften it. Do NOT mix with other clothings unless you want to try and dye your clothes. Add a bit of white vinegar to prevent the colour from 'running'. Paste the gold ribbon at the tip of your belt (about 2 fingers spacing, or 3 for my case -.-). After tying your belt, the gold tip should be on your right.

Bokken
Nothing for bokken yet. XD

Learn how to tie your belts and helmet bag from any of the seniors and practise at home. Do some markings on your equipment to prevent mixing up, you wouldn't want to use someone else's helmet would you? If you intend to practise at home, make sure you have LOTS of space around and above you. *coughs* quite a few cases of people smashing/breaking things *coughs*

That's all that I have for now. ^^/

Sincerely
Tan Yu Fang
Social & Welfare