There has been a lot of talk about not wearing a martial art uniform these days. Many instructors fail to realize that the dress of the Shaolin monks itself was a uniform, and that because of most instructors wanton pride in showing that they do not have to bow-down to traditional teachings they ignore the fact that the uniform itself is a source of power, at least in the minds of the wearer and in certain instances in the mind of the enemy as well.

The uniform worn by knights during hand to hand combat in medieval times was worn over their chain mail (a coat made of chain) and was in the colors of their house and usually emblazoned with their armorial bearings. The uniform made them recognizable by all armies in Europe. Pride in the bearer and fear in the enemy were established because of this recognition. Near the end of the seventeenth century, when the use of firearms were introduced, uniforms became standardized. Different designs, colors, and trims identified individual countries, units, or ranks. Yet one function has remained the same for all uniforms, after practicality, it must be comfortable and show the level of skill attained.

The Association uniform is more a representation of skill that is attained, than a ranking that is awarded. However, there are five major reasons for wearing a uniform.

Reason 1 "Altering the state of consciousness."
When a place of higher consciousness is entered (a world that doesn't exist elsewhere) one awakens to a higher level of understanding. This "altered state of consciousness" happens because this new place is different from the "street" and "regular life." When the "altered state of consciousness" occurs one may ask, "how can I continue this feeling during the days I am not in the Kwoon (school)?" There are two answers that can be given here. The first and most important answer is to meditate. The second is to practice in a place where the uniform can be worn. Both will recreate the heightened mental creativity found only in the Kwoon. Only when martial art practitioners respect and take their uniform seriously, a mental transformation takes place—forgive the analogy, but that may be the reason why Superman changed into his uniform before coming to the rescue.

Reason 2 "Uniformity."
The principle of being organized is never more evident in any martial art than when viewing the highly organized empty handed boxing forms of Wing Chun. A person who knows this principle knows how to put not only things, but also one's life in order. This person has learned what to do, how to organize any situation, and can be depended on to do the proper things in a stressful situation. When a person has learned what is most important in sequence, a step-by-step process begins to develop. First a filing system in the practitioner as the brain develops. Second, the practitioner gains knowledge. The third and final process is when the practitioner attains the power of true learning.

Just as technique must be organized, people must also be organized. A uniform will help arrange people into categories and show them as being united together for a common purpose. This is how one can tell at a glance who is the superior and who is the subordinate. The uniform must also be organized; cleaned and pressed inside and out and neat from top to bottom. A person who knows the principle of organization knows the importance of subordination and uniformity.

Reason 3 "Commitment."
When a person values a uniform that person becomes more committed to the art in which they belong for a greater length of time; even to the completion and ultimately the mastery of the art of Wing Chun.

Reason 4 "Practicality."
A uniform must be comfortable. If a practitioner can remain comfortable, practice sessions will be longer--more time equals greater ability.

Reason 5 "Retaining the integrity of the art."
The uniform helps to retain the integrity of the art. Martial arts are just that—fighting art. All instructors strive to teach moves, principles, history, and etc. they also try to preserve the art. Wearing a uniform displays from where the art hails; China, Korea, or Japan.

Finally in my opinion a uniform should be worn in class and at personal work out times. To ignore the usefulness of a uniform is to ignore the roots of the art in which it comes. It mocks the very source in which their art hails. To misuse or over rate a uniform will only lead to pridefulness in the wearer and may quite possibly destroy the art in which they seek to preserve.