One of the biggest things that sets White Dragon apart from other martial arts schools is our connection to tradition. A tradition that teaches not only a highly effective fighting system, but also the values that help students do well in everyday life. Values like respect for self and others, health, discipline, positive attitude, and martial spirit are a central part of traditional martial arts.

Wearing our school’s uniform is one important way you can express your support for the traditional roots of our system, and the values that system represents. It is for this reason that I ask each of you to wear the uniform proudly whenever you attend a lesson, class or do a personal workout at the school. Only when participating in combative workouts with others is it appropriate to wear the school’s black combative shorts and a school t-shirt.

The traditional Chinese jacket, kung-fu pants, and rank sash are hallmarks of traditional Chinese martial arts, and are meant to represent a student’s dedication to the school’s training and values. With this understanding, it becomes clear that wearing just any workout clothes when in the school falls far short of the kind of commitment to tradition we seek. Additionally, as a student moves up in rank, we depend on him or her to help our instructors teach the newer students by setting a good example in every way possible, including the wearing of the school’s traditional uniform.

As teachers and students of one of San Diego’s oldest and largest traditional martial arts organizations, we should be proud of what we have built together. Successful traditional schools that have been around as long as White Dragon are few and far between. So, help us celebrate the spirit and values of White Dragon by wearing our school’s uniform with pride.

Nathan Fisher – Founder, White Dragon Martial Arts