Dojo: The room of the way. A martial arts school. A place to learn, grow, and become.
Girl: A human female (by chance or by choice) still growing, learning, and becoming. A woman in progress. Familiar; a term of endearment and sisterhood.
Dojogirl: A martial artist woman, wherever she goes, whatever she wears.
This blog is a place to combine my passions. I have been a practicing martial artist for 17 years, but I have loved clothing and costuming as long as I can remember. At first it was about playing dress-up: who is this person, and what does she wear while she’s doing her thing? Now I find that my approach is much the same. In dressing myself, I look for clothing that is conducive to my viewpoint and lifestyle as a martial artist, businesswoman, city dweller, and full-time office worker.
This past year, my life has shrunk, and my clothing has not had nearly as many opportunities to be worn and seen as in the past. I created this blog to remedy that. Other Dojogirls are welcome to submit write ups of their own or message me to make use of my space and wardrobe. All photos are of me, by me unless otherwise noted.
The clothing I showcase on this blog will fit this lifestyle and viewpoint by fulfilling one or more of the following criteria:
- Functional: I am an active person, and I don’t have time for clothing that restrains my movement. Winter clothes will be warm, summer clothes will be cool, and I could run in all of them. They will yield. They will breathe. They will feel good to wear.
- Technical: As a martial artist, I value precise technique and the time and dedication required to cultivate it.
- Beautiful: Beauty might be found in a line or a color, a texture, maybe a shape. Good technique builds off of and enhances beautiful raw materials. Poor technique can ruin them; think a fine chiffon marred by inferior stitching. Beauty comes through time and use too, like the patina on a loved leather jacket.
- Sustainable: As a martial artist, I believe in stewardship. Resources are limited, and behaving as if they are not is disrespectful and irresponsible. I believe clothing should be made to last, bought to keep, and appreciated for the time, effort, and resources that went into its creation. The clothing I showcase here will be a variety of items I have had for years, second-hand finds, rentals, and the occasional new item I intend to use, care for, and appreciate for years to come. When I can no longer be a good steward of my clothing, I will pass it on to someone who can be.
