Dobok Care

Doboks take quite a beating. They become easily discolored with sweat, Gatorade, lunch, time or even mis-laundered. 

Here are some ideas for improving the look of your dobok and perhaps get rid of some of the stains that occur over time. 

General Cleaning:

1.  Always check out the label before washing.  Most of the polyester/cotton blends will recommend cold water washing. Warm works, but hot can bleed colors on the dobok (taekwondo-info). The black belt v-neck especially can bleed onto the white.  I have always washed my dobok in cold.  I like using Tide Boost Vivid once-in-a-while. It seems to help keep the whites whiter. 

2.  Never bleach your dobok.  The bleach will yellow and/or gray the uniform.  Your logos will definitely be affected.  One logo on our uniform, the red became pink after a bleaching.

3.  Stains can be removed in several ways. Different stains need different instructions.  This may help HERE.  Most directions include a pre-soak.  I have used the 1 part dish soap to 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide on mine.  I have recently used this on sweat stains with a bit of scrubbing and it worked like a charm.

4.  I haven't had a problem with using the dryer on high heat since there is polyester in the doboks, but again, follow the suggestion drying instructions.  I also use a fabric softener in the dryer as well as the washer.  I don't like clingy uniforms.

5.  If there is a problem with odor retention, It may help to soak the dobok in dish soap and vinegar for 20 minutes before the wash.  

6.  Turn the Dobok inside out to save the iron transfer as long as possible.  If it is embroidered, it is not necessary.


NOTE *****"Never, ever wash your belt!" It is tradition to show your experience with your belt. The white belt becomes dirty over time and training and becomes black.  And the black belt becomes white again over time.  A continue journey that doesn't end.***** 

Tournament time:

 1.  If you haven't had to deal with stains at a tournament, you either haven't gone to any or you are the luckiest person ever.  Kids and even adults can get something on their uniform even if it isn't their fault.  Sitting down on a bleacher gives opportunities galore for some extra, unwanted color on your dobok. Along with the books, Ipads, and snacks, a good suggestion to pack for the trip, would be something like Shout Wipe&Go.  That was the highest rated on Woman's Day.  If that is unavailable, a quick trip to the restroom to use water and a towel will definitely help to not let the stain set.

2. A nice clean and ironed Dobok gives a great impression to the judges for your Poomsae presentation, but also shows others the respect the athlete has for their uniform and their school.  A suggestion for Ironing your Dobok:   "Iron the trouser legs flat. So the creases are at the side of the leg not the front.  Iron the top like a T-shirt with the creases running down the outside of the sleeves.  Have a good look at any lettering on your dobok top. If it's embroidered it's fine to iron over. But if it's a plastic transfer type logo, you'll need to turn your dobok top inside out and iron it on the reverse."

3.  Many people try to stay in plain clothes for as long as possible or have warm-ups and/or track pants to put over the dobok pants.  

Respect:

1.  Folding your dobok

2.  Not only is it important to have your uniform clean and neat for tournaments, seminars, tests, special events, etc. , but we should have our doboks looking nice for class.

3.  Bring your dobok in a bag and label the inside of your dobok with your name.  A marial artist should be responsible for his uniform and belt.


Hope these tips have been helpful.  Please feel free to add your own tips below.  Keep lookin' sharp. 







KS

Taekwondo - At any age......

MTC has a variety of students that range from age 4 to age 73.  Every one of these students progress at their own rate and can benefit in different ways.  Classes are arranged to accommodate the needs of the different age groups because the methods of teaching may vary.

We start our youngest practitioners at 4 years old.  This 4-6 age group tend to be the time children can start holding attention longer and can develop their hand/eye coordination.  They follow directions better. Through learning confidence, they learn respect for themselves and other people. There is a lot of physical activity and we keep them engaged with games and a variety of movements. They start memorizing forms, kicks, block, strikes and self-defense.


Our next group is the 7-12 year old group.  They are energetic and alert.  They follow directions and Mayoclinic
start developing self-discipline.  They are able to start some managed strength training.  They work on their coordination, balance and flexibility.  "By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. These children are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, ..."

The Teenagers,13-17 year old, are involved in all aspects of the martial art.  They are very physical at this age and often enjoy the competition. They make connection with their team and their classmates.  They understand the tenets and deeper meaning of Taekwondo and the martial arts.  They often become leaders and instructors at this age.  They develop strength, agility, speed, flexibility, and balance.  Five reasons the Examiner gives for Teenagers to be involved in martial arts:  1. Fitness 2. Positive Self-Esteem 3. Socialization Skills 4. Stress Management 5. Self-Defense.  These certainly can be reasons for any age.



The 18-32 year old group is categorized that way because of the sparring classifications at

Nationals.  We group adults together for training, but there more diversity with adults than with children.  Our journey changes drastically as our body changes.  We become busy with life and try to fit training into our schedule. It becomes harder to recover from injuries.  But as an adult, it is almost more important to keep our bodies moving.  It is not only healthy to keep active, but healthy to relieve stress during these physically active time of our lives. 

The 33+ Group is the all inclusive adult group.  There are so many health benefits in this group.  Our balance is so important to maintain as we age and Taekwondo pushes us to work our core and challenge our balance.  Taekwondo techniques, forms and strategies challenge the mind.(Taekwondo Science). This group "play to their strengths. The advantage senior(older) taekwondo students have over youth.....is life experience.
Older students are often wiser. They think before they act. And they often have more self-control.
They have the mental toughness to push through tough training.
And they know the power of perseverance." Taekwondo-information


The Top Ten Benefits of Martial Arts from healthfitnessrevolution.com
for all ages:

• Total body workout
• Healthy lifestyle
• Self confidence
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Weight loss
• Improved reflexes
• Focus and stillness
• Teaches great morals and values
• Muscle tone
• Better mood

I have witnessed the growth of students of all ages.  It is a joy to see the confidence build.  In a world where their peers are not as fit or focused.  These students grow to realize their potential and that there are others that care and support their journey in a safe environment.  Whether that journey begins at 4 or 74, the benefits listed apply to all.





KS