When you wear your cosplay, chances are, you will get someone asking to take your picture. Rather than just standing there, consider striking an Itachi-like pose. This will help make you look even more like the character. Fighting stances are always great options, if you can hold them. Another option is to angle your body towards the camera slightly and mimic one of his hand seals. Itachi is a skilled, stern warrior, but he does not maintain eye contact with anyone unless he plans on interacting with them. If you really want to wow fellow cosplayers, you could try walking through the convention with purpose and determination, avoiding all eye contact. If you spot someone you want to talk to, try to get their attention by making eye contact before walking over to them. Itachi is cold, stern, and quiet. He does not talk much, nor does he show much emotion. Try to keep a straight face and your voice calm and level. If you do talk, keep your language smart and polished; this is a nod to the intelligent side of Itachi. Itachi is non-confrontational. If another cosplayer tries to initiate a play fight with you, try to avoid it or walk away (in character, of course!). A lot of anime characters have exaggerated personalities. That’s what makes them so fun on screen. In real life, however, this can end up being really annoying (if the character is hyper) or downright hurtful (if the character is mean or violent). It is perfectly fine to play off of Itachi’s coldness and seriousness, but don’t take it so far to the point where you actually hurt others. Remember, there is a distinct line between real life and anime. Lots of people like to get into character when they cosplay. You will often see characters from the same anime interacting with each other at a convention. There is nothing wrong with this, and it can be lots of fun. Be aware that not everyone will want to play along with you. If you try to interact with another ‘’Naruto’’ character and they don’t respond, stop and move on.  Don’t force people to interact or role play with you. Look for body language. If someone looks or acts uneasy, leave them be. You don’t have to become a black belt in martial arts, but they will help give you a better understanding of how to pose as him. Fighting styles to consider include: Judo, kickboxing, and boxing. Another benefit to martial arts is that they can help whip you into shape and unwind after a long, hard day. Cosplaying is for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, or body type. If you want to look just like the character, however, consider starting a workout regime to help build some lean muscle. How far in advance you do this depends on what your starting build is, and what your goal is. Don’t push yourself, however. Remember, Itachi is an anime character, and his exactly weight/height/build won’t be realistic or possible for everyone.  You don’t have to spend hours at the gym or starve yourself. In fact, this is not recommended at all. An easy way to get into shape is to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits, veggies, lean protein, and healthy grains. Do a few hours of light exercise, such as walking, weekly.

Summary: Watch the anime to get some ideas for poses. Learn Itachi’s physical quirks and try to mimic them when walking around. Try mimicking Itachi’s personality quirks when interacting with others. Focus on the good side of Itachi and tone down the bad. Know when it is and isn’t appropriate to act like Itachi Uchiha. Consider learning martial arts to help you get more ideas for poses. Consider getting into shape.


Protect your knuckles, loose ligaments, joints, and the bones in your hands with a wrap. Hand wraps are single strips of semi-elastic cloth with a thumb loop on one end and a piece of velcro on the other end. They come in a variety of colors, widths, lengths, and styles. You will need one wrap for each hand. Roll up your hand wrap so that the thumb loop is on the end. Beginning with the back of your hand, as opposed to the palm of your hand, prevents the wrap from loosening up when you make a fist. Wrap your wrist three times, keeping the wrap below the thumb loop. Position the wrap above the thumb loop and wrap the palm of your hand three times. Position the hand wrap diagonally along the palm of your hand--from the base of your pinky to the base of your thumb. Bring the wrap around the base of your thumb and between your pinky and ringer fingers. Pull the wrap between your pointer finger and thumb, positioning the wrap diagonally across the back of your hand. The wrap should form a “X” on the back of your hand. Move the wrap back to the base of your thumb. Form a second “X” by pulling the wrap between your middle and ring fingers in the same manner. Form a third “X” by pulling the wrap between your middle and index finger in the same manner. End this process with the wrap positioned at the base of your thumb. This separates the fingers. Wrap your thumb once. Pull the wrap across the back of your hand and around your wrist to the base of your thumb. Pull the wrap halfway around the thumb. Instead of going around the thumb, pull the wrap across the palm of your hand at the base of your fingers. The hand wrap WILL change directions.  This locks the thumb in place and secures the hand wrap. Wrap the knuckles. Pull the hand wrap around your knuckles three times. If you have extra length on your hand wrap, you may either wrap the knuckles additional times or make “Xs” around the back of your hand. Make sure the wrap doesn’t become too thick--you still need to put your gloves on! Finish wrapping your hands at your wrist and secure the velcro. This provides additional wrist support.

Summary: Roll-up your hand wraps. Wrap your wrist and palm.Insert your thumb into the loop so that the wrap lays over the back of your hand. Wrap your fingers. Lock your thumb. Secure the velcro.


Don't hit the snooze on your alarm or go back to sleep but get right out of bed to start your day on the move. You are more likely to get and stay energized by starting your day out active. This can take practice to make it a habit. Try placing your alarm clock out of arm's reach. This will insure that you need to actually physically get out of bed before hitting the snooze. You are more likely to start your day out groggily if you are sleep deprived. This can also hurt your motivation and your ability to not be lazy the following day. Get plenty of rest to make sure you're at your best when you get up in the morning, feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to start your day!  Everyone needs different amounts of sleep to function their best but shoot for at least six or seven hours. Put away all electronics and screens when you're winding down for bed. Try to get as comfortable as possible and block out any possible distractions that will keep your mind moving. Exercise first thing in the morning. This will help your energy level remain high and take advantage of peak hormone times. Exercise is also proven to help concentration and focus for the rest of the day. Don't skip breakfast. Breakfast has physiological benefits, but also mental and mood improving effects. Eating a healthy breakfast will help your energy level stay up, your brain function peak, and even improves memory and concentration.
Summary: Start your day right. Get plenty of rest. Start your day out on the move.