In previous articles we have already talked about clothes for training, namely about keikogi, or, as we say, “kimono”. We talked about how to choose and buy a kimono for aikido correctly. What is the difference between gi for judo, karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and taekwondo. What kimono to choose for an adult and not only. A full article on this topic can be found here. We also managed to talk about such a convenient addition to training clothes as a rashguard. We have devoted a separate article to the peculiarities of compression clothing and its use in martial arts. Today we will talk about another important component of training equipment – about hakama.

Robe of aristocrats and samurai

Hakama is traditional Japanese clothing, without which it is unthinkable to imagine a samurai or a person who has devoted himself to the comprehension of martial arts. Initially, these are wide and long pants for men. In the Middle Ages, wearing hakama was allowed only for a part of the population of Japan:

• court aristocracy;
• clergymen;
• samurai.

Depending on the level of formality, hakama have always been different and differ in color and fabric from which they are made:

• for everyday wear, people used hakama made of cotton or wool. As a rule, monochromatic;
• for special occasions, they were made of silk and could be of completely different colors and with the most incredible patterns.

Commoners were allowed to wear this item of clothing on exceptional occasions, such as, for example, their own wedding day. Thus, hakama was very often inherited from father to son and was a very expensive family heirloom.

In addition, it is worth noting that there was a separate type of hakama for going to an appointment with the emperor. This robe was distinguished by an incredible length of trousers, which made it difficult to move and made it impossible for a surprise attack on the monarch. The length could reach four or even five meters, and it was possible to move in such vestments only on the knees.

Popularity of hakama

Over time, the wearing of this element of clothing became much more widespread among different faiths of the population, including among commoners. Up to the point that hakama began to be worn even for ordinary work in the field or in the forest.

Hakama began to be worn by women, which led to the appearance of a separate appearance, more like a skirt. The name can be literally translated from Japanese as “hakama lantern”. There was no longer a division into two separate legs and, unlike the male version, which is tied at the hips, the girls fix it at the waist.

In the modern world, the Japanese also actively use hakama, but they mainly wear them for official events: weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies and more. But girls often use them as prom dresses to pay tribute to tradition.

Hakama and martial arts

Undoubtedly, hakama is an important element of training attire and is used as an addition to keikogi, or as we say “kimono”. It is widely used in the following areas:

• aikido;
• kendo;
• kenjutsu;
• ju-jutsu and more.

Sumo is not worn during fights, but is a mandatory attribute of sumo wrestlers when appearing in public during official events.

Initially, wearing a hakama was a must for all martial arts practitioners. Coming to training without this part of the attire was considered a huge disrespect for the teacher. There were no standards for the type of hakama, but they had to be put on from the first lesson. After all, among other things, this element of clothing has a deep meaning.

A feature of the hakama cut is the presence of seven folds, five of which are located in the front and two in the back. These folds symbolize the 7 virtues of budo that every practitioner should aspire to:

• generosity;
• honor and justice;
• politeness;
• wisdom and intelligence;
• sincerity;
• devotion;
• piety and respect for elders.

Now, in most martial arts schools, wearing a hakama is the prerogative of masters who have reached the black belt. But it can vary depending on the direction. In Applied Aikido, wearing a hakama is permitted from a black belt, 1 Dan.

Meaning or hakama

It is not a secret that martial arts training is not only about the body. Upbringing of the personality has always been and should be an important component of the training process. As in ancient times, so in the modern world, virtues always remain so.

Generosity – it is impossible to just take without giving anything in return. And here we are talking not only about material goods. Gratitude, respect, help and more. All these things do not cost money, but we can always share them. Equally, it is impossible to learn without sharing your knowledge. Then the training will not be complete. But we’ll talk about this in another article. In order not to miss it, subscribe to our Facebook page.

Honor and justice are extremely important concepts. And important at all times. We can talk as much as we like about the injustice of the world. But this is not a reason to bend under it and stop being human. It is important to live so that you are not ashamed to look other people in the eyes because of inappropriate actions. After all, it is our deeds and our behavior that make us who we are. And you should always strive to be better.

Politeness and good manners now, unfortunately, very often become worth their weight in gold. Although the words “thank you”, “please”, and others are not so difficult to learn and use. And their use is always highly regarded. Do not forget that children learn all these words at home. And if you want them to use these words, just use them yourself.

Our mind needs training as well as our body. It is impossible to develop one without the other. It has been scientifically proven that exercise improves your ability to learn and absorb new information. Train both body and mind. Chess, books, foreign languages. Anything. Be open to new knowledge. And always try to act wisely, not impulsively.

Also an important trait of a budo learner is sincerity. There should always be complete trust and openness between the students. Just as the teacher should not deceive the student, so the student should be honest with his master. And outside the tatami, it is also important to remain a sincere and honest person.

Devotion and loyalty are not included in the list of virtues by accident. And it’s not only about human relations, it’s also about dedication to one’s work, one’s ideals, one’s goals and dreams. You should never stop, even if there are difficulties along the way. You always need to stay true to yourself.

Martial arts are always directly related to respect. This is the foundation of everything. Respect for elders and those who are younger than you. Respect for the enemy. Respect for those who are next to you. Self-respect. No wonder it is said that you need to treat people the way you want them to treat you.

These are the seven virtues of budo, which symbolize the folds on the hakama. After all, this is not just a piece of clothing. This is a symbol that is worth wearing when you understand why and why you are doing it. And it is these things that make the black belt bearer a Master of his craft. As well as relentless training.

If you decide to sign up for a lesson with us or to enroll a child in aikido, all the necessary contacts, the schedule of classes and the location of the dojos can be found here.