Beginner Aikido students wear uniforms called aikidogi. Those of upper (dan) grades usually wear wide trousers called hakamas and thick, kimono-like jackets. In some schools, women are allowed to wear hakamas earlier than men. The hakama serves as an easy indicator of the senior grades to aikidoka who need assistance or instruction.
Aikidogi
The hakama is a skirt-like pants and is a traditional Japanese garment. It was originally worn by Samurai to protect their legs while horse riding. Modern-day hakamas are adorned with five pleats in the front and two pleats in the back to represent virtues.
|
Fold
|
Virtue and significance |
|
1
|
Chugi - loyalty to their master and peers |
|
2
|
Gi - worth and morals |
|
3
|
Jin - kindness and compassion |
|
4
|
Makoto - honesty and the trustworthiness |
|
5
|
Meiyo - status and honors |
|
6
|
Rei - social actions and courtesy |
|
7
|
Yuki - courage and bravery |
The hakama is traditionally belted over the jacket. A Black belt wears a black hakama and white jacket; a teacher wears a black hakama and black jacket; a master wears a white hakama and white jacket.
Like challenges? Take the Aikido Quiz.
