|
 The
Hakama is a pair of pleated pants, worn over a gi. In Jujitsu, Hakamas
are often worn on formal occasions such as Shiai (tournaments) or
promotions. Originally designed to protect the legs of a horseman, the
samurai continued to wear the Hakamas to set them apart from others. The
traditional Hakama is black or navy in color and can on occasion be
found in white or with a pattern). As with many aspects of martial arts,
the Hakama has it's own traditions. For instance, the Hakama is
symbolic in the martial arts. It has seven pleats two in the back and 5
in the front.
Each pleat is representative of the
following:
-
Chugi - loyalty
-
Gi - integrity
-
Jin - humanity
-
Makoto - sincerity
-
Rei - courtesy
-
Meiyo - honor
-
Yuki - bravery
There are a few traditional ways to wear and fold the
Hakama. Below are two thumbnails on the proper procedure to put on
the Hakama and how to fold the Hakama. The best way to set out to
fold the hakama is to make sure you have plenty of room. Some
schools will allow their students to use the tatami (mats) (after class
has ended).
note - these graphics were found at
http://www.aikidofaq.com & http://lara.wortech.ac.uk/mpeggs/html_sub/hakama.html |
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