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On special occasions, advanced instructors may also wear the hakama’ the black pleated traditional trousers worn by the samurai of old. The hakama is worn over the trousers of the karatedogi with the obi on top.

The karatedogi was originally the underwear worn by monks. Its white color was a symbol of purity. The belt ranking system has been derived from the monks' ranking system according to the surplice (kesa) worn around their necks.

How to wear the karatedogi

The karatedogi must be large enough to allow complete freedom of movement. The jacket must completely cover the hips and its sleeves must cover more than half of the forearms. The trousers must be long enough to cover more than half of the calf, and the belt long enough to be wound twice around the hips, tied with a square knot, and leave about one foot hanging down on each side of the knot. The trousers must be pulled on first with one end of the drawstring passed through the loop in front before tying them up at the waist.

The jacket is then put on with the left flap coming over the right flap (this enabled the samurai to draw their swords more easily). The strings on each side of the jacket must be tied. To put on the belt, hold the middle in front of your navel and wind it twice around your hips; tie it up with a square knot, after having pressed the loose end under the first turn of the belt so as to avoid constricting the stomach when someone pulls on your belt.