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Hakama

Kendo hakama also come in blue or white. The hakama has five pleats at the front and one at the back. The five front pleats are said to represent the Gojo or five virtues Jin-Gi-Rei-Chi-Shin

Jin - Humanity

Gi - Truth and Justice

Rei - Courtesy

Chi - Wisdom

Shin – Faith

The pleat at the back of the hakama symbolises Makoto or sincerity.

Hakama are available in tetron, polyester, or cotton. Cotton hakama are available in various weights designated by a thread density number ranging from 5,000 to 10,000. As a rule cotton is preferable to synthetic materials as it is absorbent and the weight makes it hang better. It is also wise to buy the heaviest quality cotton you can afford as it retains its pleats better. When you buy a hakama the pleats are normally tacked with cotton. It will never look as good again, but the cotton has to come out before you use it.

Putting on the hakama takes some getting used to. You should always put your left leg in first and take it out first when taking off the hakama. The only rationale I have heard for this is that if you are attacked, you can easily drop the hakama and move forward with your right leg.