What is a Kendo Uniform? | Understand what you're wearing

During kendo practice, the upper half of the body is covered with a gi and the lower half is covered with hakama .

Traditionally, you are not supposed to wear anything underneath your kendo uniform, but recently, for hygiene reasons and to protect yourself from the cold, more and more people are wearing thin underwear or T-shirts underneath . However, it is good manners to make sure that your sleeves and collar are not visible. In winter, especially, you want to protect yourself from the cold, but be careful not to let your shirt sleeves stick out from under your uniform .

Upper body: Dogi (uniform)

Kendo uniforms are designed to be easy to move in and absorb sweat well.

Before putting on your uniform, be sure to check for any fraying or tears . A disheveled or torn uniform not only diminishes the dignity of a kendo practitioner, but also poses a safety issue.

Examples of what not to do:

• The sleeves are too short (ideally there should be about 1cm of space between the kote and the gi)
  
  
• A uniform with holes or fraying
  
  
• Items with wrinkled collars
  
  

Careful attire is also a sign of a sincere attitude towards training.

Lower body: Hakama

After putting on the gi, you put on the hakama by putting one foot into each hole, just like putting on pants. It is characterized by a long string in the front and a hard board called a "koshiita" at the back .

The hakama also has five pleats on the front, which are said to symbolize the Confucian teaching of the "Five Morals and Five Constant Virtues."

• Five Relationships: Parent-child relationship, loyalty between ruler and subject, distinction between husband and wife, order of seniority, and trust between friends
  
• Five constants: benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom, faith
  
  

Furthermore, the single pleat at the back represents the "path of sincerity" and is said to symbolize the importance of the samurai spirit and courtesy .

How to wear a kendo uniform and hakama correctly | It's important to check in the mirror!

▶ How to wear a karate uniform

The uniform has two strings on the inside and two on the outside. Follow the steps below to put it on.

1. Put your arms through the sleeves <br data-start="1188" data-end="1191">First, put your arms through both sleeves and make sure your shoulders are properly aligned.

2. Tie the inner strings. <br data-start="1229" data-end="1232">Tie a bow with the string on the inside of the right side of the body and the string on the left side of your waist.

3. Tie the outer strings <br data-start="1273" data-end="1276">Lay the left side of the dress on top and tie the strings on the left side of the dress and the string under the right breast in a bow.

4. Check the collar <br data-start="1316" data-end="1319">Arrange the collar so that the right side is in front, and check the balance between the left and right sides and for wrinkles in the mirror.

Points to note:

• Wearing it right side up (right side down, left side up) → Wearing it left side up is the way the deceased wore it, so it is absolutely not allowed
  
  
• **The knot should be a horizontal knot (bow knot)** → Vertical knots look bad and are considered rude

▶ How to wear hakama

[Front side procedure]

1. Put one foot into each hole of the hakama like pants and attach the obi string above your waist (women should attach it at the narrowest part of their waist).
   
   
2. Cross the long front strings at the back, bring them back to the front, cross them again at the front and tie a bow at the back.

[Procedure for the rear side]

1. Insert the "hera" on the back of the waistboard between the tied front string and the uniform.
   
   
2. Bring the short back strings to the front and cross them
   
   
3. Pass one string under the front string and tie it securely.
   
   
4. Pass the remaining string under the side string and tuck it behind the waistboard.
   
   
5. Check from the side whether the silhouette is downwards in the front and upwards in the back.

Important points to note when wearing hakama:

• The ideal length of the hakama is one that covers the ankles slightly.
  
  
• If it is too long, it may get tangled around your feet and cause you to fall.
  
  
• If it's too short, your movements will be completely visible and it will look awkward.
  
  
• Arrange the strings so they are not visible from the outside
  
  
  

If you're unsure, check out the video!

How to Choose the Right Kendo Uniform and Hakama | Choose the Best One Based on Size, Material, and Purpose

▶ Tips for choosing the right size

Kendo uniforms are sized differently from regular clothing, using a number system (00-5). When choosing a size, it's important to consider not only your height, but also your build, arm and leg length, and gender .

For example, if you are 160cm tall, size 2 would be the recommended size, but if you are larger, you may need to go up one size. Women in particular should be careful as choosing a size based on men's standards can end up being too loose.

▶ Choose your hakama size carefully

Choosing the right size for your hakama is even more important than choosing the right size for your judo uniform. If the length is not right, you risk falling during practice or your opponent being able to read your movements.

If you are purchasing online, it is a good idea to measure your waist to ankle length beforehand. Many kendo equipment specialty stores have samples available for you to try on, so if you are unsure, you can visit the store and check them out.

▶ How to choose materials | Use different materials for practice and performance

Current kendo uniforms are made from the following materials:

Recently, synthetic kendo uniforms with an indigo-dyed look have also appeared, and there are an increasing number of products suitable for official events.
It is recommended to have multiple sets depending on the purpose , such as a formal cotton kendo uniform for rank examinations and a jersey material uniform for everyday practice.

Summary | Proper attire will take your kendo to the next level

Kendo requires not only strength, but also courtesy and good manners . Wearing a kendo uniform and hakama correctly is the basis for showing respect to your opponent, and is also an important point in rank examinations.

Even if you've just been wearing your kendo uniform for no particular reason, simply styling it properly can dramatically change the way it looks, giving it more dignity and credibility .

Please take this opportunity to reconsider your own attire and aim for a more beautiful and heartfelt kendo.