Kendo Uniform
Kendo is known as one of the traditional Japanese Budo or martial arts that came from the Samurai warriors from the period of feudal Japan. The practitioners of this art make use of a special Kendo gear that is worn over training wear that appears just like a kimono. The Kendo uniform consists of two specific parts: one is the keikogi or the coat-like top, and the hakama which appears as skirt-like trousers; there are several martial arts such as Aikido, Judo, Iaido, and Kyudo that make use of similar types of uniforms just like the Kendo gear.
Keikogi (Jacket)
The Keikogi (or sometimes called the Uwagi) is a kimono-like garment that is known as the top half portion of the martial arts uniform; when putting on the Keikogi, its inner portion should be tied while its outer pairs of strings or himo should be set in neat bows. Its outer bow should be set in a horizontal position and the bows loops and additional himo should be of equal length. One should also ensure that the Keikogi closes perfectly right at the collar bone since it is very improper for one to wear this while it is gaping open; it is also a must that the Keikogis collar fits snugly against the back of ones neck. Normally, nothing is worn beneath the Keikogi except for women who usually wear sports bras or something equivalent to this. If someone decides to wear something beneath the Keikogi such as an undershirt or even a T-shirt, they must ensure that none of the fabric is visible through the Keikogis collar.
Hakama
All Kendo gear whether these are for men or women must include a hakama; these feature seven pleats where five can be found in front while there are two located at the back. It is said that all the pleats of a Hakama represent the Way of the Samurai or the Bushidos seven virtues; and to wear the Hakama, one should step into it with the left foot first, and then followed by the right. After this, the waistband should be worn next and it should move all the way up to ones waist; if the obi is worn, the waistband of the Hakama should be positioned flush with its upper edge. Take the front long belts to the wearers back then cross it right over the left, positioning it just above the obi; after this, bring the belts back to the front just below the waist in a downward angle before crossing these over the left portion.
From the front where the belts were previously crossed, return these to the back and tie these in a proper bow. Make sure that the bow is located below the obi, and if there are any signs of bulging or uneven areas, pull the Keikogi down to straighten out any signs of bunching. After, pull the back portion of the Hakama before setting the small spoon-like item that is attached to the Koshita (back plate) behind the long belts that are positioned just above the obi.
From the back, bring the smaller belts to the front while making sure that these are positioned on top of the longer descending belts; cross these over right where the long belts previously crossed over. Once done, bring the right shorter belt under, then up and behind the long crossed belts that are located in front of ones waist; bring these down over the front then tie them in a knot using the short left belt. Pull the knot tight then tuck any other excess behind the descending shorter belts that are found on either side of the hips.
Kendo Uniform Etiquette
They say that Kendo begins right when an individual sets foot in a Dojo, yet this is not true since before engaging in the practice of the martial arts, one must be fully equipped with the right gear and materials to begin. One should have the proper Kendo uniform and this includes the Keikogi and the Hakama; wearing these may sound simple yet there are certain processes and procedures that must be followed when putting the Kendo uniform on. One should also ensure that the Kendo uniform that they are wearing is in excellent condition; the Hakama should have been folded adequately and every inch of the uniform should be clean. Exhibiting a poor Kendo uniform shows great disrespect and it is also a must that one knows how to properly wear this, as well as how to properly fold the Hakama.
Purchasing a Kendo Uniform for Sale
When searching for quality Kendo uniform for sale, one may notice that there are similar uniforms but are made specifically for other martial arts such as Judo, Iaido, Aikido, and a lot more. Some beginners confuse these and think that other martial arts uniforms can be worn for Kendo: the Iaido uniforms are black and consist of the gi top and a hakama; the top is often thinner compared to the ones used for the Kendo uniform. Aikido uniforms feature a white top and a black hakama; the only main difference of this and the Kendo uniform is the presence of the spoon-like item that is found behind the Hakama of the Kendo uniform.
Keep in mind that once an individual is aiming for a Kendo rank, having the appropriate Kendo gear is necessary which is why everyone who wishes to practice Kendo should shop for their own Kendo uniform for sale.