Hakama, the special clothing
The Hakama is in Japan a formal dress—in about a counterpart to the local suit. If it is used in some Budo for the identification of black belts it is in sense to wear it. The motions are hidden because of the quiet legs thus increasing the concentration of your own and those of others. Visually you have a clue to the body proportions of up/down and move better. There is always plenty of room for wide stride. Your steps must be in concentration so that you don’t step into the hem of the hakama and gets stuck (see illustration to the right of Roman Schnittker).
A hakama is not a garment what you should buy early. First, it is quite difficult to deal with a hakama. The binding is unclear (principle kitchen apron), the wearing is not easy (the knot dissolves easily), the correct folding must be learned.
The 5 folds of the Hakama
The folds of the hakamas have a symbolic significance: so the two folds on the back of a Hakamas tells about the two war gods, Take-no-kami and Mikazuchi Futsu-Nushi-no-kami. The combination of the two lines represents the sun goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami. United they represent the principle of Wa (harmony).
The five lines on the front reminiscent of the five virtues:
Jin_(humanity, kindness),
Gi_ (integrity, fairness)
Rei_ (courtesy, etiquette, respect)
Chi_ (wisdom) and
Shin_ (sincerity, honesty, reality).
But remember always:
»You have to judge people especially after his vices. Virtues can be faked. Vices are genuine.«
(Klaus Kinski, 1926-1991)
