Hakama Instructions

Hakama are a traditional piece of Japanese clothing originally worn by the samurai and now popular in some martial arts practices. They are essentially voluminous pants. However, putting them on correctly can be difficult. They are designed to be worn over other clothes, such as kimono or gi, and require an obi. An obi is a large ceremonial sash, worn like a belt, traditionally seen with kimono. The actual process of getting into hakama isn't hard once you get used to it. Be prepared to practice getting into hakama several times.

Things You'll Need

  • Hakama
  • Obi
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the hakama in front of you and step into it. Place the kosita-iba, the hard flat backboard, over the obi knot in the back.

    • 2

      Cross the front tie strips around your back, over the kosita-iba, and back around to the front. Tie them in the front and then back around and tie them again under the obi knot.

    • 3

      Take the back tie strips and wrap them around the front, passing through the knot you made with the front tie straps. Fold the extra length of the left tie into a 4-inch-long rectangle and hold it horizontally in front of the hakama. Wrap the right tie vertically around it several times, creating a cross-shaped knot.