I do kenjutsu as well as my usual ju jutsu class and on Wednesday I’ll be wearing my hakama for the first time.  I’ve just worn my gi previously but decided to go all out and get the proper gear.

Having tried it on before the big day I have to say: Its complicated as hell!!!

How on earth do I work it?

I put on the jacket which is different to my usual gi as it has two small straps mid way up.  Then I put on the hakama (umanori 馬乗り “horse riding” divided variety) which has four straps – two at the rear and two at the front.  You need to get the straps tied while your hakama is falling down your legs and the jacket starts flailing open.

All very confusing – and it ended up looking a mess by the time I’d finished with it.  Hopefully I’ll be shown the proper way on Wednesday.  If so I’ll take a pic and post it up but in the mean time there’s one on the left in case you haven’t a clue what one is (its the blue thing – yes I know it looks like a skirt but it isn’t!)