Uniform - General Info
The kendo uniform is comprised of the keiko-gi and hakama. These garments are well suited for the demands of kendo. They are also complementary to kendo’s overall aesthetic qualities.
1. Basic Components
Keiko-gi
The keiko-gi, also called kendo-gi or do-gi, is a jacket-like garment made of thickly quilted cotton fabric. The resiliency of the material provides a level of protection from bumps and stray strikes that may be encountered during a kendo practice. The quilting helps absorb perspiration and facilitates drying. Keiko-gi can be found in several different colors and patterns; the most common are solid colors of bleached white and dark indigo blue.
Hakama
The hakama resembles a pleated skirt in its outward appearance, but is actually a trouser-like garment with individual pant legs. The hakama is well suited for kendo as it allows good air circulation around the legs and lower body, and permits unrestricted movement. Hakama made for kendo are of cotton or Tetron (polyester) material and, like the keiko-gi, are most commonly found in solid colors of bleached white and indigo blue.
The pleats of the hakama are symbolic of six fundamental virtues. Viewing the hakama from the front and identifying the pleats from left to right, the first five virtues are:
1st: Jin (mercy)
2nd: Gi (righteousness)
3rd: Rei (etiquette)
4th: Chi (intelligence)
5th: Shin (trust).
6th: Makoto /Chu-kou (loyalty/allegiance) - The sixth virtue is represented by the back pleat.