The Kendo Uniform
The hakama and gi (also called dogi), or pants and shirt respectively, is the standard kendo uniform of most schools. Kendo uses its very own specialized hakama and dogi set. The standard uniform is a dark indigo blue. In the old days, the blue dye that was used in the kendo uniforms was actually medicinal. The indigo dye was made from a special plant that was said to help heal bruises, cuts, and abrasions. Kendo dogi is very similar to judo dogi. In fact, they are so similar that they are often substituted for each other. It is, however, important to realize that while they may look and function similarly, they are different. Kendo dogi is thick and is designed for either comfort or protection. You will notice that the dogi is quite thick. This helps protect against blows from the shinai as well as the constant chafing of the bogu. 
The pleats of the hakama must always be present and are of the utmost importance. When machine washed, the pleats often disappear. Because of that, one must take the time to hand-wash, or dry-clean, their hakama. The five pleats, also called the gotoku (five virtues) in the front of the hakama and the sixth pleat in the rear represent the following:1. 仁-Jin (compassion) 2. 義-Gi (honor) 3. 礼-Rei (respect) 4. 心-Shin (sincerity) 5. 智-Chi (wisdom) 6. 真-Makoto (truth) As with most martial arts, there is a ritualized specific way to don the hakama and gi as well as a special way of folding the hakama and gi. These forms must always be adhered to as a way of showing respect to ones equipment. Be sure to visit the caring for your kendo uniform section in the Caring for your kendo Equipment page for information on how to upkeep and store your hakama and gi! Back to Kendo Equipment Page
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