Manners for Chakuso ( attire )
Chakusou (Kendo attire), consisting of the kendo uniform (dogi), hakama, and protective gear (men, kote, do, and tare), must be worn correctly to ensure ease of movement and safety, as well as to enhance appearance. Just as the shinai is considered a samurai's sword, the kendo-gi and hakama are the samurai's formal attire and are NOT simply athletic wear.
How to wear a kendo-gi and hakama
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Do-gi: Tuck the hem into the hakama and align the collar. First, tie the right string in a bow on the inside, then tie the left string on the inside. Tie the outer string in the same way, with the right side on the bottom and the left side on. The ideal sleeve length of your do-gi should slightly reach the kote-futon.
- Hakama: Put on the left foot first and adjust the position of the waistboard. Cross the front strings at the back and tie them in front (straight knot). Cross the back strings and wrap them around your lower abdomen, then pass them under and tie them securely. When viewed from the side, the front should be lower, and the back should be higher.
Tips for beautiful Chakuso
- Tie the men's strings tightly so they do not twist and come loose.
- The length of the men's strings are short (within 40cm from the knot).
- When viewed from the side, the front should be lower, and the back should be higher. reaching down to about mid-ankle.