Tying and Folding your Hakama

How should I tie my hakama on?
Good question, and perhaps the most often asked. Trying to devise a satisfactory set of written instructions for hakama tying is like trying to explain relativity...well, almost. Seriously, for now, the best method of transmitting the secrets of hakama tying is still the traditional sempai-to-kohai method, "Ask a senior student." There is no definitive way to tie on a hakama, since different arts have different requirements. Kendo and iaido practitioners, for example, often tie the back on first and then the front, while Aikido practitioners commonly do the reverse, finding that the hakama stays on better for taking ukemi. So start with your friendly sempai.

One thing is for certain: regardless of your style or art, your size, shape, experience level or anything else, your hakama needs a solid anchor. If you don't tie your obi tightly and securely (very tightly and securely), your hakama is sure to give you trouble.

To download a printable Adobe Acrobat PDF of the tying images below click here. In order to view the PDF file format you'll need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

All tying artwork by Dante Lividini. Copyright © 2002. Bu Jin Design.

1. Start with front himo
2. Bring both sides around back to front.

3. Cross and cinch.
4. Straps come around and tie into bow in front.

5. Tuck bow.
6a. Pull up back and tuck through.
(Traditional Koshiita) tie through himo and obi (belt).
6b. Pull up back and tuck through.
(Aiki Koshiita) tie through himo only.

7. Tie both sides in front.
8. Fold one strap into thirds and center over knot. Then hold folded strap while you loop the other around the folded straps and knot secure them together. Finally, to create the bow, take the rest, double it, and tuck behind the knot so that some stays showing on the bottom, and the top sticks up.

How should I fold my hakama when I've finished training?
The folding of your hakama following training can serve as a cooling down period, a time to reflect while performing a repetitive, somewhat meditative task. It also serves to keep your hakama looking good by sharpening the pleats, flattening out the himo and so on, making it ready for your next session on the mat. While there are a number of folding methods, here is a traditional one that works well:

To download a printable Adobe Acrobat PDF of the below image click here. In order to view the PDF file format you'll need a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.