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The history of the Hakama
The hakama is a traditional piece of samurai clothing worn over the top of a standard gi. Originally, the hakama was used to protect a horseman’s legs since leather was difficult to find in Japan so, a heavy cloth was used. The seven folds in the hakama (five in the front and two in the back) is said to have the following symbolic meaning:
Yuki - courage, valour and bravery
Jin - humanity, charity and benevolence
Gi - justice, righteousness and integrity
Rei - etiquette, courtesy and civility
Makoto - sincerity, honesty and reality
Chugi - loyalty, fidelity and devotion
Meiyou - honour, glory and reputation
In some clubs, only the black belts wear the hakama. In other clubs, everyone wears the hakama.