Hakama meaning in Aikido

In Aikido, a Hakama is a traditional piece of Japanese clothing that practitioners wear over their white uniform. It looks like a pair of wide, pleated trousers or a long, flowing skirt.

In most dojos, students earn the right to wear a black or dark blue Hakama once they reach the level of black belt.

Here is what the Hakama means and does:

1. It Hides Your Footwork

The Hakama is long and wide, which completely covers your feet. Historically, samurai wore Hakama to hide their foot movements from enemies. In Aikido, this flowing fabric makes it harder for an opponent to see exactly how you step, pivot, or shift your weight.

2. It Represents the Seven Virtues

The Hakama has seven pleats—five in the front and two in the back. In Aikido, these pleats represent the seven traditional virtues of the Samurai code (Bushido):

• Jin: Benevolence or goodness
• Gi: Honor or justice
• Rei: Politeness or courtesy
• Chi: Wisdom
• Shin: Sincerity
• Chu: Loyalty
• Meiyo: Respect

3. It Connects to Tradition

Wearing a Hakama connects you directly to the history of Japanese martial arts. It requires special care, and students learn to fold it in a specific, precise way after every class to maintain its shape and show respect for the tradition.

A Note on Rank: While most schools reserve the Hakama for black belts, some Aikido dojos allow all women to wear them from day one for modesty, or allow all students to wear them regardless of rank.