The Hakama and Its Meaning

The Hakama is the baggy pair of pants, which are worn over
top of the training uniform (dogi).  O-Sensei was strict in
his requirement that all students wear hakamas. This was
not a difficult request in traditional Japan because most
new students were able to borrow a hakama from an older
family member. As Kendo spread around the world,
O-Sensei's requirement that all students wear a hakama was
relaxed, so most dojos no longer require that all
students wear hakamas.  However, by wearing a hakama the
student shows his or her commitment to the Kendo Keiko
and the principles that underlie it.

O-Sensei said:

"The hakama is intended to symbolize the seven virtues of
Budo. They are jin (benevolence), gi (honor and justice),
rei (courtesy and etiquette), chi (wisdom and intelligence),
shin (sincerity), chu (loyalty) and koh (piety). We find
these qualities in the distinguished samurai of the past.
The hakama prompts us to reflect on the true nature of
bushido.  Wearing it symbolizes the traditions that
have been passed down from generation to generation.
In our practice we must strive to polish the seven
traditional virtues."