Gi Maintenance & Care

Whilst Budo-Gear's tough and smart construction will survive the worst abuse dished out to it, it is recommended that you take good care of your training apparel and increase its long life.

Here's some tips:

How to Fold a Hakama

To maintain the pleat integrity and best appearance of your Hakama it is a good idea to fold it before travel. For a quick "iron/press," simply use the military/navy method; pop the folded Hakama under your mattress overnight. If its wet from perspiration of hard training, best procedure with all dogi/training uniforms is to hang them up to fully dry first. Simply follow the Hakama folding instructions or videos. Before long you will be folding your Hakama like an expert. The knot/bow/ tie at the end is a personal choice. See how many different ways to make the final knot you can discover.

To iron with a hot iron:

Note: When ironing, cotton items can take higher heat. For Poly-Cotton you must use less heat as heat melts and damages artifical fibre such as polyester.

Ironing your hakama once or twice a year is plenty. Folding and under mattress storage the rest of the time will keep it looking new. Remember, if your training gear is wet from perspiration hang it to dry first or throw it in the wash. It is good to have two of each training items so you can train in one while the other is in the wash or drying. Hakamas are best washed by hand in warm soapy water taking particular care to treat the koshita (back support) gently. Rinse thoroughly. Hang the Hakama to dry wet. Do not wring.

Folded Hakama

Here Are Some Links Illustrating Ways to Fold Hakama

• http://www.kendo-usa.org/reference/hakama_slideshow.htm
• http://www.mushinkankendo.com/kendo_uniform.html
• http://www.yamatanidojo.com/hakamapage.htm
• http://members.aol.com/naginata/hakama.html
• http://www.yorku.ca/kendo/etc/FoldHakama/FoldHakama.htm
• http://www.elovirta.com/2002/03/14/hakama/

Here Are Some Movies of Hakama Folding