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How to Tie an Aikido Hakama

Aikido is called the "way of harmonizing energy." Its practitioners take other forms of martial arts, such as jujitsu and judo, to turn attackers' advances against themselves. According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, basic Aikido moves may have began as early as the 14th century, in Japan. The skirt-like pants worn by many Aikido practitioners are called hakama, and are worn over a pair of traditional aikido training pants, a kimono top and an obi sash. Tying a hakama may seem daunting, but with a little practice you will soon be tying your aikido hakama pants like an Aikido master.

Instructions

- 1
  Step into the hakama, and grab onto the two long straps ("himo") on the front part of the hakama. Wrap both front himo around you from the back to the front.
- 2
  Cross the front himo, and cinch it to your waist. Wrap the ends of the himo around your waist once more, then tie them into a bow at the front.
- 3
  Tuck the bow behind the front hakama folds. Pick up rear himo, and pull up back of hakama. Tuck the rear himo strap through the cinched front himo.
- 4
  Tie the rear himo in the front in a simple knot, such as the knot typically used to tie a necktie. Fold the right-hand himo strap into thirds, and center the folds over the knot.
- 5
  Pinch the folded himo strap, then loop the other himo up and down behind the folds, and tie a simple knot. Pull to secure the folds. Double the hanging himo, and tuck it up through the loop you just created until you end up with a crossed bow in the front of your hakama.

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