Looking for first hakama - help, please!

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[Anita Dacanay]

I am looking to buy my first hakama, and now that Bu Jin has closed I am at a loss. Any advice on what kind, what material, how heavy, where to buy, etc. would be appreciated. I am about 5'4" and wear a women's size 10 - I'm pretty curvy and high-waisted. Maybe other women close to my size have some insights? I would have gotten the Bu Jin women's hakama, but now I don't know where to look! :confused:

[ninjaqutie]

It is all on what you like and what you are using it for.......

hakama that keep pleats well, go with a poly blend or one with sewn pleats (iaido people seem to prefer poly)
hakama that require a bit more upkeep, go with cotton
hakama that are light, go with a poly blend
hakama that are heavy, go with cotton
hakama with indigo dye, you have to get cotton
hakama that will last, go with cotton (though poly can last a long time if you are doing iaido or less suwariwaza)

Look around at several sites. Everyone has their own favorites. Buy a few if you have the money and you will soon learn what material you like and who has better quality hakama. Pick a color that you like AND that your sensei approves of. Most dojo allow either black or blue.

Some sites will do embriodery on hakama, which can be nice. Just make sure that it is alright with your sensei before you do something like that. Another thing is make sure you get the correct length for you. Some sites sell by waist only, but some also allow you to pick length. Also, some people require longer himo (straps), so make sure you order extra length if you need them!

You may want to try on some hakamas that other students wear in your dojo. This may give you an idea of what material you prefer and you can ask them how long they have had them for an idea of longevity.

[RED]

I'm your exact size. And am very hippy, so much so I avoid wearing gi pants and wear yoga pants under my hakama.

This sit has good hakama. I like the tetron, i live in florida and tetron is very light. It also keeps its pleats.
https://www.budogu.com/products.cfm?id=1600&categoryId=246

For my height and size, wear a size 23.

if you are looking for cheap check out: http://www.e-bogu.com/Aikido_Hakama_s/131.htm

[NagaBaba]

Buy from Iwata. They are the best.

[Anita Dacanay]

Thanks for the input, ladies. I guess I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for the first one; neither do I want one that is such poor quality that I hate it.

Maggie - I was looking at that tetron one at e-bogu last week and thought it looked pretty good. Our dojo is like a sauna in the summer, so maybe on the lighter side is not a bad idea. Also the stitched pleats might be helpful, since it may take me a while to get good at folding it. Do you think it's worth the extra $28 to get the budogu version instead?

Thanks for the input on sizing! I was wondering if I should size up to accommodate my shape. Sounds like I should be okay just going by height/waist.

[David Maidment]

I'm never going to stop recommending these guys: Nine Circles (http://www.ninecirclesusa.com/Clothing/Hakama/Aikido_Hakama.aspx)

I have the H2 and the H11 models (both with stitched pleats) and I love them both. Personally I prefer the feel of the heavier ones. They also do a rubber 'Aiki' style koshiita which is quite nice.

[Janet Rosen]

This sit has good hakama. I like the tetron, i live in florida and tetron is very light. It also keeps its pleats.
https://www.budogu.com/products.cfm?id=1600&categoryId=246

Another vote for their tetron hak (+ great customer service).
I am very short and round and very happy w/ the fit.

[RED]

Thanks for the input, ladies. I guess I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for the first one; neither do I want one that is such poor quality that I hate it.

Maggie - I was looking at that tetron one at e-bogu last week and thought it looked pretty good. Our dojo is like a sauna in the summer, so maybe on the lighter side is not a bad idea. Also the stitched pleats might be helpful, since it may take me a while to get good at folding it. Do you think it's worth the extra $28 to get the budogu version instead?

Thanks for the input on sizing! I was wondering if I should size up to accommodate my shape. Sounds like I should be okay just going by height/waist.

I just wouldn't spend a lot of money on your first hakama in general.
The budogu one is really nice though, it is worth what it costs.
Most people like to buy a nicer one at black belt. My first hakama is from ebogu, it is falling apart at the stitches right now. I mean it isn't as nicely made, but it does the job.

Yeah, don't ever adjust the size for your waist. For your height only. They are pretty wide, and you can tie them to fit your waist. If your waist is over 38 inches and you are female, consider buying it with an extended tie. But I got a 30 inch waist and am the same height as you and I wear a size 10 dress, and the standard length ties are fine. I ordered a 23 and it was cool.

[ninjaqutie]

As for bujin hakamas, I have a women's hakama from them. Don't get me wrong, I am VERY pleased with it, but I don't really notice much of a difference in how it fits compared to the "regular" hakama I was borrowing from my sensei before I ordered from bujin. I am thin, but I am quite hippy for my size. I think you will be pleased with a standard hakama provided you find the material, quality and price range you are looking for. :D

[RED]

As for bujin hakamas, I have a women's hakama from them. Don't get me wrong, I am VERY pleased with it, but I don't really notice much of a difference in how it fits compared to the "regular" hakama I was borrowing from my sensei before I ordered from bujin. I am thin, but I am quite hippy for my size. I think you will be pleased with a standard hakama provided you find the material, quality and price range you are looking for. :D

The only difference I could tell is with how the pleats fall. They fall a little straighter. :confused:

[Anita Dacanay]

Wow, that is all very helpful, everyone. Thank you so much. Ashley, the hakama is for Aikido only. Thanks for your input on the Bu Jin cut; now I don't feel so bad about missing out. David, I looked at the Nine Circles stuff and it is very affordable. So I think I have a few good choices now. I just have to wait for my paycheck so that I can order one!

Thank you for the sizing info, Maggie. I was originally going to go for the size 24, because I am actually a little over 5'4" and my waist sits very high on my frame. I know everyone says to tie your belt below the waist, but in my experience if I don't tie it close to the smallest part of my waist, it just rides up there anyway as soon as I take a roll, and then my top falls open. In any event, now I'm thinking maybe I should get the 23, because apparently we are long lost twins as we have the same measurements! (I also have a 30" waist and I think we wear the same bra size, if I correctly recall a recent post about sports bras! lol)

I'll let you all know what I get and how I like it... and how long it takes for me to figure how to tie the darn thing. :D

[Adam Huss]

Anita,
Looking forward to how you like the new hakama, hope it works our for you!

[Janet Rosen]

I know everyone says to tie your belt below the waist, but in my experience if I don't tie it close to the smallest part of my waist, it just rides up there anyway as soon as I take a roll, and then my top falls open.

Bear in mind hakama and dogi were designed to be worn by Japanese men. We women with hips bigger than their waists pretty much have to wear obi and tie hak up at the waistline to avoid wardrobe malfunction.

[RED]

Wow, that is all very helpful, everyone. Thank you so much. Ashley, the hakama is for Aikido only. Thanks for your input on the Bu Jin cut; now I don't feel so bad about missing out. David, I looked at the Nine Circles stuff and it is very affordable. So I think I have a few good choices now. I just have to wait for my paycheck so that I can order one!

Thank you for the sizing info, Maggie. I was originally going to go for the size 24, because I am actually a little over 5'4" and my waist sits very high on my frame. I know everyone says to tie your belt below the waist, but in my experience if I don't tie it close to the smallest part of my waist, it just rides up there anyway as soon as I take a roll, and then my top falls open. In any event, now I'm thinking maybe I should get the 23, because apparently we are long lost twins as we have the same measurements! (I also have a 30" waist and I think we wear the same bra size, if I correctly recall a recent post about sports bras! lol)

I'll let you all know what I get and how I like it... and how long it takes for me to figure how to tie the darn thing. :D

Men should tie it just above the hips...women should tie it at the smallest part of their waist. Don't get it too long though. You'll step on the thing when taking forward rolls and fall on your face lol

[Anita Dacanay]

Maggie, I'm sure I'll find a way to fall on my face a few times even if it's not too long! Practicing Aikido is ever an exercise in humility for me.

[Janet Rosen]

Practicing Aikido is ever an exercise in humility for me.

Oh ain't that the truth :-)

[RED]

Maggie, I'm sure I'll find a way to fall on my face a few times even if it's not too long! Practicing Aikido is ever an exercise in humility for me.

I've fallen on my face while sitting... I put nothing past myself at this point lol

[Anita Dacanay]

Oh ain't that the truth :-)

Yes indeed it is! Although I am pretty happy about passing my 6th kyu test last week. I knew I would pass, but I had my own goals about how I wanted to do on the test, and I felt that I met them. I also got a lot of positive feedback from other folks. When I first started I really didn't know if I would last a day, and it is encouraging to have reached this first benchmark. :)

[ninjaqutie]

Congrats on passing and I hope your hakama fits. :D I trip on mine in iaido (only yudansha wear hakama in my dojo for aikido). I have conceded that I will more then likely tuck my hakama up into the himo for a capri version of a hakama when I am forced against my will to wear one. Luckily for me, that is a LONG way off. :)

Also, like everyone else said, tie your hakama and belt wherever you need to. It is something men just don't understand. Their boxy frames suit tying it in that location rather well and some men in my dojo have a tiny tummy and that keeps it down even more ;)

[Garth Jones]

Hey Anita,

Congratulations on passing your test! Only a few more until shodan....

Cheers,
Garth

[Anita Dacanay]

Hey Anita,

Congratulations on passing your test! Only a few more until shodan....

Cheers,
Garth

LOL - Yeah, just a few little tests, that's all. :rolleyes: Thanks, Garth! :)

And thanks to you too, Ashley. Yes, the uniform was not designed with women in mind. I have such wardrobe issues already in Aikido: can't keep my belt tied, pants fall down, top flops open, my hair gets in the way and comes undone... I can only imagine the fun when I start wearing the hakama as well. Why can't we just wear something that stays put... like spandex? :D

[Pauliina Lievonen]

Now first of all I'd much prefer training in just a keikogi... but that said:
Actually I find that the hakama can help keep the rest in place - pants can't fall down even if the drawstring comes loose, and the jacket stays closed easier with all the hakama strings wrapped around my waist. :-) The trick for me is to tie the hakama a bit tighter than I'd like before class, it'll adjust during movement.

I have a tetron hak from budogu and I'm very happy with it.

kvaak
Pauliina

[Anita Dacanay]

Now first of all I'd much prefer training in just a keikogi... but that said:
Actually I find that the hakama can help keep the rest in place - pants can't fall down even if the drawstring comes loose, and the jacket stays closed easier with all the hakama strings wrapped around my waist. :-) The trick for me is to tie the hakama a bit tighter than I'd like before class, it'll adjust during movement.

I have a tetron hak from budogu and I'm very happy with it.

kvaak
Pauliina

I can see how the hakama could serve to help keep everything in place - that's a good point, Pauliina!

And that makes three votes for the budogu tetron... thanks for the input.

[kironin]

Buy from Iwata. They are the best.

I don't know about that. Had a student spend a lot of money on one from there and it pretty much started coming apart after a few practices.

[kironin]

I'm never going to stop recommending these guys: Nine Circles (http://www.ninecirclesusa.com/Clothing/Hakama/Aikido_Hakama.aspx)

I have the H2 and the H11 models (both with stitched pleats) and I love them both. Personally I prefer the feel of the heavier ones. They also do a rubber 'Aiki' style koshiita which is quite nice.

Thanks for the heads up. Been looking for a good deal and this seems to be it. Just ordered one from them. All my bujin ones are starting to look pretty ragged and worn.

[shadowofleaves]

I like the Aikikai hakama from Mugendo Budogu. I have tried many different hakama from different places and I seemed to have settled with this one. However, everyone seems to like something different, makes it difficult to recommend.

[Neal Earhart]

My cotton indigo dyed hakamas have all been from Iwata since 1996 and in 'general' they have been excellent. However, I have found that the last one I ordered in 2007 isn't quite as good in terms of "quality" as my previous ones...

A very good hakama that I use for iaido is from Tozando, their Deluxe Polyester Aikido Hakama....

http://www.tozandoshop.com/Tozando_Deluxe_Polyester_Aikido_Hakama_p/000-ah500[205b].htm

It has a nice feel and look. The pleats are sewn in. It washes easy and dries very quickly...and the quality is very good.

-Neal

[Aiki1]

I like the Aikikai hakama from Mugendo Budogu. I have tried many different hakama from different places and I seemed to have settled with this one. However, everyone seems to like something different, makes it difficult to recommend.

I've been thinking about one of these - are the pleats sewn, and does it have a good weight to it?

Thanks....

[Janet Rosen]

I've been thinking about one of these - are the pleats sewn, and does it have a good weight to it?

Thanks....

I have Peter's tetron hak - the pleats are not top stitched but they sure do hold up due to the nature of the fabric. It's a fairly lightweight hak (esp compared to traditional cottons) but I've worn it both for aikido and koryu sword/jo work and really like it.

[Anita Dacanay]

Appreciate the input, everyone. Still haven't ordered one yet; I've been wearing a hand-me-down from one of my teachers for the time being. It's a bit short, but maybe that's not a bad thing while I get used to wearing one.

Tuesday night when I took class it was SO hot and humid; even the hakama was soaked through with sweat after class! I was thinking maybe I picked the wrong week to start wearing it!

[Cynrod]

I'm never going to stop recommending these guys: Nine Circles (http://www.ninecirclesusa.com/Clothing/Hakama/Aikido_Hakama.aspx)

I have the H2 and the H11 models (both with stitched pleats) and I love them both. Personally I prefer the feel of the heavier ones. They also do a rubber 'Aiki' style koshiita which is quite nice.

+2 for Nine Circle Hakama. Now they have a store here in the US and their prices are very good.

[Aiki1]

+2 for Nine Circle Hakama. Now they have a store here in the US and their prices are very good.

How is the feel/weight of their hakama?

[David Yap]

Hi,

You may consider making a hakama with your own choice of materials, feel and weight.

I have the perfect pattern of the tradition hakama designed for aikido use with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. PM me if you are interested.

Regards

David Y

[Anita Dacanay]

Hi,

You may consider making a hakama with your own choice of materials, feel and weight.

I have the perfect pattern of the tradition hakama designed for aikido use with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. PM me if you are interested.

Regards

David Y

That would be very cool, David, but I doubt I'd attempt that at this point in time - perhaps later on when I have a better feel for what I would prefer in terms of material, etc.

[Janet Rosen]

Hi,

You may consider making a hakama with your own choice of materials, feel and weight.

I have the perfect pattern of the tradition hakama designed for aikido use with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. PM me if you are interested.

Regards

David Y

Is that the Round Earth one Carol sells? If so, I proofed it and did the instructions...& have to say it is an interesting exercise to make a Hal but not necessarily one this seamstress is eager to repeat!

[David Yap]

Is that the Round Earth one Carol sells? If so, I proofed it and did the instructions...& have to say it is an interesting exercise to make a Hal but not necessarily one this seamstress is eager to repeat!

Hi Janet,

No, I have not seen the one done by Carol. Perhaps we can exchange patterns to see the similarities or differences. So far, I have made 6 hakama based on this pattern and plus 2 prototypes before succeeding.

Regards

David Y

[Janet Rosen]

HI David, Carol's pattern is here
http://roundearth.stores.yahoo.net/hakformarar.html
I probably have a sample of it somewhere...but I have to say, if you've made 6 you are way ahead of me!!!
I found that making the hakama was not so much a matter of sewing skill as being able to wrestle with and do origami on 4 yards of fabric.
So to toss the conversation back out to the topic: I think that a person with middling sewing skills and the room to manipulate a honking big piece of fabric can make a decent hakama.

[David Yap]

I found that making the hakama was not so much a matter of sewing skill as being able to wrestle with and do origami on 4 yards of fabric.
So to toss the conversation back out to the topic: I think that a person with middling sewing skills and the room to manipulate a honking big piece of fabric can make a decent hakama.

Hi Janet,

The origami is after sewing the loose pants. Thereafter, you have 2 yards of folded material to handle. The origami is easy once you have the centerlines (sounds like an aikido principle) of the front and back portions and the points to be folded. The tough part is sewing the himo to the koshita and the himo to the front part of the pants. Do you pin or needle stitch the parts first before sewing on a machine? The problem with pinning is that the material will stretch and distort after sewing.

David Y

PS. I am an accountant not a seamstress (seamstror?). Sewing is one of my DIY talent.

[Janet Rosen]

David, definitely a case of YMMV: I don't know what kind of fabric you were using, but my cotton twill was a devil of a burden to carry, fold, manipulate - origami is NOT something I"ve ever enjoyed even w/ little pieces of paper - and my hak most definitely used a full 4 yards of fabric.
For folks thinking about this as a project: as sewing complexity gets rated on commercial patterns, this is NOT an advanced project; the stitches and techniques are pretty basic. It is the proper measurement and the proper placement of the elements that requires attention to detail.
For this reason, a less experienced sewer will probably want to hand-baste for accuracy, but a more experienced sewer who normally just pins, should be fine (I cannot imagine any fabric suitable for a hakama - that is, a sturdy woven fabric without lycra or other stretch threads in the blend - would stretch or distort if pin-basted).
I have to add that you are one brave soul, David, for attempting this as a non-sewing DIY-er!!!! Major kudos to ya!

[David Yap]

Hi Janet,

Not disputing the 4 yards of material. What I meant was once you joined and sewed the right and left sides of the pants, you would be handling half the material. Like you said, it is a case of YMMV :D :D

The material I used was tetron - 65% polyester and 35% rayon. I will next attempt a denim material. I read somewhere on the Net that some Scots are requesting for tartan haks.

Regards

David Y

[kironin]

Well, I received my hakama from Nine Circles USA.

It's an H-2. Looks like I am going to have to try to return it.

first, the material is light, I don't have a problem with that. I expected that. It certainly still feels pretty strong. The stitching feels pretty strong. However, damn koshita is tiny compared to what I am used to. Looks like a kids.

more, it turns out the method on their site underestimates the length you need. I probably need at least a Size 27, the Size 26 is just too short. Still I would be fine returning it and getting a Size 27 H-10 with wider front panel.

But the front himo is too short and this is the longest they offer. They say 420cm, my measure makes it little shorter than that, 4-5 cm short of that. It's a full 40 cm shorter out each side compared to my standard Bujin hakama which allows me to tie the ends in front. That would mean the way they measure it as one long piece the bujin hakamas front himo length was ~500cm.

So if I could get a longer himo, I'd do an exchange but the H-10 front himo is shorter! only 385 cm!

so now need to find out how long the front himo is for Mugendo Budogu tetron hakama.
https://www.budogu.com/products.cfm?id=1566&categoryId=166

without Bujin around, am I just S.O.L. to find hakama with long enough himo without paying a lot of money or having to make my own (I don't own a sewing machine and I have no desire to buy one just for this.)

If Budogu is no longer, I may just have to learn to tie it in the back I guess.

Only get Nine Circles hakama if you are scrawny.
Hey I'm not fat. :D just big.

[David Maidment]

Craig, I'm sorry to hear of the problems you had with your Nine Circles hakama; I've never experienced any of those problems myself (the length measurements have always been perfect and the himo length has always been exactly the right length for the way I tie it).

They're very helpful people, so if you drop them a line I'm sure they'll help with finding something more suitable or just with assisting in the returns process.

[kironin]

Is that the Round Earth one Carol sells? If so, I proofed it and did the instructions...& have to say it is an interesting exercise to make a Hal but not necessarily one this seamstress is eager to repeat!

http://roundearth.stores.yahoo.net/hakformarar.html

Yeah, I'd wouldn't try it myself. Have to ask someone else to do it.

[Janet Rosen]

Craig, check w/ Peter directly on the Mugendo....I expect it would work at front himo on mine is certainly big enough to tie all the way around and to the front w/ plenty of room to spare, & I'm pretty round around the waist for my height. Koshita is fine.

[kironin]

Craig, check w/ Peter directly on the Mugendo....I expect it would work at front himo on mine is certainly big enough to tie all the way around and to the front w/ plenty of room to spare, & I'm pretty round around the waist for my height. Koshita is fine.

Already sent him an email. Email Tozando as well.

Still waiting for either to respond. I know it's not Peter's full time gig so was hoping someone here would whip out the tape measure and let me know.

[Aiki1]

Already sent him an email. Email Tozando as well.

Still waiting for either to respond. I know it's not Peter's full time gig so was hoping someone here would whip out the tape measure and let me know.

I haven't bought a Tozando hakama yet, but I have four of their gis - two single weave and two double weave, and I really like them, that's almost all I wear now. Thinking of getting a hakama from either them or Peter as well....

[kironin]

Funny you mentioned that about Tozando.

Up to now I have only thought of them as a place to order iaito on sale but seems from looking at their site that they expanded.

It seems they have some hakama where you can specify the himo length to a max 480cm , that's getting close to length my Bujin hakama and the comments indicate that these seem pretty nice. Little more but not too much more.

Deluxe Tetron Hakama (http://tinyurl.com/25vuox6)

Deluxe 100% Polyester Hakama (http://tinyurl.com/266zcrr)

[kironin]

found another source of pattern for the DIY crowd

http://lastwear.deviantart.com/art/Hakama-sewing-guide-pattern-89369044

[Aiki1]

Funny you mentioned that about Tozando.

Up to now I have only thought of them as a place to order iaito on sale but seems from looking at their site that they expanded.

It seems they have some hakama where you can specify the himo length to a max 480cm , that's getting close to length my Bujin hakama and the comments indicate that these seem pretty nice. Little more but not too much more.

Deluxe Tetron Hakama (http://tinyurl.com/25vuox6)

Deluxe 100% Polyester Hakama (http://tinyurl.com/266zcrr)

It's the shipping that shoots the price up, but sometimes it's worth it....

[kironin]

It's the shipping that shoots the price up, but sometimes it's worth it....

yeah, that's why if I am going with it, I'm going with the Tetron for now.

I see now that they list the length on their standard Tetron as 420cm for the front (205cm for back) which is the same as the longest that Nine Circles USA offers. That seems to be the standard which is too short for me.

Even e-bogu.com Tetran Hakama that is pretty cheap at $58 is still almost $100 after you add-on the himo extension service (which I guess I would have to call to find out exactly the length and it makes it non-returnable) and shipping. And it certainly doesn't look as good a quality.

$32 for shipping isn't too bad. makes it $160 for me. and the deluxe has half sizes so I thinking size 27.5 rather 28, I don't think this will shrink like the Bujin cotton blends did.

[Michael Hackett]

Craig
If you call E-Bogu, ask for Miho. She is great to work with and has busted her neck helping others and me over the phone.

[kironin]

Well, after thinking about and playing with it, I decided to keep the H-2 from Nine Circles. It's decent for the cheap price, size 26 is a little short, but I can live with it, spending time and money to ship it back and try to get a refund (you have to write a letter explaining why,...) since they have nothing better to exchange it with and playing with himo I can make it reasonably secure. I won't get another one from them and can't recommend it given the cut and feel but I'll make do with this for now. This will just be my trash hakama to take a lot of wear and tear while I see if I can repair my bujin hakama and think about splurging on Tozanda hakama, thinking about 100% polyester one, but really wish I could feel the material first and see how it hangs. I do need something more presentable for demos and more formal occasions and the knees of cotton and cotton blends just don't hold up.

Also this item at e-bogu gave me ideas....
e-bogu himo extensions (http://tinyurl.com/25ngjna)
though two 10 in strips for $10 is kind of outrageous price. Really need 20 in strips

:disgust: Never been fond of shopping for clothes online.
.

[Janet Rosen]

e-bogu himo extensions (http://tinyurl.com/25ngjna)
though two 10 in strips for $10 is kind of outrageous price. Really need 20 in strips.

Go buy a half yard of cotton twill fabric, cut the strips 4x the finished width you want, fold in 1/2 and 1/2 again to "bury" the raw edges, press and stitch closed, then stitch to the himo.

[kironin]

Craig
If you call E-Bogu, ask for Miho. She is great to work with and has busted her neck helping others and me over the phone.

thanks, I talked to them and the tetron hakama I am looking at there has himo with a total length of only 370cm and the black ones can only be extended a maximum of 20cm each side which for me is still very short, and they can't extend the white ones at all. Read somewhere that the way kendo hakama having shorter himo because of the way the hakama is tied.

still tempted to get the white tetron one for iai because it's so cheap, just have to tie it in the back

[kironin]

Go buy a half yard of cotton twill fabric, cut the strips 4x the finished width you want, fold in 1/2 and 1/2 again to "bury" the raw edges, press and stitch closed, then stitch to the himo.

stitch ? what's that ? :D

[kironin]

Go buy a half yard of cotton twill fabric, cut the strips 4x the finished width you want, fold in 1/2 and 1/2 again to "bury" the raw edges, press and stitch closed, then stitch to the himo.

won't this create some kind of bulge where you stitch it together ?

I thinking this will be right where my saya will be moving back and forth.

[Janet Rosen]

won't this create some kind of bulge where you stitch it together ?
I thinking this will be right where my saya will be moving back and forth.
Minimal bulge but I imagine if it is placed in exactly the wrong spot it might bother you.

[David Yap]

found another source of pattern for the DIY crowd

http://lastwear.deviantart.com/art/Hakama-sewing-guide-pattern-89369044

Hi all,

You won't get a decent aikido hakama from that pattern.

This is better but not close enough.
http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&global=1&q=hakama+pattern#/d1b0wog

David Y

[ninjaqutie]

I know a lot of guys get their indigo hakama from California S&P. My sensei is bigger (though not fat) and he also has a hard time getting hakama with long enough himo. He seems pleased with the one's from that site. I don't know if he has them extend the himo or if they are naturally longer. I'm sure you could contact them to find out. :)

[Anita Dacanay]

Update: I finally, finally ordered a tetron hakama from https://www.budogu.com/products.cfm?...categoryId=246

It left Japan yesterday, and is now in customs in Chicago, according to the USPS tracking! I can't wait to get it. After trying on a couple of other hakama, I ordered a size 25 because I am (apparently) freakishly short-waisted. The 24 was too short, and the 26 was too long, so I'm thinking the 25 should do the trick.

I truly appreciate everyone's feedback - you really helped me make my choice. I'll let you know what I think once I get it.

[Anita Dacanay]

I got it today - wow, that was speedy service. The fit will work fine. Believe it or not, it's still a tad on the short side, but that is really okay since I'm not ready for a longer one.

The only thing I don't like is that it feels extremely stiff at the moment. I am assuming that it will soften up with wear. Thanks again for the input, everyone!

[ninjaqutie]

Congrats :)

[Anita Dacanay]

Thank you, Ashley! Next quest: weapons! There is not one jo at our dojo that is truly the right length for me.

[Janet Rosen]

Thank you, Ashley! Next quest: weapons! There is not one jo at our dojo that is truly the right length for me.

Talk to Kim Taylor up in Guelph - his custom length hickory weapons are reasonably priced and hold up beautifully. sdksupplies.netfirms.com

[ninjaqutie]

A lot of people like Kingfisher too. Just talk to your sensei about different types of woods. Mine prefers us to all have white oak and kind of put the kabash on me getting a hickery jo from Kingfisher. I have also seen some lovely purpleheart jos as well. Do your research and ask around. I'm sure you will find something. Also, places like Kim Taylor's and Kingfisher's will customize the length for you.

[Anita Dacanay]

Thanks for the tips, Ashley and Janet!

[kironin]

Update, Peter (budogu.com (http://budogu.com)) showed up at our Iaido camp and I bought a really nice white 100% cotton hakama from him in person. Really like it. himo still too short, got to take on Janet's suggestion soon.

[Janet Rosen]

Update, Peter (budogu.com (http://budogu.com)) showed up at our Iaido camp and I bought a really nice white 100% cotton hakama from him in person. Really like it. himo still too short, got to take on Janet's suggestion soon.

Craig, since you don't sew, you may just want to check your local dry cleaners to see if, as in NY and Calif, there is somebody sitting in the window or in the back w/ an old industrial sewing machine to do repairs for customers. You'd have to buy your own fabric - a midweight cotton to match the hak fabric - cut each piece as long as you need + 2" X 4 times the finished width and let her/him know that you want it folded lengthwise in 4ths X your finished length.

[Lan Powers]

I bought a nine circles hakama and it arrived today.... I like!
Not Bujin, but I like pretty well... nice material, pretty well what i expected. ( all cotton, pretty heavy weight, 10,000 cotton)
shorter himo compared to bujin, but enough for my skinny self.

nicer price too....:)