I read something on AikidoFAQ about the hakama: apperently, training with O-sensei, you were expected to wear the hakama from your first time on the mat. Supposedly O-sensei would not let you train without one, and he didn't care what kind it was. Saito-sensei said there was every kind from kendo to dance hakamas, and that he was sad it defines only yudansha these days.
-Nick
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