Uniform

• When should I buy my uniform?
  We suggest that you don't get a set of uniform after one or two months of training, and you are sure that you want to continue Kendo so that you don't waste your money.

• Where can I buy my uniform and what are they called?
  Check the resources section for online shops.  The Kendo jacket is called: Keiko-gi or Kendo-gi, and the pant is called: Hakama.
  

• What are the types of uniform, which one should I get?

  Polyester/Rayon are the easiest to maintain, and much lighter than cotton. Polyester can be machine washed and don't need to be ironed, and usually they're much cheaper than cotton. Cotton are usually thicker, and more traditional than Polyester. Of course, cotton made uniforms are much more expensive.

  For beginners, we recommend that you get something easy to maintain and most inexpensive such as Polyester/Rayon. As you progress, you can purchase more expensive type of uniforms such as cotton which require more maintenance.

• What are the different colors of uniforms and can I wear other colors than white or blue?
  White uniforms are traditionally worn by women, and indigo blue uniforms are traditionally worn by men. You can wear these two colors combined if you like such as white keikogi and indigo Hakama. There are also Keikogi with diamond shapes called “Musashi style” that usually wore by children, occasionally you’ll find adults wearing them. Overall, just don’t get too colorful. Remember, you are training in a martial art to learn discipline, not a fashion design school.

• I'm turning into a smurf, what can I do?!
  That because you probably bought a set of cotton and dyed uniform, and you didn't set the dye of the uniform before wearing it.
  
  Generally use a 50/50 solution of cold water and vinegar to soak the uniform overnight, wash it with cold water then hang dried will probably do the trick. If it still bleeds, try to set the dye one more time.  There are also some Keikogi and Hakama that made with special materials such as Polyester/Rayon; or dyed with special chemical that the dye does not need to be set. Ask your retailer.

• How often should I wash my uniform?
  Besides practicing good Kendo, a neat, clean uniform is part of the training. Appearance is important in Kendo, especially during promotional exams. Before judging your Kendo, you will be also judged by how neat and clean your uniform is, and how well you tie your equipments. Wash the uniforms as often as you wish to keep it clean and iron the pleats, especially cotton Hakama can loose its pleats on the front if you don't maintain it well.

• How do I wash my uniform?

  Polyester Hakama: Wash in machine by itself using gentle cycle or wash by hand using cold water and a little bit of detergent.

  Cotton Hakama: keep it folded. Use cold water, use little detergent, and gently press it. Unfold and hang dry it away from direct sunlight. Once it is dried, iron with medium heat to keep the pleats. Try using a wet sheet or a piece of cloth called "PressIt Cloth" covering the hakama before ironing so it won't get "shiny".

  Keikogi: Soak in cold water and use little detergent, and gently rub it. Hang dry away form direct sunlight.

• How do I wear a Hakama?
  The easiest is to bring it to class and ask other seniors to show you

• How do I fold a hakama?
  A quick reference can be found here.