What equipment do I need to fully practice?

Initially, all that you will need is a karate uniform (known as a gi in Japanese). To fully be able to practice you will need a few other items, however. You will need a hakama, obi, bokuto, and a daito. A "live" blade will be needed at some point, but it is not recommeded to start.

Where can I purchase the equipment I need?

There are many sources of equipment, but we recommend that you contact Paul Manogue. See the information on our Dojos for Paul's contact information.

What is an obi?

An obi is the Japanese equivalent of a belt.  An obi comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors just as our belts.  A belt worn with a karate uniform and a elaborate obi worn by a traditional geisha are both examples of obis.  We wear a specific type of obi that is strong and stiff enough to hold a sword.  While the sword is in its sheath, or "saya", it is inserted into the obi so as to not have to carry the sword in one's hands.

How do I tie an obi?

The obi should be tied as carefully as possible so as to look neat and precise.  Follow the images and instructions listed below:

	First, take the end of the obi and fold it in half for about a foot length-wise leaving the folded edge up.  Wrap the obi around your body two or three times, depending on how much of the obi you have left (you'll have to experiement a little) making sure to wrap on top of the folded part.  Leave the folded part hanging out from the top as you wrap and make sure to wrap tightly so that your sword does not fall out once stuck into the obi.
	You'll be left with a little of the other end of the obi (the non-folded end) after you've wrapped it around your body.
	Take the the unfolded end and push it under the folded end and pull it tight.
	Now, you will want to create the knot of the obi. Take the folded end with your left hand and pull it towards the right hand of your body. Take the unfolded end and loop it around the folded end and then pass the unfolded end through the loop created by the unfolded end towards the left side of your body.
	Pull the whole thing tight. You should now have a knot that is triangular in shape with some excess belt sticking out from both sides of the knot.
	If there is too much excess, fold the excess over and tuck into into the knot so that it looks like this.  As already mentioned, the whole thing should look very neat and precise.  Once the knot is completed, rotate the obi so that the knot is in the square of your back.

If you are confused at this point, look at the flyer that came with an obi for further illustration.

How do I fold an obi for storage?

Just fold it in half and keep folding it in half until it won't stay folded by itself.

What is a hakama?

A hakama is a pleated, billowy pair of pants that comes from traditional Japanese garb.

How do I don and tie a hakama?
How do I fold a hakama for storage?

Bujin Design makes and sells hakamas and they have the best web page on the topic available.