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Fujiyama Dojo P.O. Box 20003 Thorold, ON, Canada L2V 5B3 (905) 680-6389 |
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 Old scrolls from the Aizu depict martial arts training in formal wear; others show armorclad students, and even some in fundoshi (loincloth). Today, the most accepted uniform is formal keikogi and a hakama (wide-legged trousers), for regular practice. For formal training, weapons training (including swordsmanship), and demonstrations, a kimono (or montsuki) and hakama are required in some dojos. Sometimes a hachimaki (headband) and tasuke are also worn. A wide kaku obi is also part of the uniform.
It must be pointed out that regular kekogi trousers are not always worn under the hakama. Some teachers discourage the students from this fashion which they consider to be a redundancy. However, a more direct warning should be given to those attempting to join a class without wearing a hakama. This is considered insulting by most traditional teachers, for it appears to be a form of contempt for the dojo and of disrespect for teacher and ryu. When in doubt, ask. Never assume anything, and in that way a deshi does not incur an error.
Teachers who adhere to the old ways keep a sensu (folding fan), or a tanto tucked into their obi. Others hold a tessen as they give instruction, but these customs are becoming a rare practice among younger teachers. Senior students also keep a paper fan in their obi in some dojos which is used to aid with the instruction and to signal quietness or attention. This practice was fundamental to etiquette in most koryu bujutsu and is still observed in the older traditions.
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