[nintenda]

Hi

I have a question, What exactly is the purpose of the the Koshita on the Hakama worn for Aikido, Kendo etc. ?
It's just a question that's been bugging me for a while and googling doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere near satisfying my curiosity. Any help would be great. Thanks

[P1international]

It makes you stretch your lower back muscles and improves your posture.

[preptarra]

Thanks Oroshi.
This answers my question.

[TEFSADDERFISA]

It makes you stretch your lower back muscles and improves your posture.

Does it?

I remember Dave Lowry describing pseudo-Karateka in the 60s wearing hakama the wrong way around and claiming the koshi ita was protection for the hara! Maybe its actually to protect the hara from a rear attack.

[soonahonsefalh]

It was just the style of the clothing worn. Any other "purpose" has been made up after the fact.

[ovH9wfSJ]

I remember Dave Lowry describing pseudo-Karateka in the 60s wearing hakama the wrong way around and claiming the koshi ita was protection for the hara! Maybe its actually to protect the hara from a rear attack.

I've heard this too, cracked me up laughing when I read it. I think there was a Bruce Lee film where the japanese badguys all wore their hakama backwards as well.

Fashion is a crazy thing and I can believe that it was "just the style of the clothing worn" It does seem rather unique to have a stiff panel at the back of your pants though and sometimes changes in clothing have a greater purpose than aesthetics I just wondered if there was a "story" to the Koshita.

[kavaTeexy]

Well in Buckaroo Banzai there's a backwards hakama. I guess that shows my film tastes.

[dittygari]

I have to admit, at the 1st time I wore my hakama and before some lectures from my senpai, I wore it backwards.. LOL

[Trotoleterm]

I think is just a design thing, to make the hakama to conserve its form, imagine a hakama without koshita, that would be mess. besides, ever wondered whats the purpose of the tie, or thats the purpose of the collar in a shirt??

[infinkPoode]

I think is just a design thing, to make the hakama to conserve its form, imagine a hakama without koshita, that would be mess.

I have several of them. If you're not specifically looking for it, it's hard to notice the difference, between people who are wearing hakama with koshiita and those who are not.

[9mm_fan]

its something to make a nice noise for doing bunkai in things like...oroshi

[occallExtet]

I've heard this too, cracked me up laughing when I read it. I think there was a Bruce Lee film where the japanese badguys all wore their hakama backwards as well.

I've heard that this was a deliberate act taken by the HK filmmakers to take the piss of the Japanese as they often liked to do. Successful troll is successful.

[Tzqowwyt]

My all time favorite!

[DouseAuthott]

My all time favorite!

topless and backward! LOL!!

[Gilowero]

Does it count as topless if you are covered in hair?

[Drysnyaty]

That pic was not quite what I'd hoped for...

[EnvellFen]

A lot of Japanese period clothes for men featured stiffened material, like the shoulders on jinbaori, kamishimo, and those crazy big hats.

[gymnAnemoe]

That pic was not quite what I'd hoped for...

me either..

[vipBrooriErok]

As to the purpose of the Koshii Ita.........who knows?

however;
I tell my Iaido students that if they cannot feel it they are leasning forwards;
If they feel it 'too much' they are leaning/arching backwards.

Perhaps it is there simply to make one consider the lower back [and, consequently, one's ''lower front''...] - - and, thus, one's posture.

[w4WBthjv]

Does it count as topless if you are covered in hair?