this white thingi...

[kabutoki]

hello !
i`m currently using a new ly purchased hakama and i wonder about the meaning of this little white plastic, boneshaped thing that is attached to the backplate. as my last hakamas came without it idon`t have a clue what it is for. is it for being stuck into the obi to provide more support to the hakama ?
please help !

t:look:

thanks !
karsten helmholz

[Jeff Hamacher]

Originally posted by kabutoki
is it for being stuck into the obi to provide more support to the hakama?
bingo. originally, one put the hakama on by wrapping and tying the front "straps" first, followed by inserting the tsume ("the little white thingy") into the obi, setting the koshiita ("backboard") on top of the obi knot, and tying off the back "straps". your teacher should be willing to tell you how to tie your hakama, since this depends a bit on the art and your teacher's manner of doing things. HTH.