Pleated skirt. Usually black or dark blue in color, worn by black belt holders and often women of any rank. This practice has been a subject of controversy among some foreign women who regard it as discriminatory. At present, the white hakama usually implies master status although in pre-war days it was worn by beginners. Second DOSHU, Kisshomaru UESHIBA, wears a gray-colored hakama on formal occasions while Morihei UESHIBA wore both white and black hakama.