Female-friendly bogu suppliers

[tantadi]

I'm starting a little thread here. For me female-friendly means that I don't have to pay anything extra or wait extra time to get a bogu that is better fitted for the female form.

Number one and the winner is: Koei. They offer several bogu.
Number two: Emaishop. Offer one bogu that seems to be ment for women.

Outsider: E-kendo. Offer at least part of a bogu (do) at no extra charge.

So there is just one supplier that offers something off the shelf to chose between...?

[GreenArrow]

I'm starting a little thread here. For me female-friendly means that I don't have to pay anything extra or wait extra time to get a bogu that is better fitted for the female form.

Number one and the winner is: Koei. They offer several bogu.
Number two: Emaishop. Offer one bogu that seems to be ment for women.

Outsider: E-kendo. Offer at least part of a bogu (do) at no extra charge.

So there is just one supplier that offers something off the shelf to chose between...?

Thanks for that Tantadi, I'll remember that when the time comes to get my own... and sticky it up for reference.

Any chance of a few more specifics about which bogus at Koei or E-Kendo are women-friendly?

[tantadi]

Bogubag lists the following Koei sets "F-Type& G-23 type; were originally made for women high grade players." Eurobogu.net (also Koei) have a set called "Vast Praire for ladies", but it is 5 mm only, and on sale, maybe they are discontinuing it.

E-kendo just replied to my enquiry with "We have mune and do for women". Seemed like I could chose from whatever they had on the webpage, and that they had a "female version" of that.

[Solinde]

Some retailers seem to use "made for women" as a synonym of "white bogu" though..or are white bogu generally made to a different fit?

[Commander]

Michael from Chibabogu has been really helpful, they offer a woman-friendly DO :)

[tantadi]

I don't know about the fit of the white bogu. But they often have a lesser stitch, which usually means lesser quality. And do all women want white?

M. Komoto seems real friendly, I talked with him about the female do they had. But it seemed like more of a process and was much more costly than e-kendo. Ultimately you should just have to crank out the Visa card and buy the "female version" on their webpage. IMO.

[Kent Enfield]

But it seemed like more of a process and was much more costly than e-kendo. Ultimately you should just have to crank out the Visa card and buy the "female version" on their webpage. IMO.There's a reason it's "more of a process" to get bogu from Chiba Bogu (as well as more expensive). It's custom-made stuff. Being able to just press a button to get it would be the equivalent of being able to get tailored clothing without ever being measured. It just ain't gonna happen.

The back-and-forth, which in my case took a few weeks when ordering my men, is part of what results in the excellent fit and excellent performance of Chiba Bogu's bogu. I suspect it's the same with other suppliers of custom, made-to-order bogu.

[tantadi]

I'm well aware that Chiba sells custom stuff, I don't just think that the most women need to go the customizing route to get a do that fits quite well.

The big issue with female do, is from what I understand that they are too tall, fitted for the longer torso of males. Real tall guys have a similar problem, when the standard do is too short. They can sometimes chose a taller mune. Women can in the same fashion, have their problem helped with a shorter and maybe slimmer mune.

When it comes to getting a custom men, I'm more likely to agree that the advantages of custom are great. Since you wear it snug, and on your head, there are more issues with the fit and comfort.

I'm also under the impression that you pay for quality materials and workmanship with Chiba, so it is about investing in more long lasting stuff.

[LarsCW]

I think that getting a well fitting do which lasts a long time would give you alot of pleasure, sure it's an investment but when you know you want to keep practising kendo then I think that going the extra mile for the custom do as chiba for example offers a custom do-dai onto which you would then be able to place a custom mune. In that way you would get a perfect fitting do which will last you for years.

It's all a case of prioritizing

[Commander]

I think that getting a well fitting do which lasts a long time would give you alot of pleasure, sure it's an investment but when you know you want to keep practising kendo then I think that going the extra mile for the custom do as chiba for example offers a custom do-dai onto which you would then be able to place a custom mune. In that way you would get a perfect fitting do which will last you for years.

It's all a case of prioritizing

You're right. Though im going to keep my DO its in perfect order. So far i've replaced my men with my total order coming to ¥82500 (£395) So thats half from my account and half paid by my parents, bless em.

Next to replace is going to be kote then tare, though this is a long way down the line.

Chibabogu DO is very expensive.

[LarsCW]

A Chiba do is expensive as you make it because they have such a wide variaty of choices. If it means you would have a perfect fitting do which will last for many years then the only question would be if it is worth it to you.

[Lloromannic]

This was mentioned by Chidokan elsewhere, but since White sets are made for girls, a lower budget alternative would be to gewt a Do from a white set. Obviously this has the disadvantage of being very ugly (no offense to ladies with bad taste :wink: ), but functional.

[namabiru]

Now, how is ebogu.com for women's bogu? I ask because my kohai wants to purchase bogu, but I'm afraid that she won't like it as I'm sure it will be a bit cumbersome. As we're probably only about 4 or 5 hours from LA and the warehouse, I really wish her mom could take her there so she could try on and such.

[Budo Angel]

Its relative girls... Chiba Bogu are more expensive but not outrageously so, they really take time to consider the custom order side, hence the more bang for your buck...nothing fits like a proper woman's Do. Custom or otherwise...:p

ps. and for those that spend loads $$$ on a "custom" Do - why do you buy black ?! :rolleyes:


from what I understand that they are too tall, fitted for the longer torso of males

...no, the main issue, is the mune is too wide at the point near the ermm boobs (chest - wotever...) and the cut under the arms, isn't angled at the right height :hurt: ...well speaking from experience - of a Do that has fitted 'like a glove' for years...its worth it girls, so consider buying for your own 'body' (ps. hey haven't we had this similar like thread before ?? :)

[Hai_hai]

I think that getting a well fitting do which lasts a long time would give you alot of pleasure, sure it's an investment but when you know you want to keep practising kendo then I think that going the extra mile for the custom do as chiba for example offers a custom do-dai onto which you would then be able to place a custom mune. In that way you would get a perfect fitting do which will last you for years.

It's all a case of prioritizing
It's threads like these that are pervert magnets.




















Just kidding.

[KenkaKit]

Actually, I wonder if anyone else has the same problem I do. Despite being more athletically inclined than most women, I have a very well endowed chest. So, even though I wear whats usually considered a large dou, over half my breast is exposed all the time (I'd otherwise be fitted for a medium :/).

I don't know about anyone else here, but anyone find ways around this other than extra padding underneath?

[Budo Angel]

...girls duplicate thread...with Do for (short) ladies ??? (see other)

[Kent Enfield]

I don't know about anyone else here, but anyone find ways around this other than extra padding underneath?

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284

That thread gets derailed in the middle, but there's some good information in it nonetheless.

[Doomcat]

but anyone find ways around this other than extra padding underneath?

I hope I understod you cuestion. I have a very well endowed chest to, so what i do is wear a Sport bra underneath my kendogi, the bra is made of lycra so it's quite tight around the chest, so it provides a little more protection.

My do is from a donation, and is not custom made for me as you might guess. It's not a very good do, it's very thin and small, but as I'm the smaller in my class is ment to be "mine". And besides the friend that change it to me loked really funny on it!. So, I'm really loking foward to buy a woman friendly do for me!.
Anyway I'm really happy to even have a Do in my country, and I'm very thankfull for my little do.

[Steve Bishop]

Hi All
I am selling a bogu on behalf of a friend: the bogu was custom made for a woman 5' 10", 66kg, medium head, small face and the doh is a large size (greater than 90cm waist) but fitted her hips perfectly (doh is far to big for me!)
For more details see:
http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17684

Thanks.

Steve

[nonamehandle]

here are two bogu sets made specifically for women.
this company is a oem and apparently these same are exported to japan.

http://www.kumdomall.co.kr/FrontStore/iGoodsView.phtml?iCategoryId=6&iCategoryIdMain=0&iGoodsId=0027_00020&iCurrentPage=1
and
http://www.kumdomall.co.kr/FrontStore/iGoodsView.phtml?iCategoryId=6&iCategoryIdMain=0&iGoodsId=0027_00021&iCurrentPage=1

unfortunately it is in korean, but they do ship overseas.
some of the modifications on these bogu:
the wings of the men
the mune
the length and size of the kote
the girth of the tare

[_LA_]

is the armor always sold as a 'set' or can it be bought a piece at a time? I am using loaner right now and would love to be able to get better pieces a little at a time than get a generic set (I too short and curvy to fit well) and just deal with it...

[_LA_]

<<crickets>>

[Neil Gendzwill]

Most places allow you to buy one piece at a time, especially kote which wear more quickly than the other pieces. This may or may not be more expensive than buying as a set. I suggest you just ask whatever supplier you are dealing with.

[Budo Angel]

unfortunately it is in korean, but they do ship overseas.
some of the modifications on these bogu:
...indeed nice stuff & colourful Do :jaguar:, anyone have any experience of ordering in English ?? :sleeping: (I couldn't see an "english" site) - is this a good company (for overseas people) or are you looking at making friends with Korean kendo-ka ? :cheeky:

[ReKru]

...indeed nice stuff & colourful Do :jaguar:, anyone have any experience of ordering in English ?? :sleeping: (I couldn't see an "english" site) - is this a good company (for overseas people) or are you looking at making friends with Korean kendo-ka ? :cheeky:

I'm always a bit surprised about the reluctance of People in "the west" to get in contact with overseas suppliers.
We had so far very positive results dealing with manufacturers and suppliers in japan/korea/china (not with the company in question, though).

The english might be a bit of a hurdle if the company does not have extensive experience with overseas customers, but if you keep your mails simple, they will be understood.
And the people are very friendly and willing to assist with any special requirements.
Upfront payment is usually required, but not that much of an issue, once you get past that 'I might recieve a parcel full of bricks' moments.
Most banks (at least in Europe) offer international transfer via onlinebanking and the fees are lower than one would expect (taking money from an un-affiliated bank ATM in germany is more expensive than sending the same amount to korea :paranoid: ).

Long text, short message: doesn't hurt to give it a try and contact them.

[MartialArtsGirl]

I tried the stores listed in the first post of this thread, and all of the stores are either dead links or are stores where I cannot find the female do that you are talking about. Does anyone have any weblinks for the female dos? I'm ok with ordering from Japan or Korea if I have to. But I do need to be able to read the webpage in English...

Also what price ranges are we looking at? I'm looking for something that isn't TOO expensive...I'm kinda a new Kendoka so... but it would be NICE if stuff fit better.
Why don't more companies make things for women? It doesnt make sense... anyway any help would be greatly appreciated...

[vyung]

I tried the stores listed in the first post of this thread, and all of the stores are either dead links or are stores where I cannot find the female do that you are talking about. Does anyone have any weblinks for the female dos? I'm ok with ordering from Japan or Korea if I have to. But I do need to be able to read the webpage in English...

Also what price ranges are we looking at? I'm looking for something that isn't TOO expensive...I'm kinda a new Kendoka so... but it would be NICE if stuff fit better.
.

Hey MartialArtsGirl,

Chiba Budougu (http://www.chibabogu.com) is a really good female friendly bogu shop. I have got a dou from them, they have fitted a shorter mune for girls.

Because CBG have a bogu craftman and also a dou crafting specialist, CBG can tailor the dou to your size if you give them your measurements (which you will do when you submit your order).

You can email CBG at info@chibabogu.com what kind of do you like. They don't show all types of do up their website, so if you have a specific dou in mind and you want to make the dou to suit your body shape, send them an email.

Btw, once you purchase a dou, you don't have to pay for another one if it fits you well. So it may be worth paying a little bit more and save for the long-term. A good fitting dou can affect your hand position and how you hold your kamae.

[Budo Angel]

Why don't more companies make things for women? It doesnt make sense..

Remember companies make products to make profit. Kendo has had women for many many years. But whilst this is a 'broad generalisation' so no offence intended... 'average' Japanese & Korean girls who do kendo/kumdo simply don't have the western physique (read that as "boobs" above 'medium' let alone large size). Bogu makers cater to the broader market. The cut of Do, is out there, but will never fit snug anyone with a bust deemed 'large' ie. over 36-38".

Western market isn't big enough to make money by tweaking a product. I mean, how many women will buy a special women's do to warrant the marketing of it ?? So as in "it doesn't make sense" - it doesn't make financial sense to make it or stock it in the first place, let alone sell it - are judo or karate gi tailored for women's shape ?! No, or very few...its a one cut fits all mentality. As Kendo grows, things might change, but don't hold your breath.

Anyway, Chibabogu will help more than most, but it will be a 'custom' service, even with Mike in English.


A good fitting dou can affect your hand position and how you hold your kamae
Never a truer word said, absolutely...let me add, missed Do cuts too, being whacked where the shinai tip just catches the corner of your right chest, hurts like a bloke being kicked in the nuts (but few guys realise that, until you point it out). Good luck, and custom is NEVER cheap...so don't lament too hard or seek something which doesn't exist even in fairy land

[RC_Kenshi]

Anyway, Chibabogu will help more than most, but it will be a 'custom' service, . . . .

. . . custom is NEVER cheap


I agree with your statements, but also want to forestall any misconceptions, about the concept of "custom". At least in the case of Chiba Bogu, the word "custom" isn't quite accurate. I believe a more accurate term is "made-to-measure".

And as far as being "NEVER cheap", well, Chiba is more expensive than the low end bogu you can find, but it certainly isn't any more expensive than even some mid-range tezashi sets. My wife's set was just under $2000 USD in 2005. I can't remember all the modifications, but it certainly included a shortened do, extra padding on kote, shortened tare "flaps" (I think), modified length of tare (I can't remember whether it's longer to account for her hips, or shorter to account for her stature - mine had to be made a bit longer to account for my resemblance to a . . . oh, never mind, it had to be made longer:wink:), plus a careful fitting of the men, etc.

Now, I will agree $2k isn't a small amount, but in context of either projected usage, or other hobbies, it isn't too bad. After all, it's seen over 3 years of 2x per week practice, plus the occasional taikai, shinsa, and seminar, and the do and tare show little wear, the men is still fine, one kote just got back from being re-palmed. I can easily see getting 10 years of wear out of the men, longer out of the do and tare, and having the kote re-built every 3 to 5 years or so. I'm no accountant, but I figure it comes out to less than $200/year annualized cost (2005 USD). Not bad, compared to other hobbies (how long do you think a $2k computer will last, before it starts showing its age).

Of course, YMMV,

RC_Kenshi

[Budo Angel]

accurate term is "made-to-measure"
As Sir Winston Churchill once said, we (US & UK) are divided by a common language, made to measure is custom in our book. Pedantics. Its not off the shelf is basically what we're saying :sleeping:

As to cheap, expensive, that's relative too, the inference from MAGirl saying...

that isn't TOO expensive...I'm kinda a new Kendoka so

in context of either projected usage, or other hobbies, it isn't too bad

So is $2k cheap or expensive to whose wallet ? whose life, and whose hobbies...

[core_chaos]

A friend of mine from my dojo was talking to e-bogu recently about female bogu and they told her they were definitely considering making a line for female kendoka (about time). Until then, she showed me a great trick on how to resize the do (suggested by e-bogu guys) which works really well and makes it fit a little better.

[IloveKendo]

I didn't buy female specific stuff. My bogu is just regular bogu, not gender specific. I also wear the typical navy blue hakama. My Sensei never said anything about me needing anything different. I think that it is all marketing...

[Gilligan]

I found this site they have a few sets of female bogu, the 2bu blue set looks great and not expensive at all. They also have a few sets of white bogu.
It`s a korean shop, but the site is in japanese they ship international. And on the contact page it says english is ok on the phone.
I dont seem to be able to find an english site though

http://www.kendo-master.com/index.php?body=list&category_id=91988&PHPSESSID=a15311fff9ad4fc691dcd8abb9ab768b

this is the number taken from the site
82-10-3757-6924(韓国ソウル）日本語（佐藤）英語（ホミニア）To speak english ask for hominia, not sure of the pronunciation.
might be a hasle, but for the ladies that 2bu set looks sweet.

[UnimportantHero]

I didn't buy female specific stuff. My bogu is just regular bogu, not gender specific. I also wear the typical navy blue hakama. My Sensei never said anything about me needing anything different. I think that it is all marketing...

I dunno about that. It is going to come down to body types more than anything else. Someone with a long torso and a large bust will need a different do than someone who has a short torso and a small chest or a person with a long torso and small chest. It also comes down to whether or not the person can handle being tagged in the breast or not. Some people want more protection than that which a standard do provides. But not everyone with breasts is going to mind. I have been tagged several times and never much cared. I guess the same could apply to people who want a more narrow do versus people who want one that is more wide or somesuch.

[Yuffie]

I didn't buy female specific stuff. My bogu is just regular bogu, not gender specific. I also wear the typical navy blue hakama. My Sensei never said anything about me needing anything different. I think that it is all marketing...

^^^^^same situation for me, have to agree. I use all "regular" stuff and just have a very good sports bra. My do is perhaps a bit deeper than most would have it but this offers extra protection.