Another Kendogi and Hakama

[aramkiss]

Hi,


I am looking to buy a uniform for my next term Kendo class. I want to buy something fairly good since I plan to do this for the next 3 years. I was thinking about purchasing #10000 Hakama and Double Layer Keikogi (http://www.e-bogu.com/10000_Hakama_Combination_p/ebo-com-hak-10000combo--.htm) from e-bugu.

I know it is a bit expensive, but I don't mind spending a bit more money if it means I look good. I also noticed Hakama has stiched pleats ... does this mean it is easier to maintain?

I am also considering changing Double Layer Keikogi with Shonaizome
Hidritex keikogi (http://www.e-bogu.com/Super_Keikogi_Shoaizome_Size_ALL_p/tak-ken-kei-sk-shoai-all.htm)

Does anyone have any comments about these uniform choices or experience you wish to share?

[stuartwilson]

I have an older 10,000 hakama, and older 7,000 and a new 7,000 (self reward for promotion success) with the stitched pleats. The 10,000 was my first cotton hakama. It has seved well but it IS heavy, espeically when sweaty.

Onw would think that the 10,000 would last longer, but I have found that the most appreciable wear (aside from fading) occurs to the top edge of the siff back piece (pardon my lack of correct terminology), possibly from abrasive contact with the keikogi, possibly from washing. My unsicientific finding is that both wore equally in this place.

As evidenced by my subsequent purchase, when I got a new one, I went lighter.

[Ganryu]

8000 hakama is my favorite.

[Neil Gendzwill]

If it's your first set, buy a tetron hakama and a good singleweight keikogi. If you're still playing after a couple of years, then buy something nicer. By then you'll have a better idea what you want, and you'll have some experience caring for hakama.

[Dervish]

I've only been practicing for 1 month, but I actually splurged for a higher quality Kendogi and Hakama. Comfort and appearance are important variables for me. If these are important for you as well, then selecting the correct uniform may require a bit more time and tought. If for some reason I quit Kendo soon afterward, I'll just remember the words of Homer Simpson:

"You just stick that guitar in the closet next to your shortwave radio, your karate outfit and your unicycle and we'll go inside and watch TV.”

[mark]

Sometime next year, you will probably also like to have a second keikogi to wear while the first one is drying out. As Neil says, start with something efficient and less expensive and trade up, if need be later on.

Besides, it is the kind of upgrade that is relatively inexpensive and makes sense as a present to yourself when you pass an exam, win a competition....:)

[Masahiro]

first, buy what you want, then if your pocket can't afford it, then go for something you are able to afford. in the end, just know that it's poor kendo for someon to look better in their outfit (gi, hakama and bogu) than how well they play in it.