Buying Hakama and Keikogi online

[Sinta]

I would like some advice from those who've ordered their hakama and keikogi online. Which are the best shops? I know there's one here in switzerland, japanshop.ch, but I personally think that the gear is terribly overpriced. I've also been to the english shop ninecircles, and found rather cheap (40 CHF.-) gear, but it's chinese. Its my first set so I really don't know what's good. Quality is a big factor. So, got any advice for a newbie? bring it on ;)

I just ordered my bogu a few days ago, really silly to buy it before the clothing... but there ya go ^_^ At least I knew what to look for in a bogu.

[KhawMengLee]

I just got my Gi and Hakama from Koei Budogu. Its all goooOOOD!

The Gi fits purrrrfect and the hakama was just a bit long but some tailoring has fixed that.

try:http://www.koei-budogu.co.j

or their european vendor: www.eurobogu.net

www.

[Lukas]

Where did you order your bogu?

Regarding gi and hakama, I would also recommend Koei - my friends got equipment from them and it is really good quality.
I ordered mine from Tozando but currently there is no sale on that items I think - without sale Tozando is too expensive. However if you catch them during sale I recommend their deluxe gi and Gold Zen hakama - really very good quality.
If you don't want to spend too much money you may take also Korean stuff - Kendoshop for example. Some of my dojo friends ordered from them.
Quality is not as high as Koei or Tozando but the price is half! They could afford two sets to have change for kendo camp (no time to dry gi between keiko :D )


Good luck!
Lukas

[Sinta]

*scribbles the urls down* Thanks a lot you people ^_^ Hrm, well I really gotta think about it. I'm going to check out kendoshop. I paid a good bit for my bogu, that I'm practically broke right now, but I can always find the money. I'd like quality but something I can afford.

Oh I know Tozando. I ordered my bogu there. Everyone in my club seems to get the stuff there. But the prices for the clothing is a bit too much for me. I mean, when a Hakama almost costs as much as a bogu.. well.....................

got any other urls? keep em coming? *dives into the search*

[KhawMengLee]

Hmmnn, I got a #7000indigo hakama and Gi from about 9000yen and 8000yen respectively. Real cheap considering both are inigo dyed and tailored to fit me.

I don't know if you will get the same deal but you can try. The overseas sales department is really good and efficient.

[sminki]

i personally prefer the jin brand. check out www.bogubag.com excellent prices.

[Phlebas]

I got a Keikogi and Hakama from eBogu and they are nice. Fit is perfect and it looks like good quality for a decent price. Time will tell! I hand wash, so it may last a bit longer than someone who machine washes everything.

[Sinta]

Thanks a bunch people ^_^ I finally ordered it yesterday from eurobogu.net It seems quite good. Ah well, we'll see. Hopefully I made the right decision.


I got a Keikogi and Hakama from eBogu and they are nice. Fit is perfect and it looks like good quality for a decent price. Time will tell! I hand wash, so it may last a bit longer than someone who machine washes everything.

Handwash? Hrm, that's an interesting topic. How many of you do handwash. Do you see benefits in it? I've been thinking about keeping mine handwashed as well... more careful that way.

[Phlebas]

Here's what I do: Check the tag on your Hakama... it should tell you what the recommendation is. If it says "hand wash only", then hand wash ONLY. This is usually for pure cottons. The cotton/poly blends or pure polyester stuff can be machine washed, but I would recommend that you only machine wash the Keikogi (and only if the tag says you can) and hand wash the Hakama, no matter what the material. Pleats will look nicer as the garment gets older... handwashing is always gentler than machine, even on "Delicate" cycle.

[Sinta]

I got my stuff! Thank you, all you wonderful people you :)

It came really quick too. I ordered it on Monday and it arrived today, Friday just after lunch. Not bad ^-^ Eurobogu does have quick service.

Again many thanks to you all.