It's on sale, but I can't wear it yet...

[Trigger]

On Boguzen.com, their 3mm bogu is on sale for $70 less than typical, so my question is should I purchase this bogu while the sale lasts? The catch is that I can't wear bogu just yet, my sensei says about another 2 months before I can, however I really don't want to pass up such a good deal

[adrianhentea]

So....where is the problem? If you are sure that you will continue practicing kendo and you think that this is a good deal, ask your sensei to advise you about the measurements and buy the bogu. You will not wear it for 2 months but you will buy it for a better price. Maybe, before wearing the whole bogu you will get the permission to wear tare, do and kote to get used with it.

[Hrodgar]

I agree, what´s the problem? If you got the chance + money and Sensei agrees, buy it and stash it at home. Practise taking it on and off at home, and you can proudly and correctly wear it when the first training with it comes!

[JuJitsuGiraffe]

My guess is that Trigger is afraid of offending his Sensei by purchasing the gear ahead of time.
As said above, ask your sensei about everything before hand then if they give you the OK, buy it.

[atgm]

Sales will come and go, too. Sure, this sale may disappear, but some other site will probably be having a sale later, too.

[nimrod19]

Are Boguzen bogus of good quality?

[Neil Gendzwill]

Does your dojo have bogu to lend or rent to people? If so, I strongly recommend you wait your 2 months and try out kendo in the club bogu first. At least 50% of people quit within a month or two of wearing bogu. You are best advised to give it a try before committing to an expense you may regret.

If you are insistent on getting this bogu, consult with your sensei and get his advice on whether this set is suitable for you. He can also help measure you.

[sirius1906]

I second Neil's comment. Don't get it just yet, unless you KNOW you won't quit.

Where are you located, Trigger? I believe boguzen is in NJ. Measurements can be off, if you can get to the store, it's best to have them help you finding the exact size.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Don't get it just yet, unless you KNOW you won't quit.

Oh, I've had people who were absolutely positive kendo was their life's calling after two weeks in and were all ready to buy bogu. They get in bogu, and pffft they disappear.

Trigger, you won't know for sure until you try it. I hope you love it, but there's a good chance it's not for you. If the money is burning a hole in your pocket, put it in the bank and add a little to it until the time comes - you'll cover that $70 no trouble, maybe you'll see a nicer one you want or a better sale.

[MikeW]

I agree with Neil, and besides like others have said there are almost always sales going on at all the North America kendogu dealers ( e-bogu, e0mudo, boguzen, aoi budogu, maruyama, etc).

[ender84567]

I would expound on Mikes statement to mention, if there isint a sale, wait a couple days, because you will kick yourself when you buy 3 new shinai and then they email you a coupon for 20% off 5 mins after the transaction is complete. (still kicking myself on that one)

[Trigger]

Thanks for the replies, I suppose I should try on the club bogu first if at all possible. And I will definitely ask my sensei about the purchase before I go through with it, thanks for the advice again

[b8amack]

I'm always amazed at how many people buy bogu, but then bail out within a week or two of being allowed to wear it, forget about a month or two. There's a lot of bogu at my dojang sitting in stalls abandoned by the owners, in mint condition. For me, really weird. I guess it's why I tend to think of non-bogu students as not really students.

[ender84567]

I'm always amazed at how many people buy bogu, but then bail out within a week or two of being allowed to wear it, forget about a month or two. There's a lot of bogu at my dojang sitting in stalls abandoned by the owners, in mint condition. For me, really weird. I guess it's why I tend to think of non-bogu students as not really students.

The kiss of death, I can understand it as some times I wish I could have gone back and been a beginner out of bogu again. Its not quite as much fun when the person you were beating up fights back... and is better than you.

[ArcticBlizzard]

I'm always amazed at how many people buy bogu, but then bail out within a week or two of being allowed to wear it, forget about a month or two. There's a lot of bogu at my dojang sitting in stalls abandoned by the owners, in mint condition. For me, really weird. I guess it's why I tend to think of non-bogu students as not really students.

We had 4 people bail out within 3 months of starting wearing bogu. They all bought new bogu but just stopped showing up. Come to think of it, 2 more could be added who didn't start out with a beginners course. I really don't get it, since the bogu costs about 350 euro.