Where do the Pro's shop ?

[Khabbi]

Hey I was thinking about where the pro's like Eiga , Ando , Mori and Sato get their stuff from ? . Most of us none Japanes have to get it from online shops, but how is it for ppl in japan ? and where do the pro's shop , if they shop ?maybe they get it free ?

[xvikingx]

I don't know about the 'Pros', but in Japan (and So.Cal.) you can either hop on over to the local shop and check out their goods, or place an order through your dojo.

[jfluh9]

In the championships a couple of years ago Eiga wore Eguchi bogu.

http://www.eguchi.net

[Hai_hai]

Hey I was thinking about where the pro's like Eiga , Ando , Mori and Sato get their stuff from ? . Most of us none Japanes have to get it from online shops, but how is it for ppl in japan ? and where do the pro's shop , if they shop ?maybe they get it free ?

This is why commercialism has been kept out of kendo, people who want brand-name labels to associate with. This is why Nike and Adidas won't be making kendo-gu anytime in the future, they can't but their label on the outside.
It's like this, there are a number of kendo shops in Japan. The pro's (as you call them) go to whatever store they like and purchase a hand-made set. That's it.

[KendokaJim]

Oh Hai hai, you kendo purist...

[HEIJO SHIN]

I recently went a seminar in France that was attened by M.Fujita 8th Dan Iaido Hanshi.
During his instruction he allowed me to hold and use his sword. It was identical to one of the cheaper Tozando Iaito's available with a cotton sageo.

I dont know why I was surprised, had he used a rhubarb stick it would have still looked good.

It goes to show its not the gear that make him good, its the 74 years of practice.

Clearly unlike football or basketball etc, were sponsorship and advertising plays a big part, the pro's buy what they think they need, and dont have to worry about looking the part.

[Khabbi]

Actualy , I dident write this to find out where I can get the exact Bogu or shinai as the "pro's" , It was more a thought that maybe they get everything custom made from kendo shops in Japan or maybe even at the police dojo's (the kendokas that work for the police that is ) . Maybe the police has a special bogu service ?.

Anyways , its a whole diff deal then for the most of us none- Japanes

[orayakab]

Apparently 6 Time AJKC Winner Miyazaki buys his Bogu at this shop.

http://www.kitanet.ne.jp/~kendou/index.html

Orayakab, U.