You do not need to buy anything to start. Take a few classes first — then buy.
We lend beginners what they need for a first class. Once you have decided to keep training, you will want your own kit, and it is worth buying the right thing once rather than the wrong thing twice. Ask any instructor before you order — we are happy to look at a link and tell you whether it is worth the money.
What you will need
| Item | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Judogi | A white cotton uniform. Aikido and Iaido both use one. | Once you have decided to continue |
| Bokuto | A wooden sword, also sold as a bokken. | Aikido weapons work, and from the start in Iaido |
| Jo | A wooden staff, about shoulder height. | Aikido weapons work |
| Iaito | An unsharpened metal practice sword. | Iaido only, and only once your instructor says so |
Do not buy a sword first. Start with a bokuto. Buying the wrong sword early is the most common and most expensive mistake people make.
Where to buy
Amazon
The quickest and cheapest way to get a first judogi, and fine for one. Quality is inconsistent and sizing runs oddly between brands, so check the reviews and ask us before ordering if you are unsure. Search Amazon for a judogi.
Tozando
A budo equipment maker in Kyoto, in business since 1989, producing everything from uniforms to iaito to their own manufacturing standards. Better made and more expensive than Amazon, and shipped from Japan, so order well ahead of when you need it. tozandoshop.com
Kingfisher Woodworks
A small workshop in Wilder, Vermont making wooden weapons specifically for the Japanese sword arts — bokuto and jo for the aiki arts, plus the wooden swords of the older koryu schools. Individual orders are their main business, and they have supplied film productions including The Last Samurai. Our first choice for a bokuto or jo. kingfisherwoodworks.com
Questions about what to buy? Call or text (586) 436-2454, email info@liaikikai.com, or just ask before or after class.