Prices for kendo uniforms range widely. The cheapest ones start at around 2,000 yen, while some can cost over 100,000 yen. The price of the kendo uniform you choose will vary depending on your level of training and the purpose of use. In this article, we will introduce the relationship between the price of a kendo uniform and its purpose.

table of contents

Kendo uniform for children up to elementary school age

Kendo uniforms for junior and senior high school students

University to general kendo uniform

Kendo uniform for promotion examination

Kendo uniform as a gift

Summary of Kendo uniforms for those with sensitive skin

Kendo uniform for children up to elementary school age

Product name: White Musashi Kendo uniform

This is the age when children begin to encounter kendo. While they are learning etiquette and manners and working hard to master the basics, it is also a time when they meet new friends at the dojo and develop social skills through interactions with adults. This is also an opportunity for them to discover the fun and excitement of kendo, so it is best to choose kendo uniforms that are easy to move in and breathable, rather than professional-quality.

In fact, many children's kendo uniforms are made with these two points in mind. Prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 yen. Synthetic fiber materials such as jersey are cheaper, while 100% cotton ones are more expensive. Kendo uniforms with rokusanshi stitching are also recommended for children. Rokusanshi stitching is soft, breathable, and the fabric is durable.

You don't see many adults wearing them, but a high school teacher I know who is an advisor says they're comfortable and wears them as training wear. They're also reasonably priced, costing between 1,600 and 3,000 yen. The main character of a certain kendo manga wears a 6-3-4 stitch kendo uniform, so there may be many parents who want their children to wear one.

Kendo uniforms for junior and senior high school students

Product Name: Classic! Jersey Kendo Uniform (Navy, Black, White)

When students reach junior high and high school, they begin club activities, which increases the amount of practice. Furthermore, they also have more opportunities to participate in matches. Club activities generally take place 4-5 times a week, with some strong schools holding 6-7 times a week, and some schools even have morning practice sessions. In this environment, what is required of a kendo uniform is breathability and quick-drying properties. Wearing a kendo uniform that is wet with sweat is extremely uncomfortable. Considering that it will be worn every day for club activities, it is important that it dries quickly after washing.

Jersey-style uniforms are available in a wide variety of styles, costing around 3,000 to 5,000 yen. However, if you plan to participate in tournaments, it's a good idea to have a traditional 100% cotton kendo uniform made from sashiko fabric. If you're a junior high or high school student and your body isn't fully developed yet, a jersey uniform will look shabby.

In a match, not only technique but also posture and demeanor are important. A strong player is likely to dress properly and exude dignity. If appearance is important to you, you should purchase an indigo-dyed cotton kendo uniform. A single-layered kendo uniform will cost around 4,000 to 10,000 yen, and a double-layered one will cost around 8,000 to 20,000 yen.

University to general kendo uniform

Product name: [West Japan Martial Arts Equipment] Authentic Indigo Double-Layered Dogi "Ryo"

Those who continue to practice kendo as a club activity at university should continue to use either tracksuit-type or cotton kendo uniforms depending on the situation. On the other hand, some university students become instructors at the dojo. It's fine to wear tracksuit-type kendo uniforms for practice, but we generally recommend wearing cotton kendo uniforms. There are no clear rules, but once you reach the 4th dan level, you will be called a sensei.

As the number of practice sessions decreases and many people wear their training uniforms less, it is a good idea to wear cotton kendo uniforms on a regular basis. If you are in a position to teach kendo to children or beginners, you should wear appropriate clothing. Prices range from 5,000 to 12,000 yen for a single-layer indigo-dyed uniform, and 8,000 to 30,000 yen for a double-layered uniform.

Kendo uniform for promotion examination

Kanmuri Lightweight Practical Double-Layer Kendo Uniform, Double-Layer Back, KG-220

In a promotion examination, not only technique but also attire is an important point. If you want to wear a uniform that will not come undone, a double layered kendo uniform with a heavy feel is ideal.

Furthermore, if the dyeing method is genuine indigo dye or Bushu indigo dye, it will make the standing posture look even more beautiful.

As mentioned above, they can generally be purchased for around 8,000 to 30,000 yen.

Bushu indigo dyeing is considered a higher grade of indigo dyeing, so the price is also relatively high. Some of the completely hand-sewn products can cost over 100,000 yen.

Kendo uniform as a gift

Kendo uniforms are often given to teachers who have been promoted, students retiring from club activities (with the expectation that they will continue practicing kendo), and advisor teachers who are being transferred. If choosing a kendo uniform as a gift, a high-quality item such as a double-layered Bushu indigo dye is recommended. Around 20,000 to 30,000 yen is reasonable. For students up to junior high school age, a single-layered indigo dye item for around 10,000 yen would be fine. Embroidery is usually free, so if you are giving it to a teacher, it is common to include something like "Presented by the entire Kendo Club at XX High School."

summary

There's no need to go out of your way to buy an expensive kendo uniform. However, if you wear a thick, double-layered, traditional Bushu indigo-dyed kendo uniform correctly, it will exude dignity and elegance. Of course, this can only be achieved through daily training. Instead of always wearing the same kendo uniform, why not choose the one that best suits your needs?