About Kendo Armor Stores in Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture is known as the "Kendo Kingdom" of Kyushu, and is a region where kendo is particularly popular. There are many strong dojos and prestigious schools that perform well in national tournaments, and the area has a high-level kendo environment that is in place from an early age.

Although it has become common to purchase kendo equipment online, there are still many people who prefer to actually touch the equipment and receive advice from expert staff before making a purchase. Purchasing in a physical store is especially reassuring for those purchasing equipment for the first time or when choosing equipment for children.

This article will introduce reliable kendo equipment stores in Fukuoka Prefecture by region. We will list each store's features, products they carry, access information, recommended points, and more, so please use this as a reference when choosing your equipment.

Kendo equipment stores in and around Fukuoka city

West Japan Martial Arts Equipment (Kasuga City)

Founded over 35 years ago, this is a leading manufacturer of kendo armor in Fukuoka.

[Store Features]

• Manufacturer of nationally renowned brands such as "Mugen" protective gear
• We started out as a bamboo sword manufacturer, and we still have strength in bamboo sword manufacturing today.
• Japanese-made real bamboo shinai such as "Josui" and "Yamato" are favored by many famous players.
• Reasonably priced, high-quality protective gear only available from the manufacturer
• There are also outdated products, so you may be able to find some great bargains.

[Products handled]

Complete set of protective gear, bamboo sword, uniform, hakama, general accessories

[Recommended points]

We offer the quality and cost performance that only a direct manufacturer can provide. Our selection of domestically produced shinai (bamboo swords) is one of the best in the prefecture. Many top players use our products.

【store information】

Address: 9-117 Kamishiromizu, Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 816-0844

Phone: 092-502-8200

FAX: 092-502-8215

Kobudo (Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)

This is a long-established martial arts equipment store that has been in business for over 30 years.

[Store Features]

• It has strong ties with the Fukuoka Prefectural Police and is used by police officers.
• A long-established establishment that has been in business for over 30 years with many long-time fans
• Good reputation for after-sales service
• A trusted store that you can do business with for a long time
• Courteous customer service and accurate advice

[Recommended points]

The quality is guaranteed, even used by Fukuoka Prefectural Police athletes. Long-term support, including repairs and maintenance, is available.

【store information】

Address: 5-12-15 Wakamiya, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 092-671-6330

Budo Suzuki Fukuoka Hakata Branch (Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)

This is the Fukuoka Hakata branch of Budou Suzuki, which has stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyushu.

[Store Features]

• High quality and reasonable prices due to manufacturing in our own factory
• We also offer custom-made armor creation
• Also operates an online shop
• We carry a wide range of products, from protective gear to bamboo swords and accessories.

[Recommended points]

High cost performance due to in-house manufacturing. We also handle custom orders, so we recommend this to anyone who wants to make their own armor.

【store information】

Address: 5-2-20 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City

Phone: 092-641-3553

FAX: 092-641-3554

Ishibashi Martial Arts Equipment Store (Minami-ku, Fukuoka City)

We are a martial arts equipment specialty store in Minami-ku, Fukuoka City.

[Store Features]

• We carry popular armor such as Mitsuboshi's "Mine" and "Ten"
• The bamboo swords "Kiyotake Bessaku" and "Furinkazan" are popular.
• Locally based, courteous service
• Supported by students

【store information】

Address: 4-13-3 Shimizu, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 092-710-2477

FAX: 092-710-2488

Takane Martial Arts Shop (Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City)

This is a martial arts equipment store located in Takatori Shopping Street in Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City.

[Store Features]

• Selling all kinds of martial arts equipment
• Sales rooted in the local community
• Located in the shopping district, it's easy to stop by while shopping.
• At-home atmosphere

Fugado (Onojo City and Chikushino City)

This is a martial arts equipment store with two locations in Onojo City and Chikushino City.

[Store Features]

• Product selection made possible by the owner's kendo experience
• Only carefully selected, easy-to-use products are sold
• In addition to kendo equipment, we also carry a wide range of stationery
• There are two stores, and they are easily accessible.

[Recommended points]

We have two stores, so you can choose the one closest to you.

【store information】

[Minamigaoka Main Store]

Address: 2-26-16 Minamigaoka, Onojo City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 092-596-0725

FAX: 092-596-4303

[Harada store]

Address: 4-14-7 Harada, Chikushino City

Phone: 092-920-8155

FAX: 092-920-8156

Kendo equipment store in Kitakyushu City

Musashi Martial Arts Equipment (Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu City)

This is a martial arts equipment specialty store located in Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu City.

[Store Features]

• We handle all types of martial arts equipment, including kendo equipment, judo, karate, and iaido.
• We handle a wide range of protective gear, from machine-stitched to hand-stitched.
• Carefully sizing each item
• Deep ties with Fukuoka Shinbukan, a 60-year-old institution
• It has been loved by local swordsmen for many years.

[Recommended points]

With 60 years of history and proven results, you can get armor that fits your body perfectly with careful sizing.

【store information】

Address: 6-20 Asahimachi, Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 093-882-6296

Chikuhodo Tsukamoto Budogu Co., Ltd. (Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City)

We are a martial arts equipment specialty store in Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City.

[Store Features]

• A long-established store beloved by swordsmen in Kitakyushu
• Custom-made original embroidery
• Free reassembly service for purchased bamboo swords
• We also repair armor (including items purchased at other stores)
• Emphasis on selecting the correct size of protective gear, sales only in person

[Recommended points]

Our original embroidery service is popular, especially among children and women. Our free bamboo sword reassembly service is also appealing.

【store information】

Address: 1-11-20 Kaharaguchi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 093-941-8720

*Please call in advance for more information.

Other local kendo equipment stores

Renbudo (Omuta City)

This is a long-established martial arts equipment store in Omuta City that has been in business for over 64 years.

[Store Features]

• We handle rare items such as 100% domestically produced men and do strings.
• Long track record and trust
• A selection of products only a long-established store can offer
• We also carry hard-to-find products

[Recommended points]

64 years of history speaks for its reliability. Recommended for those looking for products made from rare domestic materials.

【store information】

Address: 1-6-13 Shiranui-cho, Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Phone: 0944-52-5053

FAX: 0944-52-5056

Matsukawa Martial Arts Equipment (Buzen City)

This is a long-established martial arts equipment store founded in 1956 (Showa 31).

[Store Features]

• Specializing in the production of hand-stitched kendo equipment using Japan's most advanced techniques
• Members of the National Kendo Equipment Craftsmen Association are enrolled
• The original brand "Seiryu" is famous nationwide
• High quality using traditional methods
• For serious players, loved by famous athletes

[Recommended points]

High-quality hand-stitched armor that shows off the craftsmanship of the artisans. Ideal for advanced players and judges. Supported by top players nationwide.

Points to consider when choosing kendo gear in Fukuoka Prefecture

Advice for beginners

If you are purchasing protective gear for the first time, here are some points to keep in mind:

[Basics of choosing protective gear]

• Always try on in store to check size
• Start with machine-stitched armor (price ranges from 5 to 15 yen)
• Choose adjustable protective gear for growing children
• Consult with the store staff about your practice frequency and purpose.
• Also check whether or not there is after-sales service (repairs and maintenance)

[Recommended stores for beginners]

We recommend Musashi Budogu, Tsukamoto Budogu, and Kobudo, which will carefully adjust your size for you. Even first-time customers can feel at ease when consulting with them.

Advice for intermediate and advanced players

If you are aiming to compete or judge, consider higher quality protective gear.

[Points to consider when choosing protective gear for advanced players]

• Consider hand-stitched armor and high-end machine-stitched armor
• Custom-made to fit your body perfectly
• The bamboo sword is made from Japanese-made real bamboo (good feel and long-lasting).
• Nishinippon Budogu's "Josui" and "Yamato" are favored by many strong athletes.
• For judging, we recommend high-quality hand-stitched armor.

[Stores recommended for advanced players]

We recommend Nishinippon Budogu and Matsukawa Budogu, manufacturers of high-quality armor and bamboo swords.

Price range guide

[Full armor set]

• Beginner's sewing machine: 5 to 8 yen
• Intermediate machine stitching: 10 to 20 yen
• High-end machine stitching and hand stitching: 25 yen to 50 yen or more

[Shinai（Bamboo sword）]

• Standard model: 1,500 yen to 3,000 yen
• Practical type: 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen
• Domestically produced bamboo: 8,000 yen to 15,000 yen

How to use it compared to online purchases

[Store purchase recommended]

• First armor purchase
• Armor when size changes
• Expensive hand-stitched armor
• Custom-made armor

[Online purchase is convenient]

• Bamboo sword (if the size is fixed)
• Accessories (hand towels, face strings, body strings, etc.)
• Replacement parts
• Second and subsequent pieces of armor (if size is confirmed)

Things to keep in mind when visiting kendo equipment stores in Fukuoka Prefecture

[It is important to check in advance]

• Call to check opening hours and holidays
• Checking stock availability (especially if you're looking for a specific item)
• If it is made to order, check the delivery time.
• Check availability of repairs and maintenance

[What to bring when visiting]

• Current protective gear (for size reference)
• Kendo uniform and hakama (may be required when trying on)
• Budget Notes
• List of Questions

Summary

Fukuoka Prefecture is home to many reliable kendo armor stores, from long-established traditional stores to specialty stores that carry the latest martial arts equipment.

Each store has its own characteristics, such as Nishinippon Budougu, which sells directly from the manufacturer, Kobudo, which has been in business for many years, Matsukawa Budougu, and Musashi/Tsukamoto Budougu, which carefully fits equipment to fit your needs.

Beginners are advised to try on the equipment at a store first and receive advice from the staff before making a selection. Intermediate and advanced players should consider going to a specialty store that carries higher quality products, such as Japanese-made shinai (bamboo swords) and hand-stitched bogu (protective gear).

Please choose the store that best suits your practice style, budget, and goals. When visiting a store, we recommend calling in advance to check stock and opening hours.

We hope that finding the right armor will make your kendo life more fulfilling.