Iai Obi - Experiences

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[Greg Jennings]

OK, I have always used a judo obi but I've never been happy with it when wearing hakama.

I'm considering going to an iai obi. I'm interested in your experience with the iai obi and any other alternative.

TIA

[Richard Stevens]

I started training in Iaido at the same time I started an Aiki art so I wear the Iai Obi for both. I've worn a standard belt under my Hakama a few times and I definitely prefer the Iai Obi.

When I wrap the Obi around I crank on it so it's pretty darn tight. When I get the Hakama on and tied everything is much more secure. I typically don't have to do any adjusting for the 3 hours or so I have it on. When I wear the standard belt underneath I have to readjust things a few times.

[Greg Jennings]

Thank you, Richard. I appreciate the feedback.

BTW, since the big move, you guys are just a couple of hours down the road. I like it up here most of the year. Don't like the grey, slushy, muddy winters.

[Richard Stevens]

Yeah, the snow is nice for a couple of days and then it's just miserable.

Just an FYI, Nine Circles sells an nifty velcro Obi. Makes getting dressed for training much quicker.

[patf]

Yeah, the snow is nice for a couple of days and then it's just miserable.

Just an FYI, Nine Circles sells an nifty velcro Obi. Makes getting dressed for training much quicker.

My iaido teacher was a real traditionalist when it came to the art, so I was very surprised when he revealed his velcro obi. He also recommended sowing two regular aikido belts in parallel as a good option. I ended up buying one at an online store that did the job fine but it was hard to find one that wasn't overly patterned.

[David Maidment]

Just an FYI, Nine Circles sells an nifty velcro Obi. Makes getting dressed for training much quicker.

Unfortunately Nine Circles' Velcro iai obi isn't good if you're skinny like me; the Velcro sections only just meet (might be okay for Aikido, but doesn't hold a sword in place at all).

I prefer the wider iai style obi. I've tried judo obi with a hakama before and they just feel so loose in comparison.

[Greg Jennings]

Yeah, the snow is nice for a couple of days and then it's just miserable.

Just an FYI, Nine Circles sells an nifty velcro Obi. Makes getting dressed for training much quicker.

Thanks! I'll give it a look.

I don't mind the snow. I hate the slush and mud. Cramps my activities.

[ninjaqutie]

A few people in my dojo use iai obis on the days where aikido class is right before or after iaido. I haven't heard any complaints or that it was better. There are plenty of places to by plain white (or black) iai obis online. We get ours from California S&P, but budo aoi has some as well. Aoi has one that is white with black design and a white one with sublte white designs on it as well. There are other places you could try as well (I think Tozando carries them). Best of luck!