Iwata suppliers

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[rachmass]

Hello all,

Does anyone know of a dealer/supplier who sells Iwata hakama, other than going to the source in Japan (little phobic about the yen/dollar conversion and all the shipping charges)?

thanks,

Rachel

[Greg Jennings]

Check out Kiyota Company. No web site, but their contact info is in the Supplies section of this site.

They have great service and reasonable prices. I order all our supplies from them.

My instructor gave me my Iwata hakama and obi as a gift. IIRC, the deal was made easier by a former student that lives in Tokyo.

Regards,

[rachmass]

Hi Greg,

yes, my teacher too gave me my Iwata hakama. He traveled to Japan a lot (he's Japanese). It's finally worn threadbare, and I need a new one.

I'll check out Kiyota Company. Thanks for the lead!

Rachel

[rachmass]

I just ordered a hakama from Kiyota Company. They were extremely friendly and helpful. It is expensive, but probably about the same as I would have paid otherwise, and they are shipping it in a couple of days. Thanks for the lead again!

Rachel

[Greg Jennings]

I just ordered a hakama from Kiyota Company. They were extremely friendly and helpful. It is expensive, but probably about the same as I would have paid otherwise, and they are shipping it in a couple of days. Thanks for the lead again!
Hi Rachel,

I'm glad to have been of service.

Best Regards,

[aikigreg]

umm, not to be naive, but what is different about an iwata hakama?

[rachmass]

Hi Greg and Greg;

Greg J. thanks again, Greg G., Iwata makes a really high-quality hakama that falls beautifully on the hips, weighs just the right amount, and lasts a long, long time. I have had nylon blend hakamas that I just didn't like at all, and have had my Iwata brand for 7 years, and it has just worn through, so it seems to me if I were going to spend a bunch of money on an indigo hakama, I may as well spend even more and get something that I know will last a long time and that I will be happy with. Don't know about anybody else out there, but I think there was a thread a couple months ago about hakama.

best,

Rachel

[Leslie Parks]

Greg G....

Adding on to Rachel's comments on Iwata hakama...

The fabric moves well.

The straps are well constructed with more than one "casing" line (the lengthwise stitching up the center of the strap) which keeps the straps flatter longer and also prevents the straps from folding up and cutting into your body.

The koshita, even when brand new, is comfortable, although after you beat the hell out of it with ukemi it's REALLY comfortable.

The only mending I've had to do in 5+ years is around the stress points at the outside of the hip areas, but nothing major.

I'm five years into mine and I'm thinking I'll get another one this year before this one gets too ragtag or I go through the knees. Then I'll have a spare. I'm getting Iwata again. No contest.