Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

Hi, I am going over to Japan in a couple of weeks and hope to train at the Hombu Dojo. Probably just one class because I won't be in Tokyo for long. I just passed my Shodan grading last month and want to treat myself to a good Hakama, does anyone know how much they cost from the Hombu Dojo?

I am also considering buying a new Gi at the same time, does anyone know how much one would cost at the Hombu Dojo?

I have been searching online to get an idea of how much they might be, but can't find anything. Would really like to have an idea so that I can sort out how much money to take over. Any info would be great!

Thanks

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

As far as I know, the people who train at honbu get their gear from Iwata. It should just be walking distance from the dojo, or a short train ride.

http://www.alpha-net.ne.jp/users2/iwataco/frame2e.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCOAuUmC6lY

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

By the way, I got my hakama and belt there, but not my gi. The hakama has been very good, except that some of the stitching came undone around the koshi-ita when I got it cleaned. It was easy enough to fix though. The people there don't speak a lot of English, but they are very helpful. They will ou ekeep a record of your size measurements if you ever want to order anything else.

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

Hi James
If you plan to go to Kyoto I can recommend www.tozando.com. They do good work. If you order and pay your items up front they can even mail it with "Black Cat" to your hotel/ryokan so that it will be ready for you once you get there. They have a basic aikido gi which I like a lot. They are a bit big however until you get them washed.

Also they have great hakamas. For traveling a tetron hakama may be what you are looking for. The cotton ones wrinkle quite easily.

BTW: where are you going to stay in Tokyo? Allow me to suggest www.kimiryokan.jp. The owner there it a nidan in Aikido (I think) and it's a great place to stay at a very reasonable price. It's in Ikebukoro and it's quite convenient to get to hombu dojo from there. Get a railpass :)

Have a great trip

JJ

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

I second kimi ryokan. I've met and trained with the owner, Minato-san, and he is very nice. I also have a tetron hakama. It is very low maintenance. I recently bought a cotton one for special occasions, but I haven't worn it yet, so I can't comment on that.

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

Hi Robin, thanks for the link, this was exactly what I was looking for. I think I am just going to take a Gi over with me, not sure I can afford one in Japan!

I'm still going to buy a Hakama though, so I'll head over to Shinjuku during my first couple of days in Tokyo and pick one up from Iwata.

Thanks

Re: Has anyone bought a Gi or Hakama from the Hombu Dojo?
 

Hi Jørgen, thanks for the information.

I have already booked all my accommodation for the trip. I'm just staying in a Hotel (Hotel Nihonbashi Villa) since it is quite close to Tokyo Station. We will be staying in a couple of different Ryokans when travelling across Japan.

We have got Japan Rail passes so are going to be travelling as far west as Kyoto and up north to Kanazawa, stopping and visiting other areas along the way.

I can't wait!