Training Wear

Premium Keikogi and Hakama

The Shogun Kendogu selection of kendo wear contains only top-quality items. We have a range of keikogi (kendogi) and hakama to suit all kendoka and uses, whether you need a lightweight and fast drying Waffle Gi for summer training or a #10000 cotton aizome hakama for special occasions.

For our premium line of full cotton aizome hakama and keikogi, we choose Bushu Ichi as our supplier. Kendo wear by Bushu Ichi is made in Japan using traditional techniques, resulting in a superior product.

About Bushu Ichi Kendo Wear

Using naturally fermented materials, all Bushu lchi kendo uniform products are dyed according to saki-zome procedures. The threads are dyed with naturally sourced ai dye (aizome) prior to being woven into the sheet of material. This is in contrast to many aizome hakama and keikogi which are dyed with chemical based dye after the material has been manufactured.

Natural ai dye comes from the Persicaria tinctoria plant which is used for a number of purposes due to its antioxidant, insect repellent, natural deodorizing, pain killer, and detoxification properties. Increasingly, many manufacturers claim to make kendo garments with aizome dye. Unfortunately however, it is common that the aizome dye is of chemical origin – and in many cases, the dyeing process is not sufficient to maintain a long-lasting colour. Bushu lchi is one of only a few Japanese manufactures currently using genuine and natural ai extract right from the beginning of the production process. As a result of this process, the indigo colour remains vibrant for much longer. In fact, very little 'colour bleeding' will occur – even during the early stages of wear. Further, the use of naturally fermented extract contributes to the strength and durability of the fabric. The natural colouring is much easier on the skin, and is therefore ideal for hakama and keikogi for children with delicate skin and people who are prone to allergies.

Bushu lchi products are woven on an old-style 'shuttle loom'. Also, in some stages of the process, water retrieved from an on-site water well is used. Shunning the use of machines aimed at mass production, the Bushu lchi brand ensures a unique feel with unrivalled softness, comfort, colour-fast qualities, and durability that can only be found in a garment so painstakingly crafted.