What to buy and why
To learn kenjutsu at Yozan, you will need, at minimum:
- A complete iaido or kendo uniform (juban optional) with an obi belt
- 1 reliable bokken with plastic saya (scabbard)
Full attire in traditional uniform (gi, hakama, obi) is not required but strongly encouraged. Beginners may attend in comfortable workout clothes.
This is arguably sufficient for a lifetime of training and study. The range of techniques and movements learned even at the beginner level could be practiced indefinitely and with near infinite variation.
To learn iai- and batto- techniques, an obi belt is absolutely necessary. A plastic saya for the bokken (~$20) can substitute for an iaito, but only to a limited extent. Iaito can run anywhere between $300 ~ $1000+, but the overall quality of the fit and finish, not the "bells and whistles," matter most. Students are encouraged to seek out the most affordable (but still well-constructed) iaito within their means through consultation with the instructor.
For sparring, additional safety equipment will be essential. Minimum required is an adequately padded martial arts helmet. We have loaners, but serious students should seek to purchase their own.
Please do not hesitate to consult with the instructor about proper attire and training equipment, including where such things may be purchased, etc. We do not want any student to be unduly discouraged by the costs involved, and can help in exploring options together.
We will soon be releasing our own line of training swords.
recommended Equipment
Tozando.com
ENROLLED STUDENTS
Tozando.com
Yozan is an approved dojo partner of Tozando, Japan!
Students may purchase their equipment directly from Tozando or through Yozan.
BEGINNER
ENROLLED STUDENTS
Tozando.com
- Students may wear comfortable sweats
- Alternatively, students may also wear their uniform from another traditional martial art
- An obi belt (or a belt from another martial art will be acceptable)
- 1 hardwood bokken (the bokken will be the default/staple training tool at all levels)
- Alternatively, students may also purchase a modern polypropylene bokken
ENROLLED STUDENTS
ENROLLED STUDENTS
ENROLLED STUDENTS
- Iaido or kendo uniform (juban optional)
- Plastic saya and tsuba for bokken
- Students may eventually purchase a dull steel or zinc-aluminum iaito after consulting with the instructor
- Students who wish to purchase a shinken are strongly encouraged to consult with the instructor about their options (see below)
SPARRING
ENROLLED STUDENTS
ENROLLED STUDENTS
- At minimum, you must wear adequately padded helmet
- HEMA gear or equivalent are optional but encouraged. They are required for sparring with steel habiki.
- Sparring will be done with either fukuro-shinai (padded bamboo) and/or a habiki (steel with dull blade) and/or another suitable training tool
shinken
When to Begin Thinking About Shinken
Kenshi who can train safely and effectively with an iaito can now begin to hone the skills necessary to cut with a Japanese blade (with supervision).
Students are strongly discouraged from rushing into a purchase of a live steel blade, especially at the beginning of their training. There are many options out there, and the vast majority are sub-optimal or otherwise entirely inappropriate (i.e. please don't train or cut with antique nihonto). Please take your time. It is better to be patient and purchase 1 good sword than 10 poor swords. Moreover, what is "good" for someone else may not be appropriate for your own unique physique.
Please consult with the instructor about purchasing a shinken that can complement your training.
We will soon be releasing our own line of training swords.