KENDO EQUIPMENT
Sturgeon Kendo provides a shinai as part of the startup fee. We also offer Bogu rentals for both the Kid's Kendo and Junior Kendo programs for an initial deposit and monthly fee. Adults will be responsible for providing their own equipment, although nothing beyond a shinai is required for the first month of the intake period (and our instructors will happily help you with everything required to purchase your own equipment when the time is right). We have a list of recommended suppliers below, and would strongly advise against making purchases through Amazon or non-recommended sources, as the quality and safety of equipment from unknown sources can vary wildly.
SHINAI
Bamboo sword made for sparring in Kendo
BOKKEN
Wooden sword used for Kata & demonstrations
GI & HAKAMA
The "shirt" and "pants" worn for Kendo
BOGU
The protective gear worn for Kendo
BOGU SHOPS
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BUDOGU ZEN - Official Sponsor of Alberta Kendo & Official Equipment Supplier of Sturgeon Kendo
Located in Richmond BC, Budogu Zen is an official technical partner of Tozando International of Japan. They are able to offer high quality kendo equipment from beginner sets to fully customized bogu sets, as well as an excellent selection of uniforms, shinai, and high quality accessories. Budogu Zen also specializes in the repair and refurbishing of old or damaged equipment locally, as Unzei is a shokunin, trained in Japan at Tozando.
CALIFORNIA BUDOGU - A one-stop supplier for the absolute best of the Budogu industry
Hand picked for the North American market, California Budogu has become the ONLY official USA-based retailer of Kendo equipment manufactured by the Kendogu Workshop of Japan (Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho or NKS). NKS has over 80 years of history and professional craftsmen with more than 40 years of experience in the Japanese Budogu industry. Over 70% of the world's Made-in-Japan Bogu comes from this exclusive location in Miyazaki, Japan.