Where to Buy Kendo Gear: My 3 Trusted Shops

Are you currently staring at twenty different browser tabs, feeling your head spin as you look at endless rows of shinai, bōgu sets, and hakama?

I know that feeling. When you’re starting out—or even when you’re looking to upgrade to your first "serious" set—the kendo equipment world feels like a maze. You’re worried about spending hundreds of dollars on a men that doesn’t fit, or a shinai that feels like a heavy log or super unbalanced in your hands.

Buying the wrong gear isn’t just a "whoops" moment for your wallet. It’s a literal pain in the neck. Poorly fitted gear leads to bad habits, slower progress, and—let’s be honest—it just doesn't feel or look right on the dojo floor. And most importantly, you are not well protected!

To save you the headache, I’m sharing the three shops I personally use and trust. These aren't just random links; these are the places where I spend my own money.

1. E-Bogu: The Reliable All-Rounder

If you’re looking for your very first shinai or a solid starter bōgu set, E-Bogu is often my first recommendation.

• Why I trust them: They’ve been in the game a long time. Their website is clean, and the ordering process is pretty smooth. 
• The Big Benefit: Their customer service is top-notch. I have never had any trouble with my order but multiple people told me that they were very quick to handle the situation. Make sure you give them a call, when you have an issue

2. Maruyama Kendo Supply: The "Feel" of the Sword

I often buy my own shinai from the owner of Maruyama Kendo Supply.

• Why I trust them: You’ll often see the owner at major kendo tournaments and seminars. He’s right there smiling and waiting for your visit to his booth. Go and talk to him. Tell him what you need. 
• The "So What?": There is nothing quite like holding a shinai before you buy it. You can feel the balance, the weight distribution, and the thickness of the grip. If you see them at an event, go say hello and find the shinai that feels like an extension of your own arm.

3. Shogun Kendogu: Precision, Craft, and Family

When it comes to my own men and kote, I go to Shogun Kendogu. Full disclosure: my Kiwi brother, Blake Bennett, handles their customer service! But that’s not why I recommend them, well, it is a big part of it but I recommend them because they are artisans.

• Why I trust them: They are based in Japan and led by a master kote craftsman. The quality is vibrant, durable, and it feels "tailor-made" because, well, it is!
• The Monomi Secret: This is vital for adult practitioners. Consider yourself as a super lucky person if the monomi (the wider gap in the metal grill you see through) comes at the right in front of your eyes when you buy an already made men. That is why you need a custom made men. 
• The Problem Avoided: If your monomi is in the wrong place, you’ll naturally tilt your head up or down just to see your opponent. This ruins your posture and prevent your from improving. Shogun ensures your vision is crystal clear so you can focus on your training.

A Note for My Friends in Europe and Beyond 🌍

I know many of you are training hard in Europe. While these three are my "Big Three," I’ve heard excellent reports about Kendo Star (run by the brilliant Andy Fisher sensei) and Nine Circles. 

Stop Guessing, Start Measuring!

The biggest mistake you can make is "guessing" your size based on a t-shirt or glove size. Kendo gear is different.

Your one tiny first step today: Before you even think about hitting that "Add to Cart" button, go grab a soft measuring tape. Measure your head circumference and your hand length properly. Each company tells you how to measure your head and etc.

If you're not sure how to do that properly, contact their customer service.

Let’s get you geared up so you can stop worrying about your kit and start focusing on your kiai!

Happy training!

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