Written by Jeangerard Hughes (Former member of Tozando, Naginata 5-dan) It feels tautological to say that the naginata (the wooden weapon) is at the core of your Naginata (the martial art). In few other arts you are supposed to make one with your weapon to the point that you are Read More
The Samue (作務衣) was originally a type of work clothes for Zen Buddhist priests in Japan and was something that they would wear when they were cleaning, cutting firewood, working the fields and do other daily tasks around the temple. Since it originally was a type of working garment, it Read More
In the news the other day it was announced that Jukendo (銃剣道; the way of the bayonet) is to be added as one out of nine martial arts that schools all over Japan can choose to teach their Jr. high school students. Due to this, Jukendo has become something of Read More
Perhaps many of you have seen the picture of a ‘Hello Kitty’ themed Kendo Bogu floating around on the internet, but did you know that the Bogu was actually made by Tozando? Tozando made this Bogu in cooperation with SANRIO CO. ,LTD. to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Hello Kitty’, Read More
Tozando is currently operating two stores as follows: MAIN STORE: Kendo, Aikido, Judo and othersIf you are coming from the Kyoto Central Station, please find the bus terminal in front to the central exit and take #50, bound for the Kitano Tenmangu shrine. Get then off at “Omiya Nakadachiuri” stop Read More
Most people practicing Kendo knows that the Menbuchi, which is the rim of the men around the Mengane and the Do are traditionally painted using Japanese ‘Urushi’, also known as ‘Japanese wood lacquer’, however many might not know exactly what this is. Urushi is a kind of natural paint which is Read More
Yes, we can embroider your Hakama or Gi, even if they are not bought from Tozando, if you bring it to our store in Kyoto. However, in this case the embroidery will cost 210JPY/character and will usually take 10-15 minutes.
Duralumin or Duraluminum is an Aluminum-alloy, in where the main components are copper, manganese, and magnesium. It’s the lightest and least expensive of the all-metal options for Mengane. Duraluminum is mostly recommended for children and lighter Kenshi, or for those who engage only occasional Kendo practice. The light weight makes it comfortable to Read More
For Koshiita, 4x4cm will be the maximum size. Default size for Koshiita embroidery is 3x3cm.
