Japanese clothing and uniforms for a tall guy

[Brian Owens]

If anyone out there can give me any leads on this, I'd be most appreciative.

I'm getting back into training soon (Iai definitely, Kendo maybe, others possibly), and I need a new iaido-gi. I also will begin training in Urasenke-ryu Chado, and will need formal wear at some point.

The problem is, I'm not built like the average Japanese man; I'm of Welsh and Nordic descent. I'm 6'5" and 220 pounds.

I have found Iai/Kendo hakama in my length, but the keiko-gis I've found only go up to 6'1" or less. Same for kamishimo, haori, etc.

Does anyone know of a custom shop or other source for us hairy barbarians?

[The Coffee God]

You might want to try here...
BOKUNAN-DO (http://www.shop-japan.co.jp/english-boku/index.3html.htm)

[Kusarigama]

I'm about the same height and weight.

I picked up a size 7 Blue Kendo Uwagi from Kiyota Company in Maryland. They recommended that size when I told them my height. So work with them on it. When it arrived it almost came to my knees. But when I washed it several times it shrank to around mid thigh, a good length. Sleeves are a bit longer than I'm used to but if that is a problem... roll them up. They have no website. Wash this beastie separatly always becasue after a year it is still bleeding blue a bit. Even with the recommended by some vinegar soak.

I've heard good things about "Damiyo Outfitters" and plan to have them make an Uwagi this year.

Click here: http://www.daimyooutfitters.com/

You can try Bujin as well. They make custom Hakama and I'm sure they might be able to make an uwagi for you. Tthey are on-line but I don't have the link here.

Kim Taylor's Group, (Seidokai?)at the University of Guelph will make stuff as well. I've owned several of their uwagi over the years. Again I don't have the link off hand.

Hope this helps.

<Shameless plug follows:

We have a Suio Study Group starting in Squim, Washington. Here is our link.

http://suioryu-usa.org/

End of shameless plug>

[Soulend]

You might want to P.M. Tony Alvarez here on e-budo. He was wearing some nice stuff (including a classy haori) at this year's TaiKai, and the man is an absolute mountain. He's really cool though, and would probably be happy to try to help.

[Joseph Svinth]

For Seidokai's custom fitted uniforms, see http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com/cat_reberuniforms.htm

If the custom option is too expensive, then also see the off-the-shelf selection at http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com/cat_uniform.htm .

[Brian Owens]

My cup runneth over!

Thank you all for the quick replies. I now have some good leads to follow up on.

Ain't computers great!

[gendzwil]

One more option is www.bogu-bag.com. So long as you provide the measurements, Koei can make it for you - it will probably take a month extra though. Contact Stroud-sensei there for what measurements they need.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by gendzwil
One more option is www.bogu-bag.com.

"The page connot be opened"

I'll try again on the 'morrow. Thanks.

[gendzwil]

Sorry www.bogubag.com

[Peter Boylan]

Hi, not wanting to be left out, let me add that my company, Mugendo Budogu, is happy to do custom fitting as well. In fact, some of our stuff is only done as custom work.

Thanks,

Peter Boylan

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Peter Boylan
Hi, not wanting to be left out, let me add that my company, Mugendo Budogu, is happy to do custom fitting as well. In fact, some of our stuff is only done as custom work.

Thanks,

Peter Boylan

Thanks Mr. Boylan.

I've added www.budogu.com to my favorites list with the above.

[Kimpatsu]

Try mail order from www.kinteki.com for XL dogi.

[Kyukage]

I'm 6'10" and weigh 250 ... I get my hakama, dogi, etc. from Bujin Design (http://www.bujindesign.com). They will take measurements over the phone, help with proper fit and size, etc.

[Brian Owens]

Okay, I've checked out all the info supplied above. It looks like all the companies have some of what I need or can cutom make it.

For Iai & Kendo, though, this company (http://www.e-bogu.com/) appears to be the way to go for me. They have a user friendly site, and they have items in stock for people up to 6' 11".

Thanks for all your help folks.