Training Equipment, Uniforms (Aikido), Swords, Iaito (Iaido)
Uniforms
Basic uniforms (gi) are available for purchase in the Aikido Mountian West dojo for a discounted price. Any white gi can also be purchased from any other preferred source.
Tozando (www.tozando.com) - Iaido
For uniforms, Bokken, and iaito, Aikido Mountain West recommends Tozando, a company based in Kyoto, Japan. their customer service is outstanding and their prices are fantastic. They are able to produce completely custom iaito and have them shipped within two weeks. Unlike American suppliers who act as middlemen, Tozando is the actual manufacturer of their goods. This ensures prompt service and customer support.
Informational Websites
Aikido: The Art of Peace
This new website is dedicated to sharing information about Aikido through the positive exchange of ideas, experiences, and events between all members of the Aikido community. Please check out this site and do your part to promote Aikido and to foster its growth toward realizing O' Sensei's vision of making humankind 'one family'.
Furyu Online
Wayne Moromoto's fantastic resource is filled with interesting and accurate information, a web rarity!
Mega Mall Japan
This site serves as a central location to easily purchase Japanese products and to find web links to Japanese related sites, including organizations for traditional Japanese budo.
Shudokan Budokai
This martial arts association has many fantastic articles on its website. Recommended reading for all.
World MJER Iaido Federation
The Federation has been established to help transfer the orthodox flow of MJER Iaido to the future generations. As well as to conduct activities that contribute to preservation promotion and development of other schools.
Traditional Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido Dojos
- Boston: Cuong Nguyen Sensei - www.bostoniaido.com
- California: Diamanstein Sensei - www.iaido.org
- Michigan: Suino Sensei - www.artofjapaneseswordsmanship.com
- Northern Virginia: Huff Sensei - www.eishinkai.homestead.com
- Tennessee: Cimino-Hurt Sensei
- Texas: Ray Sensei - www.dentondojo.com
Sword Polishing, Refitting, and Koshirae (Iaido)
Fred Lohman Company
A complete service for anything related to swords. Mr. Lohman has a fantastic array of fittings and the craftsmanship to make any martial artist happy. I personally sent a 500 year-old "katsumichi" tachi to Mr. Lohman for partial restoration. The outcome was glorious and I have since sent another blade to be refitted and new saya made. Both swords and koshirae exhibit outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Robert Benson
One of only a couple legitimately licensed togishi, or sword polishers in America. If you want the absolute best, send your sword to Mr. Benson. He has been very kind in helping research old blades. He also sells antique swords and fittings.