25 Nov

Clothing & Weapons

Here are helpful links for ordering do-gi (gi tops), hakama (pleated “trousers”), kaku obi (belts) and training weapons.

Option 1: Samurai Jujutsu gi is available at the dojo and the best option for a new student

Option 2: Iaido Gi top and Hakama Set is available at the dojo or from from e-bogu.com

Option 3: Shiromusashi Jacket (blue or white) or Modified Kimono Top is available at the dojo

* NOTE: If ordering kendo gi-top from e-bogu.com, we suggest ordering it using the sizing charts on their website as long as you are of thin build. If you are not thin, it’s safer to order the next size up! Secondly, all hakama should be ordered with longer himo (ties).

Belts and Footwear
We wear a sword-bearing “kaku obi”. A kaku obi is different from belts typically worn in iaido or other non-samurai arts. In winter we wear dojo footwear including tabi socks and tabi. You may choose any color kaku obi:
Kaku obi 
Kaku obi

Bokken (wooden training sword):
Nami ryu bokken are specific to our ryuha (school). Any bokken or training weapons other than the ones listed below will need to be cleared by the instructor for use in class.

Our dojo keeps extra training weapons of various types on-hand. This will also let you try out different weapon lengths and woods to discover the one you like best.

Choose from:
Ash Bokken, Hickory Bokken, or Ipe Bokken (Brazilian Hardwood)
Be sure to order a plastic sword guard (tsuba) with your bokken: Plastic Tsuba
Order the 30″ blade + 15″ handle if you are 5’10” or taller. Otherwise, order the 28″ version.

Bo-Tanto (wooden knife)
As practitioners of a samurai art, we always carry multiple weapons. The tanto is a mainstay of Nami ryu, and we carry a bo-tanto in addition to a bokken. Custom-made bo-tanto are also available for around $40 (please inquire)

Bo-Wakizashi (wooden short sword)
A wakizashi is optional for beginners.
Hickory bo-wakizashi or Ipe bo-wakisashi

Real Weapons / Live Blades
The use of real weapons throughout our training is a major factor that sets us apart from many other martial studies. Senior and intermediate students are permitted – and encouraged – to carry real weapons in addition to wooden training weapons.

However, we are very cautious with the use of “live” weapons and thus beginners are not allowed to use them. Sharp weapons may be carries after much diligent study, and only with the head instructor’s approval.

Every Day Carry Tools 

Our dojo is located in a rural mountain area, and many of our members carry tools that help us in work and daily sustenance. The CRKT Heiho and CRKT Otanashi Noh Ken, designed by Williams sensei, are local dojo favorites. Most of us carry a “special forces” shovel , and good support pens in our vehicles for help when needed. A good office carry pen in a “gray man” carry bag is helpful as well.