Sword students may wear either a blue hakama with a blue keikogi (uniform jacket) or a white karate gi. We are carrying the most affordable uniform that meets reasonable standards of quality and performance. We can order lighter tops or heavier ones.
If you wear a hakama you must wear it with a keikogi- not a karate gi top. Also be sure that your hakama is clean and wrinkle free. They usually don't need to be washed between every wearing since they are worn over gi pants. The keikogi, however, does need to be washed each time you wear it. Gi pants should be worn under your hakama, but sometimes long shorts are more comfortable. Be sure that you bare legs are not visible through the side of your hakama. Also be sure that you pants cuff is not showing.
Sword Guidelines
First and foremost, you don't need a sword. A bokken, shinai, and perhaps a plastic saya are all you really need to fully and safely enjoy class. If, on the other hand, you really want a sword, the following is for you.
If you are under 18 years of age do not buy even an unsharpened sword. Talk with your parents and have them speak with me.
You need to attend classes regularly for several months before you may use a sword. You may then ask if you may use a sword in class- don't just show up with one. I have two basic criteria: I must be convinced that you are safe, and, you need to have shown an appreciation for fixing the things that have been pointed out you. Switching to a sword won't fix them. It will more than likely make poor technique worse.
I need to inspect the sword before you use it in class. There are many stories of cheap swords breaking and pieces flying through the air. We don't want that. I would rather hurt your feelings than approve a sword that I am not comfortable with. The Chinese made swords vary in quality. With some brands one sword may be okay and another of the same model may not be.
Try to have a sword that is reasonably authentic. Somee manufacturers will make anything- glitter saya, neon colors, extraordinarily tacky variations. No ninja swords, Viking swords, or light sabers! It's okay, though, if you have a "pretty sword" that isn't exactly a historical copy.
If class is well-attended we may have sword weilding folks spill over onto the carpeting to keep distances safe. We may just say "no swords tonight."
Choosing a Sword
First of all, you want what is called an "iaito" (ee-eye-to). It is an unsharpened sword used for safe practice. Don't buy a sharp sword for use at the Dojo.
Here is some advice:
Speak to people. Then consider your source and forget most of what you hear. Some people can talk your ear off about swords because they spend more time reading about them than practicing. Beware the internet samurai.
Research the laws in your state. We have students from Mass. RI and CT. each may have different laws regarding buying, owning and transporting iaito's. If you think you won't get caught, think again. I have twice had to speak to the Attorney Generals Office (Mass & RI) to vouch for students who were caught with martial arts weapons. They were nice people but they were careless, undisciplined and disrespectful of the law and me. I won't do it again so don't have your lawyer call me if you get yourself in trouble. I know employees at the ACI, Wyett Corrections Facility and at Cedar Junction. If you have to serve time at any one of these facilities I will ask them to say "hi" to you from time to time.
Buy the best iaito you can afford. If you are ready to buy one lets assume you plan on being involved for a while. Don't by a clunker that you will want to replace once you start to seriously practice.
It is very important to have the right sword for your ability. Too light a sword encourages sloppy habits, too heavy a sword requires you to hold back to avoid stressing tendons or compromising your form. I see this happen in every class with people who have an improper sword. Beginners and small people should use a light weight sword (850 grams or less). A heavy sword can place a lot of strain on your tendons and cause lasting problems. As you strengthen your body and improve your technique (after a couple of years of steady practice) you should move into a heavier sword.
In Japan your uniform and martial arts equipment are considered a reflection your commitment and status. A beginner should not have a $2,000. sword and a $1,000 uniform. An experienced person shouldn't wear a low quality beginners uniform or use cheap equipment. By most standards any sword under $500 is considered a beginner sword. While that may seem expensive consider the costs involved with other activities, hockey for instance. Skates, sticks pads, uniforms, etc.. add up. Even a youth baseball bat can cost over $250. and a fishing pole can easily cost more than a sword.
Japanese laws strictly control sword production. Japanese-made iaito are made of zinc/aluminum (so they can't be sharpened). They are low maintenance and very good quality. They are somewhat lighter (sometimes) than other blades. They are more expensive than other blades, as well.
Carbon steel blades can rust (but who cares?). Stainless blades are brittle and can break. A cheap stainless blade is a bad thing. A decent stainless blade should be okay. For maintenance just wipe any iaito blade with WD40, no need to dismantle them.
Don't buy a sword off e-bay. Really.
Recommendations
Any sword from Tozando. They also have ladies swords and youth swords. You can't go wrong with this company. Keep in mind you may have to pay a separate charge for U.S. customs since they are shipped straight from Japan.
While many schools won't allow students to use Cheness or Hanwei (Paul Chen) swords I don't haven't had a problem with them. They represent a good buy for someone starting out. Give them serious consideration.
Ask to inspect any sword of mine or others in the Dojo. Just don't help yourself and don't touch the blade, even a dull blade (bad etiquette).
You will get what you pay for. Don't expect a perfect product in a $300 sword. You don't need a perfect sword, however. Just a safe one.
Don't be in a hurry. The more you explore the more you will learn. When you have explored so much that you become overwhelmed and confused, you are ready!
Tozando
These are Japanese-made iaito of good to high quality. My green- handled iaito is a Hon Higo Koshirae. I really like this sword.
There are a couple of Hanwei Practical Plus Iaito in use in the dojo. I like the feel of it but not the looks. The black straight Chinese swords I have are made by Hanwei- they are okay but not great. I got what I paid for (around $130. for the pair). Hanwei may be your best option for price and quality so despite my lack of enthusiasm, don't overlook this company. Check them out at Ninja World.
This is a link to SBG. I bought a sword through them (Cheness Tenchi) and was very satisfied. They have an Iaito that might be a good starting place. I haven't seen or held one, however, but I feel comfortable recommending this one. There is one Cheness Iaito in use in the dojo. I like it a lot. Very sturdy, well finished. Solid. Tooheavy for many of us. However, they offer a lighter stainless steel iaito that might be very good.
Ryan Sword I purchased one of these to see if I could recommend it to you. I would say that it is okay for Iai-jutsu (drawing techniques) but it is heavy and ungainly. They are pretty.
This might be a good choice for someone who has a costly iaito that they don't want to beat up practicing with partners. Use this one as a "beater".
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895