All you need to get started is a wooden sword (bokken/bokuto), a plastic golf tube, sports knee pads, and a belt (obi), preferably a cloth one that can wrap around your waist four times.

In Vancouver, bokken and obi can be purchased at a number of martial arts suppliers including Mikado (701 E. Hastings) and Golden Arrow (2234 E. Hastings). Knee pads are widely available from sports stores or department stores and golf tubes are available from a number of golf supply shops. 

You may choose to buy the uniform right away or you can wait a while. However, you should buy a top (keiko-gi) and bottoms (hakama) within 2 or 3 months of practice. Please ask in the dojo where the best places are to purchase supplies.

Within one year of regular practice, you should consider buying a practice sword (Iaito/Mogito). The most important things to consider in buying an Iaito are balance and length. We can help you to buy an Iaito when you are ready and, from time to time, 2nd hand swords become available. However, most often we order them from selected mail-order or internet-based suppliers.

After becoming very proficient with an Iaito, upon recommendation by their sensei, people often buy a real sword (shinken). Once again, length and balance are the most important factors and, once again, we can assist you when the time comes.

Here are some suppliers that we use:

• Aoi Budo - #28-8980 Fraserwood Court Burnaby, B.C. (877) 929-6600
• Mikado - 701 East Hastings, Vancouver, BC (604) 253-7168.
• Golden Arrow - 2238 E Hastings, Vancouver, BC (604) 254-6910.
• Seidokai Supplies - Kim Taylor's website for martial arts equipment.