{"title":"Kendo Competition Picks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/competition_picks_hero.png?v=1782759989\" alt=\"\"\u003eHand-picked by experienced kendoka and the Budogu Zen team, these are the tournament-tested items we genuinely wish we had discovered during our own competitive years. Every product in this collection has earned its place by offering a real advantage when every match counts.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"shinai-fui","title":"FUI - Dobari Fat Grip Shinai","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis shinai is made by using \"vertical surface shaving\" method to leave the bamboo's thickness.\u003cbr\u003eDobari style shinai; the knot right above your right hand is made fat. This allows the weight balance to be close to your hands.\u003cbr\u003eYou can execute very sharp strikes with a combination of dobari style and this shaving method.\u003cbr\u003eThe fat grip makes this shinai's weight balance very close to your hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrip size: 28mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"38 \/ Bamboo Only","offer_id":42563044180131,"sku":"SET2308(M38)","price":65.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"38 \/ + Assembled with Single Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698600935587,"sku":"SET2308(M38)\/SET003\/SKM","price":79.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"38 \/ + Assembled with Double Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698600968355,"sku":"SET2308(M38)\/SET005\/SKM","price":81.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"39 \/ Bamboo Only","offer_id":42563044212899,"sku":"SET2308(M39)","price":65.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"39 \/ + Assembled with Single Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698601001123,"sku":"SET2308(M39)\/SET003\/SKM","price":79.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"39 \/ + Assembled with Double Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698601033891,"sku":"SET2308(M39)\/SET005\/SKM","price":81.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/fui.jpg?v=1769087668"},{"product_id":"kote-mokkei","title":"MOKKEI - Made in Japan Kote","description":"\u003cp\u003e【Made in Japan】\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKote Gashira: 2 lines decoration, 1 line namako, Yatsu-gata style\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Orizashi\u003cbr\u003eFuton: 5mm stitching\u003cbr\u003eTenouchi: Micro Punch\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can simply feel the goodness of 'Made in Japan'. You can use this kote for any style of kendo and waza without feeling any discomfort. This kote prioritizes the guaranteed comfortableness over appearance. Kiwada Daiki Sensei won 2012 All Japan Kendo Championships using this kote.\u003cbr\u003eYou can stay focussed in practices with worrying about anything else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/budogu-zen.ca\/blogs\/resource\/how-to-measure-yourself-accurately\" title=\"How to Measure Your Bogu Set Correctly\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck here to understand how to measure correctly.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[日本製]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e甲手頭：二段飾り、１段生子、奴型\u003cbr\u003e　　生地：織刺\u003cbr\u003e　　布団：５ｍｍ刺\u003cbr\u003e　　手の内：ミクロパンチ\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e日本製の良さをシンプルに感じれる甲手。どんな剣道、技にも違和感なく使用できます。見た目の派手さではなく、使いやすさ。使いやすさは折り紙つきです。２０１２年の全日本選手権では木和田選手が使用して優勝した甲手です。この甲手を使ったらもう言い訳はできません。あとは稽古に集中するのみです。\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"SS","offer_id":42564222877859,"sku":"183-NK10010SS","price":440.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"S","offer_id":42564222910627,"sku":"183-NK10010S","price":440.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":42564222943395,"sku":"183-NK10010M","price":440.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":42564222976163,"sku":"183-NK10010L","price":440.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"LL","offer_id":42564223008931,"sku":"183-NK10010LL","price":440.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/products\/IMG_20230323_101609_081.webp?v=1679666692"},{"product_id":"bogu-set-issen","title":"ISSEN - High Performance Tournament Men, Kote, Tare Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 4mm high performance bogu set is greatly recommended for anybody who is actively competing in the competition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe've had many Canadian National Team members and Hawaiian National Team members using this bogu set. They all had a very successful result at the World Kendo Championships and World Combat Games. \u003cbr\u003eIt's also very popular amongst Japanese Police Kendo Team. It has high demand for anybody looking for a high performance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis bogu set does not come with a do; with a simple design, you can match this bogu set with any do you own. It's even better if you are wearing a team do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e【Men】\u003cbr\u003eMengane: Enhanced duralumin\u003cbr\u003eMen Futon: Datotsu-bui (striking area)'s core material buffered with special procedure\u003cbr\u003eUchiwa (Inner Ring): Antibacterial material\u003cbr\u003eChin: Standard ISG installed, 4 lines decoration.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e【Kote】\u003cbr\u003eTenouchi: Micro Punch\u003cbr\u003eKote Gashira: 4D Type\u003cbr\u003eFuton: Orizashi material, core material buffered with special procedure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e【Tare】\u003cbr\u003eHara-Obi: Short width finish\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Bag finish\u003cbr\u003eFuton: 5 lines decoration\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a must get bogu if you do not want to lose to anybody.\u003cbr\u003eThe set includes  men, kote, and tare. ('Do' not included)\u003cbr\u003eThis bogu set is made specifically for shiai by removing as much inner material as possible aside from the striking area. The weight and softness is prioritized. You can maximize your performance with this bogu, and can determine the result in the close matches. You must get this bogu if you want to differentiate yourself from your rival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/budogu-zen.ca\/blogs\/resource\/how-to-measure-yourself-accurately\" title=\"How to Measure Your Bogu Set Correctly\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck here to understand how to measure correctly.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42564389732515,"sku":"SET848","price":675.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/issen.webp?v=1685927424"},{"product_id":"shinai-shigemitsu","title":"SHIGEMITSU - Canada Kendo Player Model Dobari Fat Grip Shinai","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis player model shinai is used by Shigemitsu Mitch Kamata Sensei, who was the captain of Team Canada Men's Team in the 16th World Kendo Championship held in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis shinai is created one by one using high quality Madake bamboo.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDobari style shinai; the knot right above your right hand is made \"semi-fat\".\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe balance between the dobari's fatness and narrow kensaki (tip) will develop fine hitting feeling.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGrip Size: 28mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e上質な真竹を使い１つ１つ作りあげました。構えて右手のすぐ上にくる部分の節「胴張」は中太サイズ仕上げ。\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e先細に仕上げた剣先とのバランスが絶妙の打突感になります。\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"Bamboo Only","offer_id":43698559025315,"sku":"SET2305(M39)","price":115.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"+ Assembled with Single Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698559058083,"sku":"SET2305(M39)\/SET003\/SKM","price":129.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"+ Assembled with Double Edge Tsuka","offer_id":43698559090851,"sku":"SET2305(M39)\/SET005\/SKM","price":131.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/products\/shigemitsuMODEL.jpg?v=1668082268"},{"product_id":"indigo-dyed-tournament-kendo-gi-and-hakama-set","title":"Indigo Dyed Tournament Kendo Gi and Hakama Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eBudogu Zen's TOP SELLING tournament kendo gi and hakama set. It is cheaper than buying it individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKendo Gi:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndigo dyed (Aizome) single layer kendo-gi. It is thinner compared to regular single layer kendo-gi.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is great for summer practices, it is especially recommended for an important competitions and grading exams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany kendokas use indigo dyed kendo-gi for competitions and grading exams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis indigo dyed kendo-gi that is as light as jersey kendo-gi will help maximize your performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are occasions when there is no definite winner after fighting for 4 minutes or even longer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter both kendokas dedicated in daily training, everybody will experience a long lasting fights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall difference in equipment can create a huge difference in outcome.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis item is strongly recommended for anybody who is determined to win.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHakama:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbsolute lightweight is the feature of this hakama. #6000 material was not common to be used in the past.\u003cbr\u003eKendoka may know the reason, but hakama was expected to have high durability in an intense practices; and yet, maintain its beautiful appearance. Therefore, it was common to use #8000 or #10000 hakama. However, those hakamas give you disadvantage in a match with long encho or during a grading exam which one mistake can change the result.\u003cbr\u003eAppearance is still indigo dyed cotton hakama, but much lighter. You can feel the difference from the first fumikomi.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43524785701027,"sku":"SET693","price":230.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/Indigo_Dyed_Tournament_Kendo_Gi_Hakama_Set.png?v=1781318716"},{"product_id":"kote-mine-type-m","title":"MINE TYPE M - Made in Japan Tournament Kote","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e【Made in Japan】\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFuton: 6mm orizashi\u003cbr\u003eKote Gashira: Orizashi\u003cbr\u003eKote Gashira's Inner Material: Deer hair\u003cbr\u003eTenouchi: Kusube leather or Micro Punch\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis made in Japan kote has an amazing natural fitting feeling.\u003cbr\u003eGreat for practice and tournament, or any occassions!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is tailored in a special method by Mitsuboshi to ensure this kote doesn't restrict your movement at all.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour ring finger and pinky goes in deeper than other kote; thus, you can feel the real \"holding your shinai with your last fingers\" feeling. \u003cbr\u003eAdditionally, extremely soft wrist can let you swing your shinai in any directions that you want to, as if you're not wearing a kote.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is a highly recommended kote by Budogu Zen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis kote is produced as we receive the order.\u003cbr\u003eIt may take up to 3-4 months to be shipped out.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/budogu-zen.ca\/blogs\/resource\/how-to-measure-yourself-accurately\" title=\"How to Measure Your Bogu Set Correctly\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck here to understand how to measure correctly.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"Micro Punch \/ S","offer_id":43904327680163,"sku":"A60052S","price":445.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Micro Punch \/ M","offer_id":43904327712931,"sku":"A60052M","price":445.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Micro Punch \/ L","offer_id":43904327745699,"sku":"A60052L","price":445.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Micro Punch \/ LL","offer_id":43904327778467,"sku":"A60052LL","price":445.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kusube \/ S","offer_id":43904327811235,"sku":"A60058S","price":480.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kusube \/ M","offer_id":43904327844003,"sku":"A60058M","price":480.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kusube \/ L","offer_id":43904327876771,"sku":"A60058L","price":480.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Kusube \/ LL","offer_id":43904327909539,"sku":"A60058LL","price":480.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/MineKote-_1.jpg?v=1705172159"},{"product_id":"shinai-gokuendo","title":"GOKUENDO - Biotech Koto Fat Grip Shinai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiotech Fat Grip Koto Shinai – Koto-Style Heavy-Tip with Fat Grip (28mm)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePowerful Strikes, Superior Grip, and Elegant Form\u003cbr\u003e🔹 Heavier Balance at the Tip, Fat Grip in Your Hands\u003cbr\u003eEngineered for kendoka who value impact, stability, and precision, this Koto-style Biotech Shinai offers a tip-heavy balance that enhances the sensation of cutting. Paired with a fat grip (28mm tsuka), it gives you greater control and comfort—especially during strong or extended training sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted with premium Biotech bamboo, this shinai is finished straight and clean from the tsuka to the kensen, creating a weapon that both looks sharp and performs powerfully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ Key Features\u003cbr\u003e✔ Koto-Style Balance (Heavier Tip)\u003cbr\u003eThe balance is shifted toward the tip, making each strike feel deliberate, weighted, and effective. Ideal for practitioners focusing on accurate and powerful cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fat Grip (28mm Handle)\u003cbr\u003eDesigned with a 28mm thick tsuka, this model gives a solid, full feeling in your hands, making it easier to maintain a correct grip and reduce slippage.\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger hands or those who prefer a fuller grip\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloping stronger tenouchi and stability in swings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReducing fatigue from gripping too tightly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ High-Quality Biotech Bamboo\u003cbr\u003eCrafted from carefully selected, straight-grained bamboo. The Koto shape allows for more consistent bamboo quality throughout, ensuring excellent durability and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Straight, Refined Finish\u003cbr\u003eThe entire body of the shinai is shaped to be visually slim and structurally straight, ideal for kendoka who value a clean aesthetic and a traditional, commanding feel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Product Details\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Premium Biotech bamboo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: Koto-style (tip-heavy)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrip Thickness: 28mm (fat grip)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes: Available to assemble with sakigawa, nakayui, tsuru, and tsukagawa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal For: Intermediate to advanced kendoka seeking strong strikes and a secure grip\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for a shinai that combines cutting power, a confident grip, and refined craftsmanship, the Biotech Koto Shinai with 28mm Fat Grip is your ideal match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e👉 Order now and elevate your swing with every strike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BUDOGU ZEN","offers":[{"title":"Bamboo Only","offer_id":45916731506851,"sku":"SET2533(M39)(28mm)","price":85.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"+ Assembled with Single Edge Tsuka","offer_id":46004601159843,"sku":"SET2533(M39)(28mm)\/SET003\/SKM","price":99.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"+ Assembled with Double Edge Tsuka","offer_id":46004601192611,"sku":"SET2533(M39)(28mm)\/SET005\/SKM","price":101.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"+ Assembled with Biotech Single Edge Tsuka","offer_id":45916731539619,"sku":"SET2533(M39)(28mm)\/SET1374\/SKM","price":105.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/files\/gokuendo_ffb5b19a-17a0-433d-8c51-5dd6b443e714.jpg?v=1776434150"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/5918\/5315\/collections\/competition_picks_hero.png?v=1782760017","url":"https:\/\/budogu-zen.ca\/collections\/kendo-competition-picks.oembed","provider":"BUDOGU ZEN","version":"1.0","type":"link"}