Katana Swords / Iaito from Tozando Shogoin Store (東山堂 聖護院店) in Kyoto

[@arkadandfortuna1582]

Awesome post! When I used to practice, I’d always check the balance, if it’s tip-heavy or not, check the Shaku length and if it hangs inches off the ground and lastly practice my cuts with Morote-tsuki. (And also check the qty of the sword for scratches, bubbling on the metal and if the saya is cracked. Which Iaito did u end up buying?)

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

I actually ended up buying an iaito from another store in Osaka. But I bought some accessories and my friend bought a custom iaito from tozando

[@sctan93]

Hello, may I know how much does an entry grade Iaito cost at Tozando?

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

I'm not sure whether Tozando did adjust their prices due to recent global inflation or low JPY/USD exchange rate. I, however, remember seeing prices as low as between 50,000 Yen and 60,000 Yen from either Tozando or other shops. Assume they did not adjust their prices, it may be a good time to take advantage of the exchange rate now. Hope it helps

[@matthiaslow8533]

Wow..I wish I had one will be the happiest days of my life and it is hard to buy and sip it to Malaysia.Thanks for sharing...Wow very nice

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

Is it illegal to own katana or iai-to in Malaysia?

[@007hellz]

I practice Siljun do bup and I'd be a kid in a candy store if i could go to Tozando. Not to mention id get my dream custom iato.

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

Tozando iaito are ok. But they are more a retailer than a maker. For custom iaito, there are other places more catered for custom order. However, for those who are not comfortable travelling around Japan and communicating in Japanese, Tozando is great because you can communicate in English

[@NabihAlAmin]

Nice vid, I would have liked it better to hear and know what you were talking about.

[@rj-yr4ql]

Is it possible to check in an iato at the airport?

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

Yes you can. As long as it is a proper iaito bought from a real budo equipment store and not a fake metal one which could be sharpened as weapon. There is a chance Japanese custom would do a magnetic check at the airport to confirm your iaito is not made of metal. I'm going to post a video explaining all the requirements relating to bringing iaito or katana in and out of Japan on a plane

[@rj-yr4ql]

@@BLACKBELTSIMON thanks. Looking forward to that vid.

[@matthiaslow8533]

Good to know 👍

[@matthiaslow8533]

O.. I c.. But what is the range cost like?, do share. Anyway it is not easy to find an Iaido practice training centre (Dojo), and hardly any Kenjitsu. KENDO yes. So most of us join Aikido. And Aikido only teaches using bokken then using iaito. I usually do my practice using the KZbin platform only. Not perfect and obviously no Dojo to guide... I believe if there is a Dojo teaching training iaido, the business will prosper.

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

Basic beginners (I do not suggest) ones are usually around 40,000 Yen. Good ones are from approx 70,000 Yen. Depends on the length as well. But if you ask the shop, they would be able to provide suggestion to you. If you want fast response, you can always call tot he shop directly. Staffs at Tozando are perfectly no problem with English. Other shops you may need to use some Japanese to communicate.

[@matthiaslow8533]

Yes I believe for katana sword (Shinken) real cutting one. And if anyone own one I believe it is still OK but not to use it in public like the law in Japan itself. Have a Iaito (dull) katana sword, as a display for decoration is allowed. Question is no one here in Malaysia retail such katana sword brought in directly from Japan especially from Tozanto. How wonderful if we have it then most katana sword are made from China.

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

Good iaito made from reputable makers from Japan feel and swing like a real katana. For practice it would be a good idea to order an iaito from one of these suppliers. You can look into Tozando in Kyoto; Meirin in Tennoji Osaka; and Minosaka in Gifu.

[@matthiaslow8533]

Yes I have communicated with Tozando waiting for them to get back to me. It does take a while for them to reply.

[@BLACKBELTSIMON]

@@matthiaslow8533 That's good. May I suggest if your budget allows, consider getting a higher range iaito like a custom made one. I've tested many of their standard ones and custom made ones. The standards ones were not the best for serious practice. But the higher range ones were good.