Part three of the series, Kendo Stores of Tokyo.

In this post I will be giving an introduction to Shokodo, a Kendo and martial arts equipment shop located right in the heart of Tokyo's Shibuya district.

If you are planning a visit to Japan, and more specifically Tokyo, then it is almost a given that you will come to Shibuya.

Known the world over for its giant pedestrian crossing where, surrounded by flashing TV screens and advertisements, literally hundreds of people cross the street every few minutes. This shopping district, transportation hub and entertainment area is a must for anyone coming to the land of the rising sun.

World famous "Scramble Crossing" at Shibuya Station.

The store.

Located right in the centre of the action is Shokodo (home page). A perfect place for someone looking to buy some equipment without going too far out of the way, or while the other half goes shopping. It's also ideal for anyone visiting or living in Tokyo looking for a shinai or protector in a hurry.

The store itself has two floors. With a massive selection of top quality shinai, bokuto and protectors on the ground floor. Uniforms, bogu and Iaido equipment can be found on the second floor.

I have personally never tried their bogu or uniforms, but I have bought a few shinai at Shokodo and the selection is staggering!

I had my first session back from my summer vacation on Thursday night, after almost 6 weeks away from kendo it was a challenging session both physically and mentally!

It was a good kihon session led by T Sensei and Michi no Ko, and I found my self struggling for form through lack of practice.

One of the main things that was holding me back was my movement, I was lurching, leaping forward with my left leg trailing out behind me, and generally not doing very good kendo..... 4 weeks sitting on sunny beaches will do that!!

T Sensei was talking alot during the session about body movement, using your feet to put your body in a good position for strikes, giving you the time and space to correctly execute your waza and strike your opponent.

Waffle-gi from Shogun Kendogu.