Recommended gear and equipment for your training journey
Samurai Swords & Dojo Gear
Hand-forged katanas and tachi swords, the dojo's exclusive Core Curriculum books, branded apparel, and patches — all sold directly by The Dojo Martial Arts.
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Training Gear
Required indoor footwear for training at The Dojo. Cotton-soled tabi protect your joints, build balance, and improve nagare — the natural flow of your taijutsu.
Order Tabi Boots →We advise all students and teachers to wear indoor tabi at The Dojo. Students may also wear simple tube socks. No bare feet are allowed on the mats.
Cotton-soled tabi (or socks) allow your taijutsu to improve and become smoother. Your feet and leg muscles build faster, your balance improves, and soft soles save your knees and joints from wear and tear over time. Rubber-soled shoes make your feet stick to the mats, which over time may cause knee, ankle, and possible hip issues.
Yes, but this would be forbidden in Japanese dojos. Outdoor (Jika) tabi and rubber or plastic-soled shoes of any kind destroy the dojo mats and bring outside dirt onto them. Hard soles also impede your balance and nagare — your natural flow.