Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

California Budogu in Irvine

5 (186) Lakepines, Irvine, CA 92620, United States

Categories

Martial arts supply store

Location on the map

Irvine, Orange County, California, US

Phone:
Site: http://californiabudogu.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

Edit info

Total reviews rating 5

186 Reviews for California Budogu 2024:

Review №1

2024-06-18 23:28:05

I recently purchased the amethyst men from california budogu and am extremely satisfied with the overall service and quality of the product! Extremely efficient, my order arrived in a very timely manner which made practice more enjoyable with the new men. I won’t be buying from anywhere else, Nathan has helped me and even followed up after I received the package to ensure it fit well. Thank you to him and his team, they’re truly amazing people that want to make sure your experience in kendo is worthwhile :).

Review №2

2024-04-09 10:16:50

Just received my first bogu (Amber set) and I absolutely love it!In one word, my experience has been FANTASTIC. Nathan has spent weeks answering all my questions, demands, existential questions and more, to make sure I get the bogu that I really need, while trying to match the budget I had and my cosmetic desires!I cannot recommend them enough for the quality of this bogu, Nathans kindness and generosity and the most amazing customer service Ive ever experienced.

Review №3

2024-02-29 16:15:22

Great company to get your kendo bogu from, California Budogu! The quality of the equipment is incredible and the customer service is outstanding! Nathan is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of helping customers pick out their bogu equipment, and he is lighting fast at answering your emails! Update 2/29/2024. Got some awesome new customized bogu from Nathan. Very high quality bogu! I uploaded some pics of it.

Review №4

2023-12-18 15:10:59

Love the kote protector!! 🌟 It fits very well and doesn’t move from your arm during the practice.Also, my new kotes are amazing! It fits me perfect and the protection part seems more thick, so my arms won’t suffer again 😂.Thank you California Budogu! 🌞

Review №5

2024-03-09 02:38:22

California Bogu has been awesome to work with! They helped our family get into our Gi and Hakama for Kendo and our armor is on order! It’s been so helpful to have them work with us and talk us though all the steps to get our uniforms ordered from Japan. I can’t recommend them more! 😊

Review №6

2024-06-14 15:41:04

Amazing site! Great selection of gear and easy ordering. Support small business! - They have an amazing assortment of Tenugui, all of high quality, and some quite difficult to find in the US. I highly recommend ordering from them! 6 stars.

Review №7

2024-04-21 03:06:30

I can see why California Budogu continues to receive 5 stars from their customers... They went above and beyond to get my order shipped in a short time frame from the supplier in Japan. I cannot think of any other vendors I know so far who is willing to do that! They also provide continuous updates on the order status to ensure that I am not forgotten. Thank you again!

Review №8

2023-12-23 01:41:52

10/10I have used California Budogu for several smaller items, such as shinai and himo, but this was the first time I tested them out on a custom bogu!I ordered a custom Do from them in October, and I was pretty nervous because: 1. It is pretty expensive to order custom Bogu, it is not a cheap investment. And 2. the design and customizations I asked for were very specific. It would have been easy to mess up. Long story short, I was very impressed! They did fantastic!Timing:I placed my order with all of my specifications in mid-October. It typically takes around 4-6 months, but it arrived late December! Barely over 2 months - very fast turn-around!Quality:I was skeptical, at first, because it was such a large investment. But they got everything perfect! The stitching is tight, and the design is exactly what I sent them. I am very pleased with the outcome!Customer Service:I was not sure how picky I could get with the design or instructions, but Nathan consulted me the entire way! He helped me know what would be feasible with different stitch patterns, and he even gave his feedback on my design options. It was very helpful to have an expert communicating with me through the entire process, and the results were fantastic!All in all, I highly recommend California Budogu, especially if you are investing in high quality custom bogu!10/10

Review №9

2023-12-30 17:29:36

Very personalized care and advice especially with sizing details..one stop shop from bogu sets to accessories. I am so happy and satisfied with all the products i ordered from bogu to shinais,accessories and even the book! Really helped me with my Kendo journey!

Review №10

2024-05-22 15:38:12

I am beyond happy with the products and services offered by California Budogu. I placed a large order to equip a newly established university kendo club, including shinai, shinai bags, bokuto, and uniform sets. Nathan was incredibly helpful in confirming the order, including triple checking all uniform sizes to ensure that our members got properly fitting hakama and gi. Pricing was excellent, shipping was fast, and the products more than met expectations. I look forward to shopping with California Budogu again soon!

Review №11

2024-02-17 13:54:01

This review is long overdue. Ive been practicing kendo for 20+ years and California Budogu is my favorite thus far. Nathan is honest, knowledgeable and down to earth. He personally answers every question. Every purchase is a personal experience. You wont get customer service like this from any other shop!

Review №12

2023-12-21 21:35:04

I am in love with my new bogu from California Budogu! From personally measuring me, to helping me choose the perfect men and tare for my needs, he was there to answer all of my many questions. His knowledge and expertise can’t be beat! I didn’t even realize my old men was 4 sizes too big, until Nathan pointed it out to me.Thank you California Budogu and Nathan, I’ll be coming back to buy more!

Review №13

2023-09-02 06:29:24

Nathan was fantastic and helped me with getting a custom bogu set not even listed on his website. Super informative and very patient, with great communication & response time.Update: have gotten a number of bogu pieces from Nathan; he makes all your custom ideas happen!

Review №14

2023-03-26 05:24:55

I ordered a custom do through California Budogu and I couldnt be happier with the experience and the results. I wanted my new do to have a specific color of stitching to match my chichikawa and Nathan helped me every step of the way. He sent me photos to help me make decisions on exactly what I wanted with the mune designand when I finally made my decisions, he kept me updated every step the way. Needless to say, the do came out beautifully and I get compliments on it all the time. Even though it was custom, the wait time didnt even take that long and I was able to receive my finished do in just a couple of months. I am so incredibly happy with my purchase and I would definitely recommend this shop and look forward to purchasing from California Budogu in the future.

Review №15

2024-03-14 17:22:05

The quality of the products I have purchased from California Budogu has been top-notch! I ordered the wrong size of Hakama and it was 100% my mistake as well I took the strings off the Hakama, and they are willing to work with me and exchange for a better one. Im glad that there is another option of Kendo supplier to purchase high-quality gear from. Great people to work with!

Review №16

2023-03-11 00:14:46

I am so happy with my fire same dodai purchase with California Budogu. I had been looking for a Do like this for a while and they delivered. Nathan was very helpful and answered all my questions and inquiries. It was a fast and easy purchase. The quality of the Do was superb. I will definitely be purchasing more things from them. Thank you so much California Budogu.

Review №17

2024-05-11 02:50:14

Ordered gi and hakama cause I am a big dude and I am not built for the premade uniforms. Nathan was a great help, I didnt want to spend so much on a new uniform but Nathan let me know that the material is good quality and that it will last. Not only that, as I lose weight the quality of the fabric makes it ideal for tailoring. So I ordered the Green Label blue-lite.I got the uniform and I did have to bring up the hakama and the sleeves on the gi. My fault for not measuring myself correctly. I found a great tailor in the Houston area and they were able to get it fitting perfect and it was really affordable. They let me know that the fabric was indeed durable and easy for them to work with. But they had to wear gloves and move stuff around their work area cause that famous dye.Glad I went this route. After months of not finding something that fit right and not wanting to commit to the cost of a custom uniform I regret not doing it sooner.It looks great, feels better than i thought it would. Not only that, everyone seeing me in uniform for the first time was a blast. Thank you Nathan.

Review №18

2023-04-04 10:26:07

Nathan and California Budogu have provided our club with the most exceptional customer service we ever had.Nathan is incredibly knowledgeable about the products. He was able to provide us with all information and suggestions we needed. For context, we needed to order some hakama with customized graduation embroidery for our graduating members. We were blown away by how the shop could satisfy our requests, especially with our tight delivery schedule. We even got an upgrade from #7000 to #8000 hakama free of charge!In addition, Nathan is also very patient, responsive, and communicative. From my initial inquiry to the final delivery of my order, the club was kept informed at every step. No matter what time during the day, even 2 am, Nathan always gets back to us within an hour or two!The hakama and the embroidery are very high quality, especially with a 100% Aizome dyed hakama, without us breaking the bank on the purchase. We must say our graduating members really enjoy their special gifts.Overall we are very happy with this purchase, and will definitely recommend anyone to shop at California Budogu!

Review №19

2023-11-26 21:27:37

We were looking for a special Zekken for our dojo members who have recently achieved Shodan and above. We found his Zekken at the 2023 US Nationals and just loved it. One of the best looking Zekken I have ever owned!!

Review №20

2022-11-03 05:58:08

I want to thank Nathan Gallinger and the CA Budogu team! I’ve had my bogu set for over 4 months now, and I couldn’t be happier with my new set! This was already a comfortable set from the beginning, and has only gotten softer and more comfortable with use. Not only is Nathan very knowledgeable about bogu, he also walked me through all the options. The customer care was excellent, and his enthusiasm and love for kendo really shines. Thanks!

Review №21

2024-04-13 17:41:03

The best customer experience we have ever had buying merchandise for our club! We wanted to order custom tenugui designs for our members, and Gallinger Sensei helped us through each step of the order from the design to ordering the final product. WE CANNOT RECOMMEND CALIFORNIA BUDOGU ENOUGH!! If you are looking to get some kendo equipment, look no further!

Review №22

2024-06-23 04:36:09

Gallinger Sensei was able to give great advice on what gi to buy and sizing even from remote. He also got me the order on short notice. Really appreciate it!

Review №23

2024-04-16 19:11:46

Cant go below 5 starts here, nothing beats California Budogu customer service, Gallinger sensei is so attentive and willing to help during and after you buy that youll quickly forget about any other Kendo sites. Everything on the site is of the uppermost quality so be sure youll like whatever you buy here.

Review №24

2024-01-23 19:53:12

I recently ordered my first bogu set, and being new to this, I was initially unsure about what to choose. I reached out with a question, and to my surprise, Nathan responded incredibly fast. His prompt and detailed response addressed all my questions, and he even provided different options to consider. Nathans assistance made the decision-making process remarkably easy for me, and I ultimately felt confident in the choice I made. Thanks to his quick and helpful support, my experience with ordering my first bogu set was smooth and enjoyable.

Review №25

2024-01-03 05:10:35

Best price/quality Kendo gear in the US! Awesome customer service and guidance, 100% japanese made and beautiful designs available. A must try!

Review №26

2023-01-30 21:36:19

Nathan is such a great person with whom to work. He helped me (via email while out of the country) properly size a new Men, and was very thorough throughout the process. The result is me having a proper fit with my Men without extra adjustments. And I had to get a few other things as well. HIGHLY recommend California Budogu. Great products, passionate about Kendo, amazing communicator, fair prices.

Review №27

2024-04-13 20:42:00

I’ve just received a kendogi and hakama from this vendor - they are great!The quality of materials, easy purchasing process and great customer service have all insured that I will be returning to California Budogu for future purchases.

Review №28

2024-02-20 06:13:43

They are the most helpful and knowledgeable group! Special thanks to Nathan for helping us create a special tenugui with super efficient speed!

Review №29

2022-12-22 13:18:35

Recently had my first interaction and made my first purchase from California Budogu. I’ve practiced Kendo for many years and operate a successful club so I’ve done my share of shopping. Very impressed with the personalized attention I got and the quality of product. I say this because the item I ordered is unique and customized. It is a “Zekken” or name/club identifier. Craftsmanship is stellar. Again though, the service is still what sold me to this business and I will definitely continue to maintain a relationship with them and recommend to my club members.

Review №30

2024-01-09 14:04:04

Its quite hard to find good Kendo supplies here in Midwest and I got to know California Budogu shop. I can tell Nathans product lineups in his online store are well-thought and well-selected. If you are interested in, or know about Kendo merch. probably youd known that these are much better quality merch. than the ones from E-bogu shop, where most goods are generic, made in China goods, as an example. I think price is pretty reasonable and Nathan provides nice and quick, and thorough answers to any questions and inquiries you might have. Good to place to shop Kendo supplies especially those who lives in the States for sure!

Review №31

2024-02-01 19:02:32

Working with Nathan Gallinger and California Budogu to get my kendo supplies has been awesome. Nathans strength is being able to find that unique product that you want, assuming you can describe what you want to him. I specifically started learning jodan no kamae and wanted to get a shinai designed for that fighting style. I found several other options at other vendors, but something was not quite right with those options (i.e. the tsuka and tsukagawa were just not long enough, or the price was too high, or they didnt ship those shinai to the US). After discussing with Nathan, he found jodan shinai that met all my requirements (price point and physical characteristics). Used the jodan shinai for the first time last night at practice and it feels GREAT! Looking forward to working with Nathan to design a custom bogu.

Review №32

2023-01-28 21:58:39

Amazing and speedy service! Got my bogu from California Budogu after meeting Nathan at a tournament. He has bent over backwards to make sure that everything about my set was right! What an amazing ambassador for kendo! Couldnt recommend this site enough!

Review №33

2024-02-20 14:41:26

My men was coming apart after many years of good service and I needed an ASAP replacement for it. I reached out to Nathan and within 10 working days, I received the men with the perfect size. Thank you again!

Review №34

2024-01-23 17:57:16

Very neat kendo uniform. I bought it specifically because I travel a lot with my gear on my back and was looking for a lightweight set that still looked serious. The gi is much nicer than the synthetic, but it is the hakama that is truly extraordinary. It has the texture of raw silk and handles like a #12000 cotton gi, but is as light as tetron. The color is very rich and my students didn’t even realize it was partially synthetic. I would highly recommend this set as a hardwearing, easier care, much lighter alternative to traditional full cotton.

Review №35

2022-04-26 04:52:58

I recently purchased my Cross Bogu Set through California Budogu and it was an amazing experience. The bogu is beautiful, performs amazing, and made of high quality materials.Nathan was excellent in providing customer service, and was able to answer all my questions, even assisting in measurements to get the perfect fit.I highly recommend California Budogu and their amazing staff to anyone that is just beginning Kendo or is looking to purchase a new set.

Review №36

2023-11-18 00:22:24

Customer service was fantastic! I was trying to get a bogu bag as a gift and Nathan helped order one from the supplier and got it shipped directly to us in time for the birthday. Super friendly and easy to work with, plus the bag was a very well received gift!

Review №37

2024-01-12 14:59:16

The Cal Poly Pomona Kendo and Iaido Club want to thank you for providing your services in giving our club-founding sensei, Scott Chang, a wonderful send-off gift. He and everyone in the club loved the finished product.Should we need more custom tenugui orders in the future well definitely use California Budogu!

Review №38

2024-01-15 22:47:09

These folk are the best randomly saw them on Instagram and followed them because there equipment looked beautiful. For as amazing as there bogu look there customer service is equally amazing. I will only be buying kendo equipment from them. Thanks so much for working with me fellas. Cheers

Review №39

2022-05-17 06:22:02

The customer service was excellent with Nathan. He is very responsive and makes great recommendations. I purchased a pair of made-in-Japan kote. The kote are very nice and super comfortable. I highly recommend California Budogu.

Review №40

2023-10-24 16:18:07

If youre looking for high quality products, excellent customer service, and incredibly fast shipping, look no further. Ive ordered from California Budogu for kendo bags, tsuba, and tournament needs and not once have I been disappointed by any aspect of the experience. 10 out of 10 recommend!

Review №41

2023-11-08 22:32:57

I LOVE California Budogu, they always have cool things on their website and when I had a question Nathan was really quick to respond. The customer service is really superb!It’s such a great place to look for gifts (especially for the kendoka in your life) and found that their products are so unique! I’m excited to present it to my family! I will definitely be purchasing from then again, and I’m happy I get to support someone’s passion and small business!Thank you, Nathan!

Review №42

2023-10-23 14:06:59

As someone who practices Kendo and Goju-Ryu Karate, Im the type who sweats a lot which made me fall in love with Tenuguis. Ive always wanted to have my own custom designed Tenugui but, I had a hard time trying to find a company that makes them for a reasonable price. It wasnt until I found California Budogu after hours of searching online that they offered custom designed Tenugui for a reasonable price.After inquiring about my design with Nathan, the customer service I received from him and his team is phenomenal! I received my 5 Piece Custom Tenugui from California Budogu last Thursday and Im amazed by the packaging and quality of the Tenugui. Not only were they comfortable but Ive gotten compliments from other people in my dojo.I love these so much that I decided to get a repeat order! I want to thank Nathan and his team for making this possible. Youve earned yourself a loyal customer!!!

Review №43

2024-01-26 20:55:56

Nathan was incredibly communicative and helpful throughout multiple transactions - appreciate his support for collegiate kendo! Looking forward to receiving the products!

Review №44

2023-11-23 03:04:15

I am in love with my new beautiful bamboo Mushikui do! The quality is impeccable for the price and it fits me perfectly. Mahalo nui loa California Budogu for traveling to Hawaii and giving us the opportunity to purchase many high quality kendo products!

Review №45

2023-05-10 03:22:27

I really appreciate Nathan’s help in figuring out the size and type of hakama and keikogi for a gift. He is friendly and easy to talk to. He was very understanding of my situation for a gift. He is also very knowledgeable of his products so that I could compare his product with others. I wasn’t sure about the best color for the embroidery, so I went with his advice, and it came out perfect!! The cost was very reasonable and it was shipped very fast.I’ve already recommended several of our club members to check out California Budogu for the quality of customer service and the reasonable cost. Thank you, Nathan!

Review №46

2023-11-23 17:32:09

No doubts, California Budogu has the best customer service among all kendo shops in the world. Excellent products, accurate advices and suggestions, and easy to follow-up. Nathan generously helped me in each step to get an amazing high-quality bogu set in record time. I highly recommend this budoguya.

Review №47

2022-05-04 05:30:38

The service and the people behind this shop are all top notch in their fields, and kendo is a passion they all carry. Highly recommend.Plus I have found my Bogu to even be comfortable in bed. And was even used as my club’s display Bogu at a local convention.

Review №48

2023-07-20 18:05:33

Amazing customer service! I was able to place my order for a custom kendogi and hakama without any problems. Nathan helped me figure out what size, quality, and custom embroidery to order. I would highly recommend California Budogu.

Review №49

2023-12-16 06:26:17

I worked with Nathan on getting a custom set of bogu made, and he went the extra mile to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. You can’t go wrong buying from Nathan, his knowledge and service are absolutely top notch.

Review №50

2023-11-20 19:10:14

California Budogu is the best! From start to finish, my interactions with them was excellent. The Gi and hakama that I brought are really good quality and at a reasonable price. Gallinger sensei was also generous with his time and provided great advice on what to buy and differences between different items. I am already looking forward to my next purchase! They are definitely my go-to choice for all my kendo equipment needs!

Review №51

2023-07-22 01:11:22

California Budogu provided exceptional service when I needed my men resized, which was originally from a different vendor. Their team was professional and attentive, understanding my comfort concerns and potential impact on techniques. With their adjustments, my men now fits perfectly, preventing bad habits from forming and helping me train with confidence. Im truly grateful for their personalized customer care and commitment. I highly recommend California Budogu for top-quality service and products. They have made a significant difference in my kendo journey.

Review №52

2023-09-18 20:42:47

California Budogu has established itself as an impressive newcomer in the market. Their product range is excellent, complemented by outstanding customer service. For Kendoka in the US, I strongly recommend giving them a try.

Review №53

2023-08-08 13:25:12

Nathan is exceptional. Hes very thoughtful and cares a lot about his customers. When I was in need of new kote, kendogi and hakama, Nathan was extremely helpful and communicative, and he helped me pick out what I needed. Although I ended up not going with the kote due to time constraints, the kendogi and hakama I received were terrific, and Nathan even offered to upgrade both for free before they were shipped out. Its been about 2 months now, and theyre holding up really nicely! Nathans service is unmatched. Im definitely a fan and plan to order more products from him soon. :)

Review №54

2023-03-27 03:10:34

Nathan has been an amazing person to work with! I brought my first kendo uniform from here. Nathan helped me get the right size and gave me recommendations. He even walked me through proper kendo uniform care. On top of all that I love that he offers embroidered names with a large variety of colors!Amazing customer service and speedy responses!

Review №55

2023-04-14 00:32:25

Nathan and the California Budogu team are one of the best kendo shops I have ever worked with. Nathan is very knowledgeable about all things relating to kendo equipment. I can explain what I am looking for and Nathan will immediately know what to give me. High quality materials, quick responses, affordable prices and quick delivery are the cherry on top.

Review №56

2023-11-02 20:24:28

California Budogu has the best customer service in the industry, bar none. He is always happy to talk through a purchase and answer questions and his dedication to pairing you with the right product really sets him apart.I havent purchased any bogu from him (yet!) but if his search for other quality products/vendors makes me have no question that they will be outstanding. This also gives California budogu a really unique inventory.Thus far, I can only post about my shopping and customer service experience but I will update this review when my zekken arrives. EDIT: My zekken has arrived and it is beautiful! It is exactly as ordered and Nathan communicated with me about its status the whole duration. It was a long wait but totally worth it.You really cant go wrong with California Budogu!

Review №57

2023-10-18 14:39:56

Buy with confidence. Word class customer service, tremendous quality products and great value! The best of the best!

Review №58

2023-05-23 17:56:21

I’ve been purchasing my kendo related items from California Budogu and I am very satisfied with exceptional service and quality of the products. Nathan responds to all my inquiries thoroughly and promptly, gives me all available options with great recommendations, and the prices are good. I would strongly recommend California Budogu.

Review №59

2023-09-20 21:14:30

Tl;dr: buy now from California BudoguIve had the pleasure of ordering from California Budogu a few times now. Nathan is absolutely fantastic. He is quick to respond and has been extremely helpful with whatever inquiries Ive had. Top notch customer service and great assortment of kendo gear, if not one of the best.

Review №60

2023-02-20 20:32:03

Overall, the quality of the products and customer service at this store were exceptional. I want to thank Nathan for the amazing experience. Nathan was very friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help in any way he could. I was not familiar with the ordering process for Hakama, and Nathan communicated with me the whole time, which helped me make an informed decision. He also reached out to me immediately when there was an issue for the order. This level of service is rare these days and really sets this store apart from the competition.

Review №61

2023-12-22 23:44:16

Great quality! Very comfortable and durable during training. The cotton Gi looks fantastic and the synthetic hakama is very breathable. Highly recommend!

Review №62

2022-12-06 21:31:55

Top Notch Great Service from beginning to end! Nathan helped me in getting an embroidered Kendo Gi that I always wanted to get but didn’t know how to proceed as I haven’t ever ordered before. He communicated with me throughout the process and sent me a photo of what the finished product would look like. I made the order and received an absolutely beautiful product! So impressed with their product and service of willing to go above and beyond! Will definitely be ordering more products from them.Thank You California Budogu!

Review №63

2023-11-03 18:21:27

I got the senpu-fu gi and hakama and it’s just as advertised. It’s close to a proper single-layer cotton gi, #8000 hakama, and sparkles less than a famous jersey gi label I used previously. The fabric is also rigid enough to provide good structure. It’s like a proper cotton uniform, but one that doesn’t shrink, bleed, or take forever to dry. I got a second set! Embroidery clearly shows layered kanji strokes. And Nathan provided great support throughout, supporting my order even though I was outside the US market.

Review №64

2023-12-12 23:15:43

The thick grip kotogata shinai is amazing. It even requires no initial maintenance because of their rounded take. Nathan always gives 10/10 customer service. Amazing

Review №65

2023-03-26 01:34:05

The best supplier Ive dealt with! Nathan is quick, efficient, and very knowledgeable. If youre unsure what you need or need honest advice on Kendo equipment he is the best choice. Definitely going to come back to California Budogu again!

Review №66

2022-08-02 06:14:33

I would guess Im not the only person whos like, Oh man, if I only spoke a little more Japanese, I could get that x,y,z thing from Japan just the way I like it.... Between the language barrier and the fear of being judged, I did not expect a whimsical fun project like the photos Ive attached below to ever happen.If thats the case for you, Nathan at California Budogu is your answer. If you only knew all the back and forth weve had in discussing font spacing details that would have deterred all but those that are most pedantic! But he gets it!Life is too short to not enjoy what youre doing and have fun doing it. If someone doesnt like what you have in mind for the gear that you want, dont waste time with them! Talk to Nathan and get it done!

Review №67

2023-12-30 16:46:28

Ordered a pair of kote that was measured for my hand. It turned out to be perfect fit and very comfortable. I am extremely happy about the kote, his service and follow up. Two thumbs up 👍 👍

Review №68

2023-11-06 18:56:45

Greatest kendogu shop on this planet. Great high quality products backed by the best customer service. Trust worthy, and honest business practices. I highly recommend California Budogu and their team.

Review №69

2023-03-21 18:13:58

Buying your first bogu is no simple task. There is so much information out there that is just so confusing, but Nathan was able to help me pick out the right one for me very quickly. California Budogu has incredibly competitive prices and offers amazing service. There are many sites out there that charge an extra premium for the quality that you get at California Budogu.I am super happy with my bogu, Nathan was super responsive and was really on the ball. They were able to get it out to me pretty quickly, and I will definitely be buying all my supplies from here.I researched many different site retailers, but California Budogu will give you the best bang for your buck.Thank you so much Nathan for all your help!

Review №70

2023-01-30 17:55:46

California Budogu has truly unique items and excellent customer service. I inquired about an order I was placing and they replied back in no time. They’re also very active on their social media and are always showing new incoming items. They are very active in the kendo community and incredibly friendly.

Review №71

2023-07-14 03:27:10

Nathan has a great selection of products but when I told him I was looking for a very specific style of bogu bag in a very specific color he went above and beyond to find exactly what I wanted and more! Top notch customer experience. Thank you, Nathan!

Review №72

2023-04-14 00:37:36

I highly recommend California Budogu.Don’t let the name fool you, they ship internationally; I got my order delivered to Australia and it was the smoothest kendo-related purchase I’ve had so far.Communication was clear, and they went the extra-mile to help me even more!I will definitely buy from California Budogu again.Cheers, guys!

Review №73

2024-03-22 18:42:17

Bought my first gi and hakama set from here. Absolutely loved the purchasing experience.

Review №74

2023-01-20 02:36:47

Hands down the best experience I’ve ever had with a company. Nathan and California Budogu were amazing with their customer service and quality of products. Seriously first-rate service and attention. I can’t highly recommend California Budogu enough - they helped make my first ever bogu purchase feel special.

Review №75

2024-01-07 01:11:31

Great experience emailing with the owner to coordinate a shipment around the holidays and picking out a bogu while getting a lot of information about bogu. Will update once everything arrives!

Review №76

2023-06-29 15:41:39

I cannot express how thankful I am for California Budogu.Amazing company.Amazing people.They worked through the night (literally) to make my order happen and arrive on time.Their knowledge, background, understanding of the industry, sizes, measurements, and just work ethic is unparalleled.The attention to detail (which is a big thing for me) was outstanding.They have earned my future business forever.

Review №77

2023-05-22 02:47:33

I recently purchased a new Keikogi and Hakama from California Budogu, and I couldnt be happier with my experience. Their customer service is truly outstanding, and they went above and beyond to quickly find a solution for me. Im excited to have a great kendo gear supplier for my future decades in Kendo.

Review №78

2023-03-02 21:53:42

Have had great experiences with them both online and at a tournament! All the items Ive gotten have been fantastic and theyve have been super helpful and are even getting an item for me that ran out of stock. Will definitely be ordering from them again :)

Review №79

2023-12-20 20:11:00

I can’t say enough good things about California Budogu. They were so profoundly helpful and patient in getting me exactly what I needed. I will be a customer for life in me.

Review №80

2024-04-23 17:03:03

Excellent customer service. Ordering was quick and easy with fast personal attention to all of my questions!

Review №81

2023-11-01 01:37:36

I had a great experience with California bogu.The customer service was great !! (Gallinger sensei is very nice and fun !! ) And the products are excellent quality!!! Thank you so much.I wanted to order more but first save money…… ;pwwwww

Review №82

2023-06-20 03:28:54

The service and attention to detail offered by Nathan was nothing short of fantastic! He replied quickly to my questions and helped facilitate shipping to me here in Australia, searching for the most cost effective method.A treat to deal with in every way. Thanks so much for tremendous service.Brett SmithMelbourne, Australia.

Review №83

2023-05-10 18:33:21

Purchased the Bushuichi Black Label hakama and keikogi with embroidery. Products arrived in a reasonable amount of time given they shipped from Japan. Nathan had some questions about the embroidery and personally reached out to me for clarification. Upon arrival I noticed the weight and feel of the fabric was outstanding, beautiful. Maybe itll make me look good? Difficult task, but at least Ill feel good.

Review №84

2023-07-12 03:36:25

Bought a do at Nationals in Detroit. Nathan was a great help and enjoyed taking to him. California Budogu carries good products including small gifts. Highly recommend.

Review №85

2022-09-08 00:01:33

10/10 customer service; S+ Tier bang for your buckI ordered a pair of Kote and a custom Do design and when the Kote arrived, they were a size too big. When I brought up this concern, the staff had no qualms at all about helping me out. I then received a pair that was the correct size without any fuss. The owner will move heaven and earth to make sure youre happy with the purchase.When it came to my Do order, I wanted a completely custom design and color combination that was not available anywhere else. When I went to California Budogu with the design, they were more than happy to accommodate me. Best shopping experience ever; will buy from here again.

Review №86

2024-03-15 21:03:13

Excellent speed of service and fast shippingVery happy with the Shinai purchased 🙌🏻

Review №87

2022-10-15 00:44:11

I definitely recommend California Budogu!You will get a quick response to inquiries. Nathan is friendly, very thorough and knowledgeable in helping me find the best product for my budget. He even made sure to send my order out right away so that I can use it at my next practice!I’m very happy with the quality of my purchase and will be ordering again soon!

Review №88

2023-06-16 18:06:24

I have to say Nathan provides top-notch customer service. He has helped me on several occasions to make sure I got what I needed on time. I found my place to shop for all my kendo needs. Awesome job Nathan!

Review №89

2023-07-25 02:00:13

The owner and founder of CB is a very knowledgeable and kind person to deal with. He will do everything to help you out! I have done Keiko with him once and also work together for a while and I can tell he loves both Kendo and Bogu. Another strong point is that they always get rare limited products. So you need to stay tuned not to miss them!

Review №90

2022-11-18 00:34:33

California Budogu always goes above and beyond with their customer service. The quality of their bogu and kendo gifts are always on point!

Review №91

2022-12-09 15:26:24

I bought a bunch of little things- elbow pads, mouth guard etc- there was a shipment delay (which obviously they cant control, and also not super urgent); what was really impressive was Nathans immediate responsiveness for a customer, resolving a problem so quickly over even a small order while he was travelling was impressive.Also on the product side, though I didnt buy much, was glad to see the kendo equipment was the higher-end side- and finally found the thicker, wide coverage kendo elbow pads I was looking for!

Review №92

2022-10-16 21:59:01

I have been using my Bogu set from California Budogu for a while now. It fits me perfectly and is so comfortable!! Nathan is very knowledgeable, and provided the best customer service. So much better than the other shops in Southern California!

Review №93

2024-04-16 19:16:46

Awesome kendo stuff, Nathan helps me a lot finding the right Bogu for me, totally recommended

Review №94

2023-10-24 01:22:55

First time purchased with California Budogo: Bought 3 size 37 Women Shinais, Kote, new gi/hakama. Sure enough all arrived in perfect condition. Cant wait to try them out for next training practice!!! 🙌 Thank you so much!!!!

Review №95

2022-09-17 00:06:49

California Budogu was excellent from start to finish. I wanted something a bit different and the level of communication was absolutely outstanding. They were crystal clear about what was available and what my options were; they also kept me up to date on the entire process. I am completely in love with my purchase and cant wait to use it!

Review №96

2023-12-18 17:33:06

It’s very easy doing business with Nathan! I always try to recommend him and his business when the time is right. You won’t be disappointed with his services!

Review №97

2024-01-05 02:23:50

Proprietor possesses extensive knowledge about the practice of Kendo and the equipment needed and can provide strong guidance about using the equipment and learning Kendo safely and successfully.

Review №98

2023-04-08 02:01:52

Stop shopping anywhere else. Heres the deal - youre going to have to get some, if not all of your kendo goods through the mail if youre in the US. With California Budogu, the customer support is SO GOOD, you never have to worry about getting the wrong stuff or becoming just another order number drifting around a massive corporation. Nathan makes sure you get what you want AND what you need, and hes right there to help every step of the way. ALSO - he has some of the most innovative products on the market. Lots of neat custom pieces and stuff you wont find anywhere else. When you shop with CA Budogu, you can just say that you know a guy in the business, because thats how you get treated. Now stop reading this and go buy something already.

Review №99

2023-01-26 17:03:05

Nathan and the team at California Budogu are extremely professional and high-end. Through Nathan, Ive purchased a bogu set, several gi and hakama, a zekken, a one-of-a-kind shinai bag he picked up in South Korea, several tenugui and tsuba - and tons more Kendo items I never planned to buy. I just cant help it - Nathan is fantastic and hand-selects beautiful Kendo items youll want to buy, whether you planned to or not. ;)

Review №100

2023-05-09 05:40:19

Very Friendly and fast service! Also love the quality. For sure be purchasing again.

Review №101

2022-08-21 21:58:15

Received my new hakama the other day. Packaging and delivery were great, and the hakama is exactly what I was looking for. Aside from that, though, Nathan went above and beyond any expectations I had for customer service. He worked with me personally to ensure I got the exact size I needed, even down to having me measure some of my own hakama so he could find the best match for me. He also kept me informed every step of the way with the ordering, importing and shipping process. HUGE thank you for all of that, definitely will be shopping here again for that experience alone! Also, personalized notes sealed the customer service for me. Highly recommended!

Review №102

2023-04-17 07:11:01

Nathan provides an outstanding communicative and responsive experience when shopping for kendo equipment. The custom Danno-ya zekken I got was designed and crafted with care and quality- its almost too beautiful to wear!

Review №103

2023-07-14 18:27:23

Quick and friendly service! Quality authentic products from Japan! Responds quickly to any questions, issues, and concerns!

Review №104

2023-06-24 01:04:28

I always love buying from California Bogu at tournaments. Nathan is incredibly kind and helpful and consistently provides high quality equipment! If you ever need to buy kendo gear, this is the place you need to go to

Review №105

2023-02-02 19:08:11

Nathan is the best! He is friendly and provides excellent service. He is quick to respond and gets orders delivered fast and efficiently. The quality of California Budogu does not disappoint!

Review №106

2023-04-12 20:24:38

The best company out there! Nathan was always willing to answer any questions and give more insight about different aspects bogu I was interested in. He leaves no stone left unturned. High quality equipment, great customer service—there is no better place to go to. Highly recommend!

Review №107

2023-03-15 18:30:58

Many thanks to Nathan Sensei for helping me with my kendo mask order!! Even though my order is so small, he still gets back to me within a week or two!! I thought I lost my katsu-jin mask which my Sensei ordered for everyone from Japan, and tried to order it myself online. It turned out the international shipping was too much and Im not very sure how to purchase without a Japanese card/address. Nathan Sensei was my last hope, and hes always so friendly that I wont feel bad to ask. After receiving my message, he ordered the mask from Japan and I got it very soon (even though I found my old mask in the end, its a huge release to have a new backup). Highly recommend anyone whos looking for any kendo supplies, you wont go wrong with California Budogu if they took my less than $20 order so seriously. Thank you so much Nathan Sensei!! 🙇

Review №108

2023-06-09 19:09:52

Excellent service! : The supplier from Japan sent the wrong items and I didnt notice for almost a month. Nathan straightened it out immediately and I got my replacements in record time : )

Review №109

2023-02-07 22:27:05

Bought my first hakama, gi, and bogu set from California Budogu. I felt very fortunate to get measured at a local tournament event and emailed an order shortly after. I couldnt be happier with the amiable service (it was great to get recommendations and my questions answered) and am super excited for the new gear!

Review №110

2023-04-13 04:09:42

Always a pleasure speaking to Nathan. Wonderful person that just has really nice vibes. Super friendly, and can recommend California Budogu for any Kendo gear.

Review №111

2023-01-20 22:09:06

I am very happy with white gi and hakama set and shinai I ordered. Its great quality and exactly what I was looking for. Gi was a little big on me and California Bogudo helped me to exchange it to a smaller size. It was an easy process. Great customer service and A+ kendo gear. I definitely will be back.

Review №112

2023-02-07 23:27:28

Top notch customer service. The owner of California Budogu is very knowledgeable and will take the time to answer any of the questions you have about kendo gear using their years of kendo experience. I highly recommend California Budogu to all my kendo friends. You can not find a better place in the United States to buy kendo gear from.

Review №113

2022-10-14 08:41:17

I found my new permanent place all my kendo needs. So far Ive only gotten 4 shinais and a couple of himo from California Budogu but with the service received, quality of the items, and the competitive prices I do not see myself shopping anywhere else from now on. 10/10 would recommend!

Review №114

2022-08-26 19:29:51

Fast and effective communication along with outstanding products makes this company different. I’ve ordered multiple items since inception and waited till now to write a review. I believe it takes multiple interactions to formulate an accurate opinion about things. The services I have received thus far is unmatched.

Review №115

2023-03-01 17:38:14

The bogu here has been my go-to shop for all kendo equipment (gi, men, etc.) for 6 years! Everything I got from here has always been comfortable to use during practice.The customer service is also on-point and is perfect for those who want quick communication and great delivery!

Review №116

2023-02-15 19:14:04

I bought a set of shinai, very good. Most shinai have durability issues from long storage times, they break or splinter after a few normal practices. The shinai from Nathan, I believe were shipped directly from Japan and have excellent life. The best shinai Ive bought in the US.I have order a 60pc bamboo Fuki-Urushi do, I cant wait until it arrives! It has an beautiful lacquered finish!

Review №117

2023-03-15 02:15:36

I was looking for a set of new bogu and wanted something not too expensive, not too cheap. I was able to communicate with Nathan about the himuka bogu set and he gave me so much examples and information. Any question I had, he would answer no matter how stupid I felt the question was. 1000/10 customer service. Im really excited to get the new bogu set!

Review №118

2022-09-23 15:19:23

Great stuff and great customer service!Nathan was great and quick to respond.All my questions and issues resolved in a matter of seconds. Best Kendo equipment company Ive dealt with so far.Will definitely be shopping here for the rest of my needs 🔥🔥🔥

Review №119

2022-10-05 06:47:47

I would highly recommend California Budogu for any kendo needs. Nathan helped me customize a pair of kote and they came out awesome. Great communication and helpful all the way through the process.

Review №120

2022-09-28 13:55:38

Placed a custom embroidery order for our club and we were blown away with the quality of the finished products. Fantastic communication from start to finish of the job. We are placing a second order now!

Review №121

2023-05-30 00:11:42

Great stuff. I got some really cute Tsuba and a nice shinai bag and they are great! Highly recommend them if you are looking for any kendo need

Review №122

2022-12-08 19:03:32

Nathan was extremely prompt and accommodating in helping us with a special request for a gift. Customer service was excellent, will definitely shop from again!

Review №123

2024-02-28 07:23:29

The men was already shaped and had the chichikawa and himo attached. Amazing service.

Review №124

2022-04-16 01:23:28

Nathan at California Budogu went far and above any expectations with a birthday Bogu order for my son. Communication was prompt and his skill in accessing our needs was impeccable.Can’t wait to make my next order!

Review №125

2023-11-20 19:18:37

Great quality and amazing customer service! Nathan was extremely helpful and flexible when I had a special request. I cant recommend California Budogu enough!

Review №126

2022-04-14 00:25:23

Good communications and customer service! They restored an old Asano DO for me and it came back looking brand new.

Review №127

2022-06-12 18:11:52

The best place to buy kendo equipment from in the US. Everything is very high quality and made in Japan. Very happy with my new shinai bag and accessories. Excellent service and fast shipping!

Review №128

2024-02-29 19:48:58

Great customer service and pricing. An amazing business for all things kendo.

Review №129

2023-02-03 00:03:58

Great place to shop for kendo gear and accessories. Customer support is amazing. If you dont see what you want on the page, reach out and they are likely to help you.

Review №130

2022-04-14 01:41:16

California Budogu is a great company, and very responsive to questions, offering great design ideas as well ensuring your custom order is what you want.Gallinger Sensei is very focused on getting you what you want and guiding you through the process.

Review №131

2022-12-24 12:16:34

Nathan is the best. Company is awesome. I received my shinai set in record time. And the quality is unsurpassed. Ichiban - the very finest.

Review №132

2023-01-23 19:07:03

Worked with California Budogu a few times now for our dojo zekkens and bogu. Always responsive, helpful, and patient. Will continue to be using them as our dojo vendor for all future orders!

Review №133

2023-01-09 03:17:51

I bought my first bogu from California Budogu and had a phenomenal experience! Nathan was kind and responsive to all my needs.

Review №134

2023-07-20 20:51:41

Incredibly high quality equipment, fast shipping, and outstanding customer service. Far and away the best place to go to for kendo supplies in the US.

Review №135

2023-06-15 02:40:08

Excellent service ! Excellent quality!Nathan responded email quickly and help us to get our first set of bogu ! Very reliable company!

Review №136

2023-04-11 02:34:50

Their DANNO-YA zekken was the highest quality and premium feeling zekken Ive ever used and Nathan is super understanding and easy to work with for custom orders!

Review №137

2023-03-11 01:22:00

Great and reliable kendo equipment with a lot of customization options too. I like the accessories as well! I would definitely recommend this place to people who are looking for new Kendo equipment.

Review №138

2022-10-11 16:42:38

I wanted to return an item, but it was past the return policy date, No Problem, Nathan came through for me and resolved it.Totally Awesome! California Budogu here I come again. Thanks

Review №139

2023-06-26 07:05:36

Ordered DANNO-YA zekken. Came out beautiful. Very clean, well cut, letters and characters beautifully proportioned.

Review №140

2022-04-15 21:39:11

The highest quality of materials and workmanship go into the bogu. My custom made Men and Kote are incredibly comfortable and offer maximum protection. 1st class service, 1st class product. 5 STARS!

Review №141

2022-11-04 00:52:33

I like the selection of high quality Kendo products they have. The owner was very communicative and shipping was lightning fast. Would recommend.

Review №142

2024-04-23 20:08:41

Good customer service, thank you!

Review №143

2023-11-26 17:49:34

Ordered custom tenugui. Great work, very responsiveamd quick.

Review №144

2023-02-12 05:33:51

Friendly and helpful! I definitely recommend this shop for your kendo needs. I know that the staff take treat their customers with the utmost care.

Review №145

2023-05-17 18:59:21

Nathan provides great personalized shopping experience to get exactly what you need for your kendo equipment.

Review №146

2023-12-22 22:52:17

Incredible. Good quality and amazing people! Thanks for the shinai bag!! 🩷✨

Review №147

2023-06-12 21:30:19

Excellent quality, excellent service! Always glad to help local businesses but even better when the people you’re purchasing from are high ranking kendoka.

Review №148

2023-12-23 00:01:12

Customer service is exceptional and the quality of the goods is excellent as well!

Review №149

2022-09-09 02:04:58

5/5! Great customer service, supportive guidance regarding what I was looking for, and overall good options available! Filling a major gap for kendo shops in the US!

Review №150

2023-01-31 03:55:35

Couldn’t have had a better experience ordering. Prompt responses, the best pricing, and the best customer service. I’ll definitely be ordering again soon.

Review №151

2022-05-03 00:57:01

I just received my awesome bamboo do and it looks and feels great! High quality and fit perfectly!

Review №152

2022-10-16 05:21:00

Best customer service ever. High quality and low price. My order came in a matter of days!! Thank you Nathan and California Budogu!! 😁

Review №153

2023-02-03 01:14:40

Great prices, high quality products, and excellent customer service that really goes the extra mile. California Budogu is the best!

Review №154

2024-02-28 02:14:26

Great quality. Excellent for beginners.

Review №155

2024-04-17 05:26:09

Best bogu shop in the universe!

Review №156

2023-03-13 20:19:25

Excellent service and great products. Probably the prettiest zekken around. Excellent selection of cute tenugui/men towels.

Review №157

2023-04-15 21:12:12

Amazing seller. my stuff came in quicker than expected! will continue buying from here

Review №158

2023-02-09 18:30:29

Where Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo purchases ALL of our Kendo equipment. Great service and prices!

Review №159

2024-04-15 16:52:21

Stellar quality and customer service!

Review №160

2023-04-05 16:52:19

Great inventory & nathan is super responsive & helpful! will definitely shop here again!

Review №161

2023-02-09 18:46:58

It is always a joy to work with Nathan. Great service and he really does care about the customers well being!

Review №162

2023-03-01 18:37:22

Nice variety of stuff to choose from and better quality than a certain other Ekendo store. Owners a cutie too.

Review №163

2023-03-20 00:16:31

Super helpful staff answered all of our questions and got us two brand-new uniforms will mostly recommend!!!

Review №164

2023-03-11 21:41:21

Reliable as always with friendly service. Will definitely come back for future kendo equipment.

Review №165

2022-08-09 20:35:24

Just received my gi and hakama today! Very happy with my purchase!

Review №166

2023-02-09 22:31:41

Excellent service with prompt responses to inquiries. Product selection is great, featuring a unique selection not found elsewhere.

Review №167

2023-02-26 01:14:24

Absolute first class experience. Highly recommend. The products are excellent.

Review №168

2022-09-13 18:54:12

For basic practice shinais, the quality cant be beat. Fast shipping too!

Review №169

2024-03-02 07:49:33

Great customer service!!

Review №170

2022-09-08 17:57:49

Fastest communication and efficient advice. The most generous service I have ever had.

Review №171

2023-01-02 19:16:48

Very responsive in regards to any questions I had. Answered my concerns I had with an order.

Review №172

2023-05-10 18:39:09

It has some of the best things in the market, and a lovely team.

Review №173

2023-08-02 19:05:24

Awesome shop with top notch customer service!

Review №174

2022-11-23 08:05:55

Best customer service and fast shipping. Thank you!!

Review №175

2023-04-21 20:25:09

The best experience and excellent customer services

Review №176

2022-04-15 20:34:01

Great service and products, highly recommend :)

Review №177

2022-12-18 21:57:17

Great quality and customer service.

Review №178

2022-07-21 05:21:57

Great business interaction with great prices.

Review №179

2022-04-14 05:53:44

Better prices and customer service compared to their dingy competitors!

Review №180

2022-09-27 16:35:38

Great service and fast delivery

Review №181

2022-04-18 20:21:00

Great customer service!

Review №182

2022-04-14 05:20:50

Thank you for everything.

Review №183

2023-03-24 04:13:27

I usually use Zen Nippon Budogus sword tools, and I purchase most of them from California Budogu. The charms of California martial arts tools are as follows.1. You can purchase high-quality All Japan Budo products at the same price as purchasing them in Japan. And shipping included2. Nathan, the owner, is well-versed in sword tools and will gladly consult with you on everything from size to custom-made armor.3. Quickly shipped from All Japan Budogus headquarters in Miyazaki to the United States. One item arrived via FedEx after I ordered it.4. Rare products that are not sold at All Japan Budo are also sold, such as one-of-a-kind torso, tsuba, and tare names.5. There is ample aftercare, including repairs and upgrades for armor.We have booths at conventions around the United States, so we recommend that you stop by and say hi. One of the attractions is that you can order the same wonderful armor that the owner actually wears.

Review №184

2023-12-21 16:54:49

They responded politely and quickly.

Review №185

2023-12-07 17:25:51

Great kendo items store

Review №186

2023-12-07 17:30:37

Good price and quality