Isami Japan is no longer deal with oversea orders

[machbaga]

Yesterday, I had received an email from Isami Japan. However chokesports.com is doing it for us.

Dear ISAMI customers,

This is Megumi Takayama from ISAMI in Japan. I think you have purchased our goods before or contacted us before.

Today, I'd like to introduce our official distributor's website in English.
ChokeSports.com Isami Reversal RVDDW (http://www.chokesports.com/) All goods on this website are ISAMI goods, and all orders placed on this website will be shipped out from here (ISAMI Japan). From now on, if you ever wants ISAMI goods, please order on this website, as I am no longer taking orders by email due to the increase of my main job (importing goods from overseas) and ISAMI website in English is not functioning very well.

If there is any ISAMI goods you want, but not on this website, please contact them.

**No need to reply to this email.

Best Regards,
Megumi Takayama
ISAMI Trading Co., Ltd.

In fact, I am pretty disappointed after i noticed this news. Although chokesports.com sells authentic Isami products, the price of Isami Japan is much cheaper especially when the exchange rates of Japanese Yen to US Dollars stay around at 0.0085 as its usual.

I wonder are there any K4L members who trades with Isami Japan regularly receives such email?

p.s: this thread is not about anti chokesports.com, in fact chokesports.com is a good company. I just wonder it would be great if there are choices during consumption.

[kyokushin4life]

K4L members receive discounts from chokesports until Christmas. Please PM me for the coupon code.
http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums/osu/7194-introducing-chokesports.html

[bobh]

I received the same email. I had two back-back orders: one from Megumi and the other from Choke sports. The pricing was extremely close. However, I can no longer order the Kokushin Kanku Label on the belt unless the belt has IKO Kyokushinkaikan embroidered on it. For example, IFK doesn't embroider "kyokushin" on their black belts. It is simple IFK in kanji. There is obviously an exception for IFK, but a smaller independent group that embroiders something other than IKO KKK must choose a standard ISAMI label - no kanku.

Osu-JP1

[Dent]

Osu!

I received the same email. I had two back-back orders: one from Megumi and the other from Choke sports. The pricing was extremely close. However, I can no longer order the Kokushin Kanku Label on the belt unless the belt has IKO Kyokushinkaikan embroidered on it. For example, IFK doesn't embroider "kyokushin" on their black belts. It is simple IFK in kanji. There is obviously an exception for IFK, but a smaller independent group that embroiders something other than IKO KKK must choose a standard ISAMI label - no kanku.

Osu-JP1

That's disappointing. I know it streamlines their process, but I think it's a bit short-sighted of them.

I'm sure someone else will pick up on it though, and soon enough that brand will become well known.

Osu!

[bobh]

Darn it! I just tried (by request) to apply the K4L discount to an order I just recently made... No go -- better luck next time. :(

[Dent]

Osu!

Darn it! I just tried (by request) to apply the K4L discount to an order I just recently made... No go -- better luck next time. :(

That's a pity. One would hope that they could see the goodwill it would generate.

Customer Service... Must be being kept in the same place as Common Sense... :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Osu!

[bobh]

Osu!

That's a pity. One would hope that they could see the goodwill it would generate.

Customer Service... Must be being kept in the same place as Common Sense... :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Osu!

Yeah, no kidding. I would at the very LEAST told everyone here!

Oh well ;)

[Kyu_7_Romania]

Is this still on? I mean, is Chokesports the only choice for European buyers? I was asking some info from ISAMI english website and I didn't get any answer in a week time, I supposed they are busy, but...

[Tameshigiri]

Do you still buyng form Isami or Choke Sport ? To spensive...
Go to direct providers, same as they do.

Remember what a good friend of us said.
Two secrest in life.
1. Don't say all you know.
2. ................................


OSU.

[powerof0ne]

I just received an Isami obi a few weeks back..through choke sports but found somebody else selling Isami goods recently, I'll see if I can find the link again.

Tameshigiri, if you know who the direct buyer is please, I beg of you, PM me :D

Honestly, I paid around $150 USD for an obi with embroidery and in all honesty that has been about the average with shipping for a good obi from Japan/Okinawa. Tokaido, Hirota (used to be part of Tokaido), Shureido, Toyo, Isami aren't cheap belts but they are nice and they typically last well.

I think this place might ship world wide going by the different currency options they have including Euros and USD: http://www.budo-sakigake.com/

[Tameshigiri]

Hi Power of One.
Check with A.K.K.O Kyokushin Store.
Good luck.

OSU.

[ksan]

I have dealt with Isami a lot, and i think they are making a mistake from a marketing point of view. They had a lot of very satisfied customers outside of japan and their status through mouth to mouth advertisement was very high. Recently a former student of mine came to me asking for a japanese made isami K400. So i asked why he wasnt getting it through his normal channels, he said he had but it seemed like their quality had gone down. Now i remember that isami changed the production for their K400 from japan to china but they assured me the quality would stay the same. So maybe this changed aswell? Anyone who can attest to this ?

[Kyu_7_Romania]

Dear Tameshigiri, I would also be interested in finding Isami direct suppliers, but I agree with Ksan-san that the merchandise made in china may not be the same with the originals.

This is why I want to get a model made in Japan.

I am 180 cm and 79kg and my pants size is 109, so I guess size 6 with a 6L for pants will suit me. This is in fact another question for Isami gis "connaiseurs" - I would very much appreciate an answer.

I agree that other suppliers may have a better quality-cost ratio, but, in my particular case, I am making a come-back after 20 years and I only kept a nice Shogun gi since I was in my 20s. It is a fine piece, but not a "full contact" cut (short sleeves etc.) and I plan to complete my "kyokushin wardrobe" with one or two original gis. I am already heading for seniorship, so my approach to martial arts is rather philosophical than combat-ready - and I like to enjoy what I am doing. And this includes, of course, the gis I wear when training...

Besides reading the threads in this forum :)

[Tameshigiri]

Dear Tameshigiri, I would also be interested in finding Isami direct suppliers, but I agree with Ksan-san that the merchandise made in china may not be the same with the originals.

This is why I want to get a model made in Japan.:)

Question...

Are you sure Isami Gi are made in Japan Today ?

[powerof0ne]

Hi Power of One.
Check with A.K.K.O Kyokushin Store.
Good luck.

OSU.

Tameshigiri, that is not Isami brand, maybe something was lost in translation? :) On the AKKO store saw pine tree obi and gi that are not Isami.

Maybe I went to the wrong akkosore.com ?
Osu!

[Kyu_7_Romania]

"Are you sure Isami Gi are made in Japan Today ?"

at least, this is what they say on their own website; the K-500, K-790 and KG-10 seem to be made in Japan. I also read some very good reviews of K-790 somewhere on this forum.

Same indications of origin are mentioned also in the chokesports.com website and correspond with isami.co.jp info.

Osu-EN1

[Kyu_7_Romania]

And then again, I decided to write to ChokeSports and got a very good and detailed answer to my 6 questions from Lisa Andersen.

It seems their service is great Can't wait to see also the products.

And about name embroidery (I know, there are many threads dealing with this) the answer from Lisa was that most of the orders they get for name embroidery have the first name initial and the last (family) name. Obviously, in katakana, for non-japanese nationals. Thought you may want to know this.

OSU!

[powerof0ne]

And then again, I decided to write to ChokeSports and got a very good and detailed answer to my 6 questions from Lisa Andersen.

It seems their service is great Can't wait to see also the products.

And about name embroidery (I know, there are many threads dealing with this) the answer from Lisa was that most of the orders they get for name embroidery have the first name initial and the last (family) name. Obviously, in katakana, for non-japanese nationals. Thought you may want to know this.

OSU!

I recently got just my family name (Culpepper) in katakana. I did this by choice thinking that maybe...I could get my brother to train and pass it on to him down the road or another relative.

[Kelvin]

Great Idea! I might pass my belt to my son too.
If he ever make it to my standard.

[machbaga]

I have dealt with Isami a lot, and i think they are making a mistake from a marketing point of view. They had a lot of very satisfied customers outside of japan and their status through mouth to mouth advertisement was very high. Recently a former student of mine came to me asking for a japanese made isami K400. So i asked why he wasnt getting it through his normal channels, he said he had but it seemed like their quality had gone down. Now i remember that isami changed the production for their K400 from japan to china but they assured me the quality would stay the same. So maybe this changed aswell? Anyone who can attest to this ?

ISAMI had switched their K400 production line back to Saitama.

[bobh]

ISAMI had switched their K400 production line back to Saitama.

I wonder when. Our most recent order has "Made in China" on k-400 and Made in Japan on k-500

[machbaga]

I wonder when. Our most recent order has "Made in China" on k-400 and Made in Japan on k-500

I would say the q4 of 2009.

[Kyu_7_Romania]

I just got my K-500 from ChokeSports. It is made in Japan and was sent from Saitama.

It was huge (unbreached :)) but after a 24 hrs water treatment plus a 60 degrees Celsius wash it starts to look its size (6).

The jacket is quite stiff but the pants are ok - somehow very large, but I guess it is going to be great to wear.

I look forward to training in it, as soon as it gets dried.

[bobh]

ISAMI had switched their K400 production line back to Saitama.

I just heard that K400 production is currently in Korea not Japan.

K500 seems to be the (reliably) Japanese gi

[Kyu_7_Romania]

As well as K790, I would add.

[Lebanese]

I ordered my K480 from chokesports with Embroidery Kanji Kyokushinkai and my name in Katakana and KW-2000 patch.Needs around 20 Days to be ready and i have to add around 2 weeks to be delivered Since i am in middle east (Lebanon). My main concerns is that i have picked the right size :D
And yes it coast me ALOT!esp the shipping and money transfer since i cant make paypal account from lebanon

[Kelvin]

Did staff from Chokesport help you with the sizes.
Hope you collected the right size, good luck.

[knuckleheader]

When the money gets tight. Brand loyalty gets expensive. If I buy a new gi,
it'll have quality. Might not be Isami. Just as Tokaido fell from my favor.

[Lebanese]

Any one has the K480?because i still wonder if i did the right choice!or i paid more for no reason!Though i am a business man and i know higher quality means higher price!

[Dent]

Osu!

!Though i am a business man and i know higher quality means higher price!

Welcome to the Forum!

Please stop by the Introductions section and tell us more about yourself so that we may better welcome you.

As far as your above statement goes, it is true only if 1) the cost is directly proportional to the quality, and 2) you don't know where to get a better deal. ;)

Personally, all my new (Quality standard. Students can still get the cheaper version, but I think those that commit to long term training will also join me.) Dogi now come from one source. Kyoku-Sen Dogi. One of our members owns this company, and many members own the Dogi themselves. I can tell you that I am very happy with mine, and I'm about to order two more.

Osu!

[powerof0ne]

Osu!



Welcome to the Forum!

Please stop by the Introductions section and tell us more about yourself so that we may better welcome you.

As far as your above statement goes, it is true only if 1) the cost is directly proportional to the quality, and 2) you don't know where to get a better deal. ;)

Personally, all my new (Quality standard. Students can still get the cheaper version, but I think those that commit to long term training will also join me.) Dogi now come from one source. Kyoku-Sen Dogi. One of our members owns this company, and many members own the Dogi themselves. I can tell you that I am very happy with mine, and I'm about to order two more.

Osu!

Not only that, the customer service you get by the owner is pretty darn good, too!

I have never in all my years felt so strongly about the customer service and "bang for the buck" you get from a karate dogi.
Osu!

[Lebanese]

Thank you Dent and Powerf0ne

kyoku-sen.net i think this is it's site right? I loved the Gi and i will tell my friends about it since they asked me if i can find them a cheaper one than the one i got!

Am getting gr8 help from k4l ,good to have you guys

Osu!

[residentrenzo]

Osu-EN1

Beautiful Dogi... :) could I order one for me or is it too much for a mere beginner? Does it have to have the Kyoukushin Kanji as well?

Peace!

[powerof0ne]

Osu-EN1

Beautiful Dogi... :) could I order one for me or is it too much for a mere beginner? Does it have to have the Kyoukushin Kanji as well?

Peace!
Yes, you can order one for you and you can get it with the kyokushin kanji :)

Kelvin also does other kanji as well and even ones that he has never heard of as long as you provide him with a sample of the kanji(Enshin, Ashihara, etc.).
Osu!

[residentrenzo]

Osu-EN1

I ordered a new Dogi from Kelvin and it's on its way now... can't wait! :D

Unfortunately... I forgot to ask a white belt with the package :o so I'll have to buy one here. My sensei said I don't really need a white belt if I can make it for my first grade exam this october :eek:

I dunno, I don't like rushing karate and I'd prefer to prepare thoroughly and don't think one month is enough time for that.

Peace!

[Kyu_7_Romania]

Well, it is about how you train.

You can train daily for a month or twice a week for four months with the same results.

You can also train daily for four months with no focus and almost no results.

But for Kyu 10 you really do not have to worry. One month of dedicated training can be enough. It is a competition with yourself.

Also, there is another thing with the belts: they should be passed from one another as they accumulate work and sweat and effort. This is why you do not wash the belt, only the Gi, they say... So borrow a white one for until you get the orange one - and when you get to the blue belt don't forget to pass it proudly to another beginner!

OSU!

[residentrenzo]

...there is another thing with the belts: they should be passed from one another as they accumulate work and sweat and effort. This is why you do not wash the belt, only the Gi, they say... So borrow a white one for until you get the orange one - and when you get to the blue belt don't forget to pass it proudly to another beginner!

Osu!

Thanks for the advice! I have plenty of time now, so I can set time for daily training.

Borrowing a used belt? Not an option, I do not know anyone around here I can borrow a white belt from. And I certainly wouldn't dare to ask my senpais at my dojo.

BTW I got another dogi from my honbu dojo (as a way of supporting them financially) and no belt either, just a tiny cloth rope. :mad: No good for keeping pants in place.

I'm a little disappointed, no one told me belt is not included with dogi, how was I supposed to know? Now I hope I can get the belt alone, I'll check sports stores later...

As a side note... I've heard Kyokushin dojos in Romania train VERY hard and tough. Is it true?

Osu-EN1

[harukaze]

Any martial arts supply store should have a stock of white belts on hand. No need to worry too much about the quality of it as you probably won't be using it too long...

... Unless your name happens to be Harukaze (who happens to own an exceedingly high quality white belt as it used to death by its owner)... ;)

[sandman]

You should be able to find a white belt pretty easily on any martial arts supply website, probably pretty inexpensive.

On the other hand, I can't imagine why you couldn't ask to borrow one either...

[powerof0ne]

I own two kyoku-sen dogi for myself and I know the first one came with a white belt and not sure if the second one did or not.

I'd shoot Kelvin a message about getting a white belt with yours. I wouldn't pay much for a white belt if I had to buy one.

Why not ask your senpai to borrow a white belt from them? I would find it very strange if your senpai thought this was 'bad form' to ask them for a white belt. Like I said the first time, shoot Kelvin an email asking him if your dogi comes with a white belt.
Osu!

[Dent]

Osu!

I believe the Kyoku-Sen Dogi are currently shipping without an Obi. I think this is because they are a higher end model, and usually bought by more advanced practitioners.

Osu!

[residentrenzo]

I own two kyoku-sen dogi for myself and I know the first one came with a white belt and not sure if the second one did or not.

I'd shoot Kelvin a message about getting a white belt with yours. I wouldn't pay much for a white belt if I had to buy one.

Why not ask your senpai to borrow a white belt from them? I would find it very strange if your senpai thought this was 'bad form' to ask them for a white belt. Like I said the first time, shoot Kelvin an email asking him if your dogi comes with a white belt.
Osu!

Unfortunately Kelvin had already sent the parcel in so there was nothing he could do... I should have told him sooner that I needed an obi.:o

BTW Kelvin was extremely kind and helpful, I'm just a beginner here and he answered quickly every mail I sent him. I shall buy from him again very soon!

I won't see sensei until next class, usually class starts right away and there's very little time wasted on chitchat. And our dojo (perhaps I can show some pics if K4L forum rules allow it) is bare to a minimum. I don't think there are spares around to share... but you're right, I should have asked sensei anyway.

Perhaps he did this to motivate me for the upcoming grade exam?

I believe the Kyoku-Sen Dogi are currently shipping without an Obi. I think this is because they are a higher end model, and usually bought by more advanced practitioners.

You see why I asked if it would be OK to get one. Isn't it kind of cheeky, almost pretentious for a mere beginner to train with a high quality dogi? Anyway, the moment I saw it I had to have one. I'm happy I could get it. (I've seen bratty kids playing crappy guitar with top of the line Gibson guitars LOL).
Osu-EN1


BTW I'm the proud owner of a 1978 Telecaster. I'll store my new Kyoku-Sen dogi right next to it. :D

[sandman]

BTW I'm the proud owner of a 1978 Telecaster. I'll store my new Kyoku-Sen dogi right next to it. :D

Nice! :)

[Kyu_7_Romania]

[html]

As a side note... I've heard Kyokushin dojos in Romania train VERY hard and tough. Is it true?

Osu-EN1

If it is true, then I must thank you for your appreciation :)

We just train, hopefully in full Kyokushin spirit. I know people from all Kyokushin organisations that have dojos in Romania (we are merely regionally split - not overlapping IKOs) and I think each and every one are really committed to this way. So, without getting political, I was quite pleased - after a long break - to see good dojos. Made me start training again.

Compared to Sosai time, trainings are now more oriented towards kumite - but nobody stops you from coming earlier or staying overtime for kata or kihon.

Osu-EN1

[Kelvin]

Osu!

I believe the Kyoku-Sen Dogi are currently shipping without an Obi. I think this is because they are a higher end model, and usually bought by more advanced practitioners.

Osu!

Dent is right, because higher quality model don't come with Obi. They are usually bought by senior belters.
I do have white belts, because I have beginners all the time.

Let me know if you need one when you make your next order. I'm happy to pack one in for you " Free ".

BTW Kyoku-Sen Version 2 dogi is open for order now. Stock will be ready by next month.

[birba]

Hello everyone,
I am back to training and to this forum too. I switched from Shotokan to Kyokushin so I need an uniform that can take some punishment. So far, I used light kumite gi due to the fact that I live in a warm climate ( Los Angeles) and I am a heavy sweater. Kevin, can you tell me what are the differences with the Kyoku-Sen version 2? ( or you can direct me to the right topic if this has already been discussed, as I am presume). Also,how can I pre-order the uniform? Thanx!

[Kelvin]

Hello everyone,
I am back to training and to this forum too. I switched from Shotokan to Kyokushin so I need an uniform that can take some punishment. So far, I used light kumite gi due to the fact that I live in a warm climate ( Los Angeles) and I am a heavy sweater. Kevin, can you tell me what are the differences with the Kyoku-Sen version 2? ( or you can direct me to the right topic if this has already been discussed, as I am presume). Also,how can I pre-order the uniform? Thanx!

Hi Birba,

The Version 2 is an improve make of the version 1. The material of the top is slightly thicker, softer and smoother. They are of higher quality double brush cotton canvas. The construction of the fabric are closely needed and higher thread cal to provide maximum comfort. Both version 1 and 2 are suitable for hot climate. As I'm also from a hot region.

Check my website for more info.

Drop me a mail and I will guide on how to order.
: kelvin@kyoku-sen.net

[simonvh]

Hello,

Does anyone know where I can buy the dogi's that were often used in the last shinkyokushin world open championships (2007)? For some reason you have to have posted 15x before you can add a link in a post... So i can't show them.
But they have the shinkyokushin logo on the pants. I dont know if it's actually a specific kind of dogi, or they just all have different dogi's customised with the logo. But it looks nice. :) Especially the fighters from Eastern Europe seem to use it a lot.

[yoshukai]

I just went to Isami's international website and it seems as thought it is working again. By working, I mean that it has recently been updated. Can anyone confirm whether they are processing orders again for overseas shipments?

Osu

[netsecure]

Hey i just ordered an isami gi some weeks ago online.

[yoshukai]

Hey i just ordered an isami gi some weeks ago online.

Did you order it through chokesports or through Isami directly?

Osu

[netsecure]

chokesports! but i remember isami was active too, i choose chokesports because the shipping was cheaper!

[yoshukai]

Thanks netsecure