About Us
Miyako Kendogu is the result of a new collaboration between the World renowned Tozando Co. and multiple British National Champion and National Team Captain Andy Fisher .
Andy has practiced Kendo from a young age, and has achieved various competition successes on both the National and the International stage. His first victory came less than 12 months from beginning Kendo, and since then he has won various medals in every one of the several championships held yearly in the UK. Also, he has lead the British team to achieving Medals at the European Championships, as well as winning 1st Place in the 2009 French Open Championships. In addition to this, in early 2009 Andy became the Head Coach of Kobudokan Kendo club in Manchester, England, where after 6 months of hard work, he lead their team to win the British National Club Championships for the first time ever. 
Throughout Andy’s time in Kendo, he has been privileged enough to practice and compete in Kendo around the Globe, and has had direct instruction from several World famous and internationally renowned teachers. He has also practiced for extended periods in several famous Japanese dojo, high schools and universities, where he has always strived to improve his skills.
“From the start of my Kendo journey, I have always felt that the international market has been lacking in the choice of Kendo equipment available to those outside of Asia. This feeling was strongly reinforced when I took my first trip to Japan, and realized how vastly products on offer varied, in both selection and especially quality, from those abroad.
As a serious Kendo practitioner, I rely heavily on the quality of my equipment. Not only must it stand up to the rigors of a heavy practice schedule, but it must also not become quickly tattered and shabby. When representing my country, whether it be on the Shiai-jo or in my daily practice, I will simply not compromise on the quality and reliability of the equipment I use.
However, I know how hard it is to not only lay your hands on top-quality Japanese equipment, but also how hard it is to sometimes see the difference between this and poorer quality imitations.
When I was selecting my equipment to use in the World Kendo Championships, I knew for certain I wanted genuine Japanese items. But these was hard to come by, I had to know who to contact, how to contact them, and of course this had to be done in Japanese…
Through Miyako Kendogu, I want to give all International practitioners the opportunity to select and purchase high quality equipment, whilst allowing them to fully understand exactly how and where it is made. Indeed this goes hand in hand with offering a level of choice and customization, that until now I have only experienced when visiting Japan.” - Andy Fisher, Miyako Kendogu.
In the Autumn of 2009 Andy moved to Kyoto, Japan to pursue his passion for Kendo, and to fulfill his ambition of offering the International Kendo community top quality, customized Kendo goods. Miyako Kendogu combines the experience and practice of Kendo from Internationally acclaimed players along with over 20 years of success in providing top quality Kendo equipment by Tozando.
Tozando is arguably one of the most famous Budo equipment suppliers in Japan, and is known and respected Worldwide for their high quality and original items.
Recognizing the increasing Worldwide popularity of Budo, in 1989, Takahiko Kimura established Tozando as a resource that would address the growing international desire for authentic Budo equipment. Tozando has always been a keen contributor to the growth of Worldwide Kendo, and in 1998, as part of a Global contribution program, Tozando, in collaboration with the
University of Kyoto, sent several sets of Kendogu to Israel, to support children and young people who were keen to learn about Japanese Kendo.
 Thanks to their everlasting International efforts, Tozando received a formal letter of appreciation from Mr. Isamu Sato, Secretary General of the International Kendo Federation, in reward for the Global leadership of the cultivation of Budo. The letter commended their ongoing contribution and dedication to the international advancement of Budo, as well as their long-term commitment to legitimate forms of cultural exchange. This made Tozando, one of an extremely small number of companies that have been officially accredited by the International Kendo Federation in this way.
In 1995, Tozando was the first Japanese company to launch an online shop for Kendo equipment, and it is still leading and influencing the Japanese market. Although their head office is in Kyoto, Tozando’s customers place hundreds of orders from all over Japan every day. Tozando is also an official supplier to many of Japan’s Kendo clubs, schools and police departments.
Working alongside Andy Fisher, Tozando has a workforce of almost 50 people, many of whom are experienced Kendoka graded up to Renshi 6th Dan. Because of this Miyako Kendogu is able to draw on a huge wealth of experience when offering the World the finest quality . Our customers can always be assured that all products are keenly inspected by professionals as part of our strict quality control procedure.
In addition our staff includes a team of professional bogu craftsmen, Kendo practioners themselves, who ensure that all bogu is shipped in the best condition and at exactly the customer’s correct size. This doesn’t only apply to our high-end products, but it extends to our entire range. (See the ‘About Our Products’ section for more information about this!)
“I am extremely dedicated to the international improvement of Kendo, and as such I hope Miyako Kendogu can help provide interesting products, services and information for practitioners of all ages, levels, genders and abilities. I want Miyako Kendogu to able to provide you with the products and services you want, thus if you have any suggestions, or requests for products to be added to the range please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Further, if you find yourself in Kyoto, get in touch. Feel free to drop me a visit here at the Tozando flagship store, where you can meet the team behind the products and look around the impressive Bogu showroom. Also, if you are looking for Kendo practice in the area, I will happily point you in the right direction, that is if I am unable to escort you there myself!
Our Address is -
Miyako Kendogu c/o., Tozando Co. Ltd., Nakadachiuri Chiekoin Higashi,
Kamigyo-ku, KyotoCity
602-8205, Japan
Or you can call me directly (between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm Japan Standard Time, Monday to Friday) on +81(for Japan)-75-432-1600. Also you can add me on Skype with miyako.kendogu.
Please enjoy using Miyako Kendogu and I hope to hear from you soon!”
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