What on earth is happening to Shureido?

[Struggling_Mudansha]

I put a KW-11 on back order a few months back. Waited for 3 months and then called them again to see what was up. They said something about a WKF tournament and that they wouldn't get any more gi's until the end of the summer.

Since my patience was pretty much out, I checked other dealers to see if they had any gi's in stock.

So far, these retailers have been clean out:

-Budo-Fight

-Discountmas

-Kamakaze

-Shureido Malaysia

-Shureido Okinawa in Naha City

-tozandoshop

Shureido USA does have some in stock but their not a size 4 and that's what I need.

This has gotten incredibly frustrating and I have to ask:

What on earth is happening to Shureido?

[JR 137]

I'm a huge Shureido fan, but don't mistake that for making excuses for them...

They're not a mass production gi. They make quality stuff, and as far as I know most of it is by hand. With limited resources, they make what sells the most. Size 5 is by far their most popular size. If they're going to have to decide what to make, they've got to go with the highest demanded product. I'd be willing to bet the K-10 in size 5 is the overwhelming majority of their sales.

If Ford could only make 100 cars this month, what do you think they'd make, F-150s or Mustang Cobras?

[Struggling_Mudansha]

I'm a huge Shureido fan, but don't mistake that for making excuses for them...

They're not a mass production gi. They make quality stuff, and as far as I know most of it is by hand. With limited resources, they make what sells the most. Size 5 is by far their most popular size. If they're going to have to decide what to make, they've got to go with the highest demanded product. I'd be willing to bet the K-10 in size 5 is the overwhelming majority of their sales.

If Ford could only make 100 cars this month, what do you think they'd make, F-150s or Mustang Cobras?

Yeah, I kind of got that impression talking to them (it's also one of the reasons why I really want one )

It's sounds to me like they allocated all of their resources to be the supplier of a WKF tournament. And since the factory is more hands on, it's backed them up half a year (maybe more).

Doesn't make the situation any less frustrating though 'cause I really want one.

[JR 137]

I'd be pretty frustrated too.

[Nidan Melbourne]

From what I know if Shureido they take the time to make sure all their gi's meet their stringent quality control. As they often try to go above and beyond what International Karate Organisations require of the gi's worn, along with ensuring the uniforms last more than 18 Months when worn and put through it's paces.

Like JR said that the one size seems to be the most common, which usually gets sold in Japan itself.

As such they have a tough decision to either Increase the Production Levels of the Gi but sacrifice quality. or Sacrifice Speed for Quality! Tough Decision.

[Struggling_Mudansha]

Gave Shureido USA a call a couple days ago. It sounds like they finally have new stock.