FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Judo Gear USA Named Exclusive U.S. Distributor for KuSakura Judogi
Historic Japanese judo brand partners with Judo Gear USA to bring IJF-approved, Made in Japan judogi directly to the U.S. judo community
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — October 13, 2026 — Judo Gear USA is proud to announce an exclusive distribution agreement with KuSakura Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s oldest and most respected manufacturers of premium judo uniforms.
Under the new partnership, Judo Gear USA will serve as the exclusive U.S. distributor for KuSakura judogi, bringing the company’s premium IJF-approved, Made in Japan models directly to American athletes, coaches, clubs, and competitors.
Products will be stocked and shipped from within the United States, giving American judoka easier access to authentic Japanese-made KuSakura uniforms with domestic fulfillment, knowledgeable customer service, and support from a company deeply rooted in the U.S. judo community.
More Than a Century of Japanese Judo Craftsmanship
Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1918, KuSakura has more than a century of experience manufacturing martial arts uniforms and equipment.
The company is internationally recognized for its commitment to Japanese craftsmanship, quality, durability, fit, and attention to detail. KuSakura’s premium judogi are manufactured in Japan using generations of experience in textile production and martial arts uniform construction.
Its history is closely connected to the development of modern competitive judo, including supplying judogi to the Japanese national team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, when judo first appeared on the Olympic program.
Today, KuSakura remains one of the most highly regarded names in judo equipment, producing IJF-approved uniforms for athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Authentic Made in Japan Judogi — Now Available From Within the United States
Through this exclusive agreement, Judo Gear USA will carry selected IJF-approved KuSakura judogi manufactured in Japan.
For American judoka, the partnership means significantly easier access to one of Japan’s premier judo brands.
Rather than navigating international ordering, overseas shipping, and lengthy fulfillment processes, customers will be able to purchase KuSakura uniforms through a dedicated U.S. distributor with inventory located domestically.
This partnership will provide:
- Authentic KuSakura judogi manufactured in Japan
- IJF-approved models for national and international competition
- Domestic U.S. inventory and shipping
- Faster and more predictable fulfillment
- U.S.-based customer service and sizing assistance
- Support for individual athletes, clubs, teams, and organizations
- A trusted source backed by decades of firsthand judo experience
A Partnership Built Around Judo
“This partnership represents exactly what we want Judo Gear USA to stand for — exceptional products, authentic judo tradition, and meaningful support for the American judo community,” said Chuck Wall, Owner of Judo Gear USA.
“After more than 50 years in judo as an athlete, instructor, coach, and dojo owner, I have tremendous respect for the history and craftsmanship behind KuSakura. Their Made in Japan judogi represent a level of quality and tradition that serious judoka immediately recognize.”
“Becoming KuSakura’s exclusive U.S. distributor is both an honor and a responsibility. Our goal is to make these exceptional uniforms easier for American athletes to obtain while providing the service, product knowledge, and support they should expect here in the United States.”
Supporting the Growth of Judo in America
The partnership is also part of Judo Gear USA’s broader commitment to strengthening judo in the United States.
Judo Gear USA works with athletes ranging from first-time competitors to national and international-level judoka, as well as coaches, dojo owners, clubs, and judo organizations across the country.
Making elite equipment more accessible is one component of that mission.
“Our commitment goes beyond selling judogi,” Wall said. “We want to support the clubs that are introducing children to judo, the coaches developing the next generation of athletes, and the competitors representing their dojo and the United States at the highest levels.”
“Providing American judoka with direct access to IJF-approved KuSakura uniforms made in Japan is another important investment in that mission.”
Expanding Choice for American Judoka
The KuSakura partnership further expands Judo Gear USA’s offering of premium competition equipment.
As an established distributor of Adidas judo products, Judo Gear USA can now provide athletes and clubs access to two of the sport’s most recognized brands, offering athletes greater choice in fit, construction, feel, performance, and price.
KuSakura’s Japanese-made models will occupy a distinctive premium position within the Judo Gear USA lineup for athletes seeking authentic Japanese craftsmanship combined with modern IJF competition standards.
About KuSakura
Established in Osaka, Japan, in 1918, KuSakura Co., Ltd. is one of Japan’s most respected manufacturers of martial arts uniforms and equipment.
With more than a century of manufacturing experience, KuSakura combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern textile and production technology. The company manufactures premium judogi for recreational, competitive, and elite-level athletes, including models approved for International Judo Federation competition.
About Judo Gear USA
Judo Gear USA is a U.S.-based distributor of premium judo uniforms and equipment dedicated exclusively to supporting the judo community.
Founded and operated by lifelong judoka, instructor, coach, and dojo owner Chuck Wall, Judo Gear USA combines decades of firsthand experience in the sport with a commitment to exceptional products, responsive customer service, and support for athletes, coaches, clubs, and organizations throughout the United States.
Through partnerships with internationally recognized judo manufacturers, Judo Gear USA works to give American judoka greater access to the equipment they need for training and competition.
Availability
Judo Gear USA will carry selected IJF-approved KuSakura Made in Japan judogi, stocked and shipped directly from within the United States.
Product models, sizing, pricing, and availability will be announced through Judo Gear USA.
