Testimonials

Ichiban International

Hi! I received my medium weight gi today and I wanted to say how awesome it is!
It surpasses anything I've worn from Shureido and Tokaido in the past. The quality of the material and the workmanship is exactly how you hope and while feeling robust enough to last, it still feels like a thing of beauty.
This was the first time I've bought from Ichiban and I was amazed at how quickly my uniform came.
The made to measure option says to allow 4-8 weeks so I thought what with Xmas,
I'm in for a bit of a wait.....within 3 weeks it was at my door!!! AND with free postage! So thank you Ichiban and Hirota,
I'll make sure to let everyone know THE best place to get their new dogi.
Best Wishes, Jay

Just received my Hirota Gi, wanted to send a quick message to say thank you for the excellent communication and how fast it took to come, ordered on saturday received tuesday and will be training in it tonight,
will be ordering from you again.
many thanks, Adrian Miles

“Ichiban lives up to its name, No1 for product. No1 for service and No1 for customer care.”
Dorian Fretwell 6th Dan SKIEF. Chief Instructor London & Home Counties SKI (GB)

Dear Elena Floris, May I take this opportunity to thank you SO much for the karate gi and belt you recently sent me. The quality of the new Pinack gi is excellent, as is the quality of the black silk belt I received. I would also like to thank you for the trouble you took in ensuring I received the goods as soon as could be managed. It is clear to me that you do not just run a business, but that you want to do your very best to help people. I am delighted with the goods, and I am so grateful for your kindness and high quality of service. Thank you  so much from one very happy Ichiban customer!
Kindest regards, Graham Knight.

Dear Elena,
I just received my new Gi and it is amazing!
Thank you so much for your help your such an angel!
God bless! Saaleha

Dear Ms. Floris,
I have received the belt in good condition. It is beautiful. Thank you very much!
Kind regards,
Timothy Cnossen. Netherlands

Thank you for quick reply on my order. I received it last night I am very happy with my purchase.
Your truly Maureen Hunter. Calgary (Canada)

Elena, you've been wonderful, thank you!!
Catherine. South Africa

Dear Ichiban, many thanks , the gi looks fab! look forward to many more!
Best wishes.
Bob Denny

“I received my Hirota MH-11 middleweight dogi today and the product was on par with the level of service I received from Ichiban Direct.
I needed the dogi in a hurry for a class and Ichiban was immediate in their response and worked with me on a custom shipping option.
Ichiban is a shining example of how to do business on the web: transparent, communicative, and customer service oriented.
Within 24 hours I had the dogi at my doorstep. Thanks again for your excellent service.
I would highly recommend Ichiban International and their top quality service and products to any potential dogi buyer”
Chris Zimmerman. Denmark

The World Kobukan Federation, when deciding to appoint an official karate suit and belt manufacturer, looked carefully at the best in the world. Considering design, build workmanship, quality, value, service and delivery.
The company that stood at the top was HIROTA JAPAN. One of the many hallmarks of HIROTA is the attention to detail.
ICHIBAN INTERNATIONAL run by Elena Floris and her staff is the ideal conduit to help you acquire the finest Gi & Belts in the world, Elena herself is a practicing Karateka at a high world level, who knows the needs of her fellow karateka and will always be on hand to assist.
Thank you for the hard work you put in on my behalf... regarding the Gi and Obi..both are great.

World Kobukan Federation, President
Ronnie Colwell 9th Dan.
The WUKO (World Union of Karate-Do Organizations) World Chief Supervisor of the Tecnical Commission.

"Hirota is an excellent brand. Made to measure Pinack is my choice. Customised fitting allows excellent movement when teaching and training. Light for when travelling!"
Yasuyuki Aragane, 8th Dan Shotokan Karate, Tokyo (Japan)

“The process of obtaining the gi was simple and direct, with helpful and attentive Ichiban International staff, clear instruction given on how to measure and it arriving well within the specified time frame.  The gi itself is an excellent fit, with a build quality far superior to other supposed high quality martial arts wear.  It has proven itself to be both comfortable and durable during spirited kata and kumite sessions alike.”
KR Darren (London)

“I never wear any other suit again. Ichiban made it so easy to order my personalised suit. The translation is so nice and beautiful. The embroidery is of such refinement. Ichiban deliver on all their promises. Thanks to you all for making it such a nice experience to deal with you.” 
Philippe Merlot (France)

“I found Ichiban International to be the perfect company to supply my karate suits. The service was quick and efficient. I found Elena Floris to be very knowledgeable and professional in assisting me in making an informed choice. Passion, skill, integrity are the hallmarks of Elena. As a practitioner of karate Elena is also passionate about the difference karate can make in the lives of people and the ease with which it can be done. She brings this same passion to Ichiban International her karate supplies business. This lady knows her material and stays on the cutting edge of karate products from Japan. What I like the most about Ichiban International under the stewardship of Elena Floris is the integrity with which she operates whether she is teaching karate or looking after customers. If you want first class customer service, fast secure and safe transactions, good communication, then Ichiban International should be your first choice supplier.”
K. Ajose (Saudi Arabia)

“I ordered my embroidered black belt from Ichiban when I gained my 1st Dan. I’d had a very specific idea of what I wanted on my belt when I finally earned it, but I struggled to find a company who were able to do it – most had formulaic options (e.g. association name and Dan number) and were unable to deviate from those. I e-mailed Ichiban to make enquiries and Ms Floris called me back and had a long discussion with me about how to achieve what I wanted. I also wanted the embroidery in an usual colour, but they were extremely accommodating. My belt arrived on time and is absolutely beautiful – everyone I have shown it to has thought so, and my Sensei was especially impressed when he saw it!” 
Emma McCarthy (UK)

“Thankyou for processing the order so quickly. I am very pleased with my belt and have worn it with pride. It was admired by a lot of my fellow students." 
Senga Cameron (UK)

“I have purchased several karate gis from Ichiban International over the years and have found the service and the experience very professional, quick and excellent value for money. The people are very helpful and easy to work with, ensuring a quality product in very reasonable time. I recommend Ichiban International to support all serious practitioners of Martial Arts."                                                  
Michael Rice, Architect and KarateKa www.holistichouseplans.com

Ichiban Karate

Sensei Floris has been a wonderful teacher to my sons over the past 3 years.
My older son has been attending Karate since the age of 6 and I am so pleased with the impact it has had on him. It has made him more confident, independent, and most importantly has improved his concentration. He was easily distracted at school and found it a challenge to hold concentration. Since Sensei has worked with him we have seen a real improvement in this area.
My younger son is 4 and started lessons this year. He was always quite shy in public and not confident with strangers, since he started with Sensei he has really found his confidence. He loves attending the lessons and looks forward to them every week. It has also taught him discipline.
The reason I think Sensei Floris is so successful with children is her warm and compassionate manner, she really does treat every student as an individual. She takes the time to learn each student's strengths and weaknesses, and then work with them to be the best they can be, whatever that level may be. She gives them confidence in their abilities.
She is a fantastic teacher and role model for my children, and I am so pleased with the influence her teaching has had on them.
R. Saleem (West London)

Sensei Floris has been a phenomenal teacher to my three children.
The girls, twins, began when they were five and are now 17!. They have thoroughly enjoyed being with Sensei Floris and have achieved black belt with her excellent teaching and coaching skills.
My son, aged 12 loves attending the class and has become more confident and disciplined. Sensei Floris teaches in an exemplary manner:- warm, dedicated, friendly and energising. In short, she is a brilliant teacher, a great role model  for karate. Her passion and expertise shines through in every lesson.
You would not want to go to another club and I cannot recommend her enough.
Margaret Kapilla (West London)

Before coming to Ichiban Karate I tried several other clubs and experienced classes given by a number of instructors, including some who are ranked very highly. Then I came and trained with Sensei Floris. Wow! What a difference.
The way in which Sensei Floris teaches is so fantastic!
Despite her own incredible achievements and obvious talent, she always warmly welcomes people, regardless of their own level of ability and experience, and she always teaches the art in a way which very clearly explains the fundamentals of each technique.

On top of that she is someone who isn’t simply interested in being a teacher, but instead, genuinely wants people to learn and improve their own karate and she works very hard towards that.
If you want to learn from a charismatic, enthusiastic, professional instructor, with a remarkable competition record, vast experience and a desire to pass on high level karate skills, then you should attend her classes as often as you can, because she is exceptional.

It is a privilege to be able to attend her dojo.
P. R. C. (West London)

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and training with Sensei Floris for over twenty years and I am proud to call her my friend and my teacher. Her abilities and skills, as a dedicated student and a very talented teacher of karate-Do, extend far beyond her exemplary career in the sporting aspects of Karate. In particular, her ability to communicate with clarity, enthusiasm and power is quite inspiring. If you wish for a integral, balanced and enjoyable experience of this ancient art of self discovery, I would recommend Sensei Floris highly.”
Michael Rice (Ireland)

"Ichiban Karate is a great activity to do together as a family. My son and I really enjoy learning karate together on Saturday mornings. It keeps us fit and also has improved our physical confidence. I think it is also beneficial in terms of learning respect and discipline, and in helping you to focus and concentrate." 
Pat Hamade, Isleworth (Middlesex)