The Genesis of TATSEI
Hello, I’m Gavin, originally from France. From a young age, I had a deep curiosity about the world, especially through the study of languages. Learning English, Spanish, and German allowed me to travel extensively across Europe. However, I always had a special fascination with Japanese history and culture, and I promised myself that one day I would go to Japan. This desire led me to study Japanese in Business School, and eventually, I lived in Japan for 10 years. During this time, I started practicing Kendo and had the opportunity to work with Tozando, a renowned martial arts equipment company based in Kyoto, for three years.
After returning to Europe, I continued practicing Kendo and worked in the online retail industry, gaining invaluable experience. In early 2024, I was fortunate to reconnect with Tozando to establish a European branch, a venture that soon evolved into an independent retailer, which I decided to name TATSEI.
The Meaning Behind TATSEI
The name TATSEI is the transcription of the kanji 龍聖 (たっせい), which translates to “Holy Dragons.” This name came to me during a trip to the Kuzuryu Shrine near Hakone, in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Inspired by the legendary nine-headed dragon god of the shrine, I began to explore the deeper meaning of dragons in Japanese culture. I came across a beautiful description: “All in all, Japanese dragons are a symbol of good fortune and wealth; they bring us happiness, offering us strength and courage at each important turning point in our lives.”
This resonated deeply with me. At that time, I was on the verge of starting a new business venture in the world of budo equipment, and the symbolism of the dragon – embodying strength, courage, and good fortune – perfectly captured the spirit of what I wanted to create. Coincidentally, the Japanese verb “to achieve” is pronounced [ta̠sːe̞ː], which can be transcribed in the Latin alphabet as "tatsei" or "tassei" (たっせい), further solidifying the name as a guiding force for my vision.
Our Mission
At TATSEI, our mission is to support budo enthusiasts on their journey by offering high-end martial arts equipment. We understand that the path of budo is one of personal growth, discipline, and continuous striving toward enlightenment. Whether you are just beginning your journey in Aikido or Karate, or are a seasoned practitioner of Kendo, Iaido, or Judo, our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to achieve your goals – just as the dragon brings strength and courage at critical turning points.
A key focus of TATSEI is making it easier for international customers to access authentic, Japan-made budo equipment, renowned for its quality and craftsmanship. We specialize in providing not only standard gear but also customized equipment such as kendo armor (bogu), Iaito (practice swords), Dogi (training uniforms), and Hakama.
Located in France, TATSEI makes shipping to European countries faster and more convenient, allowing our customers to receive their equipment more easily. By collaborating with renowned Japanese manufacturers, we ensure that our customers, whether practicing in dojos around the world or competing internationally, receive the finest products that uphold the tradition and excellence of Japanese martial arts.
Through our products and services, we aim to connect martial artists around the world with the best of Japanese craftsmanship, helping them pursue excellence and ultimately achieve their own form of enlightenment.