[appabessy]

So, I hate to assume that someone is attempting to scam us, and wrote a response but check this out:

Orginally from an email to me!

Dear Sir my name is Paulo Fassina, lives in the city of Santa Margarida do Sul, state of the Rio Grande Do Sul, in Brazil. Taste very of the art of "kendo".* I and my son am together initiating in the practical one of "kendo". I am contactando with Mr. to know as I can obtain the donation of a used and complete armor, (kengo-gu=men, 2 kotes, of, tare). This because, I want to train, to dispute and to participate of championships with my son. As the new armor is very expensive to be able to buy, I am making this request. The cost in Brazil is around US$ 2, 000.00. I hope so for its aid, in case that it is not possible, indicates somebody that perhaps can make this donation. I wait its reply. thanks a lot. He forgives my English. Paulo Fassina I'm not the only that received this up here in Wyoming (the generous bogu giving state apparently). But here is my respsonse;

Dear Sir,

I reccomend that you contact the Kendo instructors and students in Confederacao Brasileira de Kendo for assistance. In fact here is one within your state:
Rio Grande do Sul
Associação de Kendo e Iaido de Porto Alegre - AKIPA
Instituto de Culturua Japonesa – PUC-RS
Porto Alegre - RS
Contato(s)
Oberdan Boattini

There are several Kendo dojo within reasonable traveling distance of your location that most likely have bogu available to rent. Most Kendo instructors I know will help out students that are comitted to the exercise, and I imagine that the folks in Porto Alegre are no different. If that does not work, perhaps you could try the Japanese embassy in Brazil.

We are uncertain as to why you feel that Wyoming would be a good place to receive bogu from, as we can barely keep enough around for our club purposes.

We are a very small group that has trouble paying the tab at closing time, however we support Kendo worldwide and wish you the best in your pursuit of bogu to practice and dispute for the world championships with your son. I hope this information helps.

Regards,

Doug