Gear
Where to Purchase Kendo Gear
While the NOKC is not affiliated with any one shop, our club manager has created a list of selected kendo purveyors to help make your decision. There are many different places and each has their strengths and weaknesses.
Please check out this resource as it includes suggestions for beginner's sets, bogu, where to buy extra shinai, and more!
Gear for Beginners
Shinai
The shinai is made of 4 bamboo staves wrapped in leather. It is the most basic piece of equipment needed to practice Kendo. There are many styles of shinai, but all share the same basic anatomy. Properly performed strikes only use the end of the blade (Mono-Uchi).
Bokken
A wooden sword used for practicing kendo kata. It is not used for striking opponents or shinai.
Kendogi and Hakama
Kendogi (or keikogi) is a thick jacket made of cotton that traditionally comes in navy blue. This jacket adds extra padding and protection when practicing kendo.
Hakama are traditional trousers that are made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of each. They also traditionally come in navy blue.
Gear for Intermediate & Advanced Practitioners
Bogu
Protective armor (bogu) which is made from steel, leather, bamboo, cloth, and other cushioning.
Headgear (Men) - Layered cloth wrapped around thick leather and a steel face guard. Leather flaps extend outward to cover the neck and shoulders.
Hand/Wrist/forearm (Kote) - Layered cloth wrapped around thick leather, with extra cotton especially around the knuckles and wrist.
Chest and Abdomen (Do) - Made of thick bamboo covered in lacquer.
Upper leg and Groin (Tare) - Multiple pleats composed of layered cloth wrapped around thick leather stacked on top of each other.
Men
Kote
Do
Tare
Accessories
Besides your shinai, uniform, and bogu there are multiple other accessories that you will need as you continue on your kendo journey:
Tenugui is a head towel that is worn under your Men. These usually come with bogu sets and have an inspirational phrase written in Japanese or English.
Zekken is a name tag that is worn over the tare that includes where you practice, your last name in Japanese, and your last name in English.
Shinai bags come in various styles and colors. Traditional styles usually have a string top with Japanese writing. Shinai bags can also carry single or multiple shinai.
Bogu bags come in various shapes and configurations. These help you carry your Bogu, uniform, and any other odds and ends you need for practice.
Tenugui
Zekken
Shinai Bags
Bogu Bag