The KENDO | Concept | Equipment | Dojo | Protocol | Grading | Origin

Equipment

The most outstanding piece of Kendo equipment is the Bogu, or armour designed following the old armours worn by ancient Japanese warriors. However, at the beginning the novice practitioner will only require one element: the shinai.

The shinai is a representation of the sword and is made of four sheets of bamboo held together using white leather strips. The way of “keeping” it and its care will be the first thing a novice practitioner must learn. The importance of maintaining a shinai must be stressed, as bamboo may splinter and cause serious injuries. To avoid accidents it is highly recommended to keep in mind the following preventive measures:

• Avoid the bamboo drying too much as it can become very fragile and splinter with ease. The bamboo sheets can be rubbed individually with vegetable oil. Another way of greasing the bamboo is to rub the sheets with a small cotton bag containing small pieces of walnut.
• It is also important to press the bamboo sheets in order to keep their density. This way we will avoid splinters. To accomplish this, a flat piece of wood or metal can be used, although specific tools exist to take good care of the shinai.
• A broken or splintered sheet must be immediately replaced by a new one.
• Before each practice, the kendoka must check the status of their shinai. Never use a shinai that is not in good condition.

In regards to clothing, a kimono (jacket and pants) or sport clothing will be enough to start up. Two or three months into practicing Kendo, wearing a Hakama (pants / skirt) and a Keikogi (jacket) will be necessary. Wearing these clothes properly and taking good care of them is a fundamental part of Kendo’s etiquette.

Cleanliness and good care of your feet must not be forgotten. The same as in other martial arts, kendo is practiced with bare feet, directly on wood flooring. Good foot care will show respect to other kendoka as well as avoid excessive discomfort caused by direct contact of the soles of your feet with hard surfaces.
Regarding the Bogu or armour, it is advisable to purchase it based on the skill evolution of the practitioner. Commonly a practitioner would purchase his/her first bogu after four or six months of practicing Kendo. When a practitioner decides to wear the bogu for the very first time, it is worth taking in consideration the season of the year he/she will do so (summer is the least recommended season).

The bogu consists of four parts:

• MEN or helmet, protects the head and shoulders.
• DO or chest plate, protects the stomach and chest.
• TARE, protects the waist and groin.
• KOTE or gloves, protects the hands and forearms.

The TENUGUI o HACHIMAKI is worth mentioning, a cotton scarf tied to the head that must be placed before gearing up the helmet or Men.