How to Buy Kendo Protective Gear

Kendo is a Japanese style of two-handed fencing, usually practiced with bamboo swords. Kendo practitioners wear a hakama, a wide, ankle-length split skirt, for fencing and also wear protective gear to cover the target areas of the face, wrists and abdomen. You can buy Kendo protective gear together in a set or separately, in a variety of materials and styles.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know all of the components of Kendo protective gear. You will need to have the "men" (face mask), "do" (breastplate), "kote" (fencing gloves) and "tare" (apron).

2. Look for bogu (protective gear) sets if you are buying gear for the first time. You can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for your first full set of basic protective gear including all five pieces.

3. Buy custom-made stitched breastplates and aprons for a flashier looking set of protective gear. You can buy a full bogu with custom stitching or just one or two pieces if you're looking for a more affordable option.

4. Repair your existing bogu rather than buy replacement protective gear. Repainting or repair for a hole in leather or fabric runs about $30 for most repair jobs, unless you need your glove palms replaced, which can cost up to $60.

5. Consider getting your gear embroidered. You can get just one piece or all pieces embroidered on any fabric surface, which can be useful for identification as well as decoration.

Tips & Warnings

• Order your protective gear through a Kendo club or group for group discount prices on otherwise expensive gear.

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