Kendo Supplies

For those who plan to practice the art of Kendo, it is required that every individual should have a set of Kendo supplies for training. Generally, the most common Kendo equipment that is necessary includes the uniform, the armor, and the swords. The Kendogi is consists of a top (keikogi) made from woven cotton; it also features pleated pants that are similar to a skirt and this is called the Hakama. The armor or bogu is made up of four different portions and these include the Men (helmet), Kote (hand and wrist protection), Do (protection for the body), and the Tare (to protect the hip and groin area).

Aside from the Kendo gear, there are also Kendo swords necessary for training in the martial art. There are basically two kinds of swords utilized for Kendo and these are the shinai and the bokken / bokuto. The shinai is made of bamboo and leather which makes the weapon elastic and easy to use during sparring sessions. The bokken is a hard and solid sword made from quality oak wood or any other type of hardwood that is similar to the original material. Unlike the shinai, the bokken is generally utilized for kata but it can never be used for matches, competitions, or even sparring sessions.

The Kendogi

Part of the Kendo supplies that a Kendoka needs is the Kendogi, and a complete set is made up of the Hakama and the Keikogi. When it comes to this Kendo gear, there are no specific requirements when it comes to the color but a lot of Kendoka prefer using the Kendogi with a deep blue indigo shade. When searching for the Kendo equipment, different stores sell items that come in a variety of qualities so for those who plan to purchase the Kendogi, it usually costs around $150 to around $300 depending on the whole set.
The Keikogi is made to be comfortable since it helps absorb a Kendoka’s sweat while also providing adequate protection from unexpected hits or attacks. The Hakama is loose and just as comfortable when used during training since it allows a Kendoka to move freely while simultaneously working as a form of disguise to conceal an individual’s footwork. Additionally, the Hakama also features special pleats where two can be found behind while seven are placed neatly in front – the pleats are created to represent the seven virtues of Kendo.

Bogu

Another piece that completes the necessary Kendo supplies is the Bogu. Although the piece helps protect the Kendoka during practice, it is made to be lightweight and easy to wear, providing its user with adequate comfort, protection, as well as proper mobility which is vital during Kendo practice.

Keep in mind that when a Kendoka advances further during their training in Kendo, they may start utilizing this Kendo equipment during practice. The specific timeframe for a Kendoka to start wearing this is about three to twelve months but this generally varies among dojos.

The Swords

The Katana was the weapon utilized for training in the past but today, Kendoka’s make use of the Bokken or Shinai to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries during practice sessions or competitions. Here are the swords that complete the set of necessary Kendo supplies for practice.

Bokken

The Bokken is the wooden sword utilized for Kendo practice and it is one of the vital Kendo supplies needed to begin training. It is similar to the Katana when it comes to its weight and appearance but it can also take the shape of other Japanese swords like the Wakizashi or Tanto.

Shinai

The Shinai is another weapon used in Kendo but aside from practice, it can also be utilized for Kendo tournaments or competitions. The Shinai was created to lessen the number of Kendoka’s from acquiring serious injuries and accidental hits when training.