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WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields and protection · Japan

Bogu

Kendo armour: the men (helmet with grille), kote (gloves), do (chest protector) and tare (hip protector). Points are only scored on these targets.

Bogu
Bogu WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

防具 · kendōgu

Origin and history

Protective armour for sword practice developed in the 18th century, traditionally credited to the Jikishinkage-ryū and Ittō-ryū schools, together with the shinai. It made full-power strikes possible and led directly to modern kendo.

Martial arts that use it

Kendo

Construction

Four parts: men (helmet with steel grille and shoulder flaps), kote (padded gauntlets), dō (breastplate, traditionally lacquered bamboo or fibre) and tare (hip and groin protector), worn over keikogi and hakama.

Basic techniques

Training

Protective equipment is part of training itself: students learn to put it on correctly, check straps and padding, and move and breathe while wearing it before any contact work.

Safety

Protection only works if it fits: replace cracked, torn or compressed padding, check helmets and grilles regularly and let damp gear dry fully to avoid skin infections.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

The name tag on the tare, the zekken, shows the player’s dojo and surname.

More weapons

Tessen Tinbe-rochin Buckler Boxing gloves

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Bogu
  2. Wikipedia — Kendo