TOKUREN Z – Lightweight Jissengata Kendo Bogu – What else can you do to win?
Do not underestimate the importance of the mengane!
The mengane (the metal faceguard on the men) has no design extravaganza, but it carries the critical task of protecting the face – obviously a fatal spot. The thick vertical piece that runs through the mengane is called the mune(棟), and the many pieces running horizontally through the to are Read More
It’s never too late to start Kendo, no matter how old you are
Kendo is not a sport, but rather Budo, so that’s why respecting the etiquette in Kendo is very important. Life is just like Kendo, a life-long pursuit of knowledge and practice. Lately, it has become very popular do “リバ剣” (Ribaken; Revival Kendo) in Japan, meaning that the parent’s decide to start Read More
3 points to look out for when choosing your Kendo Men
First of all, the point most people would prioritize would be to choose a Men that doesn’t hurt too much when you are hit. However, this is hard to know, so let me explain from the beginning. The Men Futon is usually stuffed with varying layers of cotton and felt, Read More
It’s only shokko; but wonderful shokko
When looking at kendo bogu, whether it is online or in catalogs, you often see the word “Shokko” in the description of the bogu. Shokko is part of the kazari or “decoration” on the ago and on the mune (though it can and has been placed elsewhere as well), and Read More
How safe is Tsukidare (Ago) actually against Tsuki?
Tsukidare (Ago) is a part that we pay much attention to as craftsmen, since any strike to this part comes with a lot of danger. When wearing the Men, many people tend to grab it by the Ago and wear the Men, however, it’s not good to do so, as Read More
Why is the inside of the Kendo Men’s Mengane painted red?
Red (vermilion) is a color that makes your field of view feel brighter. Japanese traditional tableware and bowls are often painted with red Urushi, the reason for this is that the red colors accents the contents of the bowl making them look brighter and more appealing. For example in clear Read More