Bogu is the term for the full set of protective armour worn in kendo for sparring with a shinai. It is made up of four main pieces: the men, a padded helmet with a metal grille protecting the head and throat, the do, a curved chest protector covering the torso, the kote, thickly padded gloves protecting the hands and forearms, and the tare, a padded waist protector with hanging flaps guarding the hips and lower abdomen.
Each piece of bogu is put on in a specific order and secured with cords that need to be tied correctly for both protection and comfort, which is a skill kendo students typically learn within their first months of training. Bogu is generally introduced once a student has spent time on basic footwork, striking and etiquette without armour, since sparring in full bogu is the point at which live, full speed strikes with a shinai begin.
Our kendo equipment guide covers fitting and maintaining a full set of bogu in detail.
