bogu

Bogu, written 防具 in Japanese, refers to protective armor worn in traditional and modern Japanese martial arts, most notably kendo. A bogu set is designed to protect the head, wrists, torso, and hips during practice and competition, while allowing freedom of movement.

A typical bogu set comprises four main components: men, do, kote, and tare. The men covers the head, face, and throat with a metal grille and padded fabric flaps. The do is a breastplate protecting the torso. The kote shield the forearms and hands, and the tare hangs from the waist to guard the hips and thighs.

Materials and construction: Bogu are traditionally made from leather or heavy fabric, with padding and stiffened elements. The men’s grill, called men-gane, is usually metal or hard resin. The do is often leather-covered or synthetic, and the kote and tare consist of reinforced fabric with padding.

Use and regulation: In kendo and related arts, bogu is worn during drills and matches to limit injury. Fit and proper adjustment are essential for safety and performance. Competition rules specify acceptable materials and standard dimensions, and beginners typically train with protective equipment provided by the dojo.

History: The concept of armored protection exists in Japanese sword training for centuries. Modern bogu emerged in the Edo period and was adapted as kendo developed in the late 19th and 20th centuries, leading to standardized equipment used by national federations.

Care and maintenance: After use, wipe bogu dry and store in a well-ventilated, dry place. Leather parts may be conditioned periodically; avoid extreme heat and moisture. Inspect stitching and fastenings regularly and replace worn components to maintain protection.