While it's good that the variety of masks is increasing, it can also be difficult for users to choose. This time, we've picked out popular kendo masks from various perspectives, including popular machine-stitched and hand-stitched masks, popular among high school students, and those for junior high school students and younger! We hope this will be helpful when making your selection.

Popular machine-stitched kendo masks

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Saito -SAITO- 6mm Stitched Men

The Saito armor series is designed using the traditional craftsmanship of Miyazaki Prefecture and the renowned artisanal techniques. This reasonably priced, Japanese-made armor boasts a lightweight design that prioritizes ease of movement, a luxurious aesthetic, and the same craftsmanship as the originals. Perfect for daily training and competitions, these are works of art that shine with traditional techniques from the historic Saito region of Miyazaki Prefecture.

[West Japan Martial Arts Equipment] Evolution of Usability: "Aka Mugen" Mask (Single Item)

This is a practical model that is easy to use in competitions, pursuing lightweight and safety. It is a highly rated product that retains its beautiful texture as it fades with use. If safety is neglected in the pursuit of lightness, it will stray far from the original purpose of protective gear. "Aka Mugen" strikes a sweet spot between lightness, ease of use, safety, and durability. The mengane is made of BC mengane, which has been treated with an antibacterial agent.

[West Japan Martial Arts Equipment] "Mugen" Mask (single item) - Lightweight, practical model made from high-quality materials

This is a practical model that is easy to use in matches, pursuing lightness and safety. It is a product that is highly rated for its texture that fades with use. It also combines high quality with the texture of the special woven stitching created by the special full-grain wool felt, special core material, and high-quality cotton. ◆Specifications Duralumin faceplate, special woven stitching edge, navy deerskin finish

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Red Infinity Men - World Championship Model

This is a model used in the World Championships. This is the model worn by the Japanese national team at the 16th World Kendo Championships. The men, kote, and tare all feature a 6mm grid stitch pattern. While this alone would be the same as traditional grid stitched armor, the finer 2mm thread pitch (the length of the stitching) tightens the fabric, recreating a texture that goes beyond "hand-stitched look" to "hand-equivalent." This results in armor that combines the inherent flexibility and lightness of hand-stitching with the safety of kendo armor. "The best defense is a good offense," this armor was created with that saying in mind, making it a truly exceptional piece that excels in both offense and defense.

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Gold Mugen ∞ Men - Standard Model

Because each item is handmade and limited production, we can only produce a few sets per month. However, we are confident that you will be pleased with the quality and comfort of this product. MUGEN men were crafted with a focus on mobility and durability. The unique ease of use of MUGEN is achieved through the ingenuity of the Nippon Kendo Equipment Factory. The futon at the top of the head was created by prototyping and comparing core materials with several different stitch widths, resulting in a 5.5mm futon that strikes the perfect balance between softness and durability for MUGEN futons. The futon at the mentare is crafted with a hybrid structure that deliberately uses a 4mm diagonal stitch, different from the top of the head, to ensure unhindered movement and maintain the shape of the mentare even when raising the arm. Other ingenious features include a diagonal cut and a closed stitch for improved mobility. The mentan is an original MUGEN mentan with a gray backing that places less strain on the head and does not obstruct vision, incorporating a modern design into the traditional ease of use.

[Matsukan Kogyo] Ultra Practical Flash 8mm Long Stitch + 4mm Machine Stitch, Single Face

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Kanmuri Series" 1.8-minute Crown Stitch A All Navy Blue Leather Men

~ Hand-stitched style combat armor, Crown 1.8 minute Crown Stitch Series = Although it is machine stitched, it has a finish that allows you to experience a feel similar to that of hand stitching. ◆Specifications N3 face gold, Gunome, futon diagonal cut, full indigo leather chin 5-row, fully hand-stitched futon lining white Sulucky + Unifresher

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Kanmuri Series" 1.8-minute Crown Stitch B, Bushu Navy Blue Weave Stitching, Navy Leather Men

~ Hand-stitched style combat armor, Crown 1.8 minute Crown Stitch Series = Although it is machine stitched, it has a finish that allows you to experience a feel similar to that of hand stitching. ◆Specifications N3 Mengane, Gunome, chin edge navy leather, futon diagonal cut, men hat made in Japan, chin 5-layer futon lining white Sulucky + Unifresher

"Jin" 6mm Woven Leather Chin Edge Navy Blue Leather Men (S-1)

Hand-stitched Kendo Mask

[Matsukan Industries] HIRAMEKI 2.0mm Ultra-Practical Gunome Sashimi (Single Mask)

Matsukan Kogyo's ultra-practical armor, "Sen," beloved by top athletes, now includes 2.0-minute hand-stitched armor. (New for 2018) The armor minimizes resistance to movement. This armor allows you to unleash your skills as they flash forth. It is the perfect armor for competition, combining beauty when worn with ease of use. ◆Specifications: Face: Practical top and bottom, faceplate IBB duralumin, inner ring MGU, head 2.0-minute hand-stitched, practical Gnome stitching *Accessories: Face breast leather, face string *Price increases by 20% for LL size and above or custom-ordered futon dimensions

"Jin" 2.0 minute hand stitch all navy blue leather face

◆Specifications ・Men chin x, Men hanging fittings with lancets, Mengane all titanium, inner ring cotton, bag-style finish, chin edge navy deerskin

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Kamirami" 2.0 minutes Practical Hand-Stitched/Woven Stitched Face Mask

"Jin" 2-minute hand-stitched navy blue leather men's mask with woven stitching on the chin edge

Kendo and masks are popular among high school students

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Full Artificial Navy Blue Leather 6mm Cross Stitch Face Mask (Single Item)

This practical protective gear is based on a cross stitch design and is lightweight and sturdy. It features IBB antibacterial coated menkin and Gunze's deodorizing sewing thread Switorl-C for full antibacterial and odor control. It also features IBB duralumin antibacterial coated menkin, a cotton inner ring, five-row jaw, a futon cross stitch diagonal cut, and string reinforcement.

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Jersey Bogu (Protective Gear), 5mm, Machine Stitched, Single Face

This armor does not use any cotton at all. The outer surface is made of polyester, which allows it to be dried in the sun.

Kendo and masks popular among junior high school students and younger

[Matsukan Kogyo] "Katsujin" Boy's Woven Jersey Bogu (Protective Gear), 5mm Machine Stitched, Face Only

Beginner's/Practice Mask, 6mm Long Stitch/Woven Stitch Pattern (Suitable for Elementary School Students)

[Nihon Kendogu Seisakusho] Green Mugen∞ Junior Men (for elementary school students)

Summary

What do you think? I hope you found what you were looking for! Armor is also evolving every day. I think that expanding the range of kendo equipment is one of the keys to improving your kendo, so I hope you will find the armor that truly suits you from the various options available. Go to the online shopping page of the BUSHIZO Kendo Equipment Select Shop Kendo equipment select shop BUSHIZO online store TOP page Kendo Armor Set Online Shopping Page

◆Other articles in the summary series

https://bushizo.com/media/201804/1962/ https://bushizo.com/media/201804/2006/ https://bushizo.com/media/201804/1972/ https://bushizo.com/media/201808/2634/