table of contents

1. Why wearing kendo equipment is important └ Points where beginners tend to trip up and safety precautions
   
   
2. The first thing to do when you receive your armor: 2-1. How to attach the Do-himo strings 2-2. How to attach the Men-himo strings
   
   
3. Preparation before wearing and correct posture
   
   
4. Types of Kendo equipment and the basic order of wearing them: Put on in the following order: Tare → Do → Men → Kote
   
   
5. Correct way to wear each piece of armor and tips 5-1. How to attach the tare (sleeve) 5-2. How to attach the do (body) 5-3. How to attach the men (face) 5-4. How to attach the kote (hand guard)
   
   
6. Learn about the history of kendo equipment └ The origin and development of kendo equipment, and the evolution of materials and manufacturing methods

The first thing to do when you receive your protective gear

Kendo equipment purchased online often does not come with a men string or do string attached.
First, let's understand the names of each part and how to install them correctly.

1. How to attach the waist cord

The ring at the top of the torso is called the "chest and breast leather," and the four rings on the sides are called the "body and breast leather."
There are two types of waist straps: a long one (chest strap) and a short one (waist strap). The long one is attached to the upper part of the waist leather, and the short one is attached to the lower part of the waist leather.

1. Pass the loop at the end of the chest strap through the top of the chest leather.
   
   
2. Insert the other end of the chest strap into loop ① and tighten it firmly to secure it.
   
   
3. Attach the other side in the same way, and finally tie the left and right waist cords in the same way.
   
   

Tip : Make sure the strings are not twisted and that the lengths on both sides are equal for a beautiful finish.

2. How to attach the menhimo

Source: Manager Uga of Hyakushu Martial Arts Equipment Store

There is also leather for stringing called "men milk leather" for the men.
The metal part that protects the face is called "mengane."

1. Pass the face milk leather through the fourth piece from the bottom of the face metal (the third piece for a 13-piece model).
   
   
2. Place the underside of the face so that the breast leather is on top.
   
   
3. Pass the overlapping breast leather through the loop of the men-himo cord, and then pass the other cord through the slit and pull.
   
   

Tip : Tie the mask a little loosely at first, then adjust it a little after putting it on to make it fit better.

Preparation before putting on the kendo equipment

Before putting it on, sit upright or kneel and work calmly.
If you put it on in a hurry, the strings may get twisted and the balance may be lost.

Types of kendo equipment and the order in which they are worn

There are four types of kendo equipment: men, kote, do, and tare (according to the All Japan Kendo Federation rules).

The basic order of wearing is as follows: Tare → Do → Men → Kote

How to wear each piece of protective gear and points to note

Source: marugameissinkai

1. How to attach the tare (sashimi)

Tare is a protective gear that protects the waist and lower abdomen. It is worn at an angle that is lower in the front and higher in the back so that it is easier to apply pressure to the lower abdomen.

1. Place the central o-tari in front and wrap the tari string around the back.
   
   
2. Cross them over the waistband of the hakama and fasten them securely.
   
   
3. Bring it back to the front and tie a bow in the center of the hangings.
   
   

Tip : Do not twist the string. Twists can cause it to come loose.

2. How to attach the torso

The torso is a piece of armor that protects the torso and sides, and is also the part that gives the outfit its unique appearance.

1. Place the torso against your chest, cross the chest straps over your back, and pass them through the breast leather.
   
   
2. Wrap the string around the string once or twice and tie it securely.
   
   
3. Bring the waist strings under the armpits to the back and tie them in a bow in the middle.
   
   

Tip : If it's too tight, it will be difficult to breathe, and if it's too loose, it will slip off. The ideal fit is one that's tight enough to allow natural arm movement.

3. How to attach the mask

The face mask is the most important piece of protective gear, protecting your head and throat. Before putting it on, wrap a tenugui cloth around your head to absorb sweat.

1. Put the mask on from the front and adjust it so that it fits snugly against your chin and forehead.
   
   
2. Cross the men-himo at the back of your head, tighten it firmly, and then bring it back to the front.
   
   
3. Cross the pieces at the top of the mengane, then turn them around to the back and tie them in a bow.
   
   
4. Straighten out any twists in the string and make the knots even in length on both sides.
   
   
5. Finally, create a small gap around the ears to relieve pressure.
   
   

Caution : If the mask slips out of place, it can be dangerous as it can impair visibility. Check the fit before each practice session.

4. How to attach the gauntlet

Kote is a protective gear that protects from the wrist to the elbow.

1. Hold the kote-gashira (finger part) and insert your hand.
   
   
2. Press it in firmly to fit your fingertips.
   
   

Note : If you pull the futon on the elbow side while putting it on, it may lose its shape. Always hold it by the hands when putting it on.

Knowing the history of kendo equipment deepens the meaning of wearing it

The origins of kendo equipment lie in the art of swordsmanship, which developed along with the Japanese sword.
It was born in the Heian period, passed through the Kamakura and Sengoku periods, and evolved during the Edo period from a "technique for killing people" to a "martial art for developing people."

In the late Edo period, Naganuma Shirozaemon Kunisato of the Jikishinkage-ryu school invented the "Uchikomi training method" using bamboo swords, which is considered to be the prototype of modern kendo.
He created the foundations of kendo equipment, which has continued to be improved by subsequent craftsmen.

Kendo equipment developed from armor and helmets, and has taken on its current form through the pursuit of lightness, breathability, and safety.
Nowadays, materials such as deerskin and Clarino (artificial leather) are used, and there are a variety of manufacturing methods, including hand stitching by artisans and machine stitching.

Summary: Wearing the correct kendo equipment will improve your skills and keep you safe

The above is the correct way to wear kendo equipment and the basic steps.
It may take some time at first, but once you get used to it, you'll be able to put it on in just a few minutes.

Wearing protective gear correctly improves posture and concentration.
To ensure safe practice, be sure to take care of your equipment daily and wear it correctly .

If you wear your kendo equipment correctly and approach practice with your body and mind in good condition, you will surely improve quickly.