[2026 Updated] How to Wear Kendo Equipment Correctly | A Complete Guide for Beginners on How to Wear Armor

One of the first things that many people who have just started kendo worry about is how to put on their protective gear (bogu). If the mask, do, kote, and tare are not worn correctly, it can make it difficult to move and can even lead to unexpected injury.

Kendo equipment is not just for protecting the body, it is also an important tool for maintaining a swordsman's posture. Wearing it correctly will significantly stabilize your movements during practice and matches, and will also be a shortcut to improvement.

In this article, Kudo, manager of the BUSHIZO Shibuya showroom, will provide a detailed explanation with photos on how to put on kendo equipment so that even beginners can easily do so.

1. Why wearing kendo equipment is important

In kendo, wearing protective gear correctly is extremely important for both safety and improving technique. If worn improperly, the following problems can occur:

Points where beginners tend to get stuck

• Visibility is poor due to misaligned surfaces: If the mask is not worn correctly, it may slip off during practice, narrowing your field of vision and causing danger.
• The kote becomes loose and the shinai becomes unstable: The wrist is not well protected and may receive direct impact when struck.
• Torso misalignment: If it's too high, it will put pressure on your throat and sides, and if it's too low, it will create gaps and be dangerous.
• The obi is not tied properly: It may slip off during movement or not be able to adequately protect against strikes to the lower abdomen.

Safety precautions

Before putting on protective gear, be sure to check the following points:

• Are there any holes in the hand?
• Are the men's and dou's strings about to break?
• Is the faceplate bent?
• Is the obi part of the tare frayed?

2. First thing to do when you receive your protective gear: setting it up

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

How to attach the waist cord

The ring at the top of the torso is called the "chest leather," and the four rings at the sides are called the "do-chi leather." There are two types of torso straps: a long one (chest strap) and a short one (waist strap). The long one is attached to the top of the do-chi leather, and the short one is attached to the bottom of the do-chi leather.

STEP 1 Pass the loop at the end of the chest strap through the top of the chest leather.

STEP 2 Place the other end of the chest strap into the loop in STEP 1 and tighten it firmly to secure it.

STEP 3 Install the other side in the same way.

STEP 4 Finally, tie the left and right waist cords in the same way.

How to attach the menhimo

The mask also has a leather strap called "menchi-kawa" (men milk leather). The metal part that protects the face is called "mengane" (men metal).

STEP 1 Pass the face milk leather through the fourth thread from the bottom of the face metal (the third thread for the 13-piece type).

STEP 2 Place the underside of the face so that the breast leather is on top.

STEP 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.

3. The correct way to wrap a tenugui

Tenugui towels are essential for absorbing sweat and keeping the inside of the men's surface clean. Wrapping them properly also improves the fit of the men's surface.

Basic rolling method

STEP 1 Fold the tenugui in half lengthwise.

STEP 2 Fold it in half again lengthwise to make a long, thin strip.

STEP 3 Place the center of the tenugui over the center of your forehead and cross it over the back of your head.

STEP 4 Bring it back to the front and tie it over your forehead. At this time, it will be more comfortable to wear the mask if the knot is slightly off to the side from the center.

STEP 5 Tuck the remaining hair at the top of your head or sweep it back.

Summer tips

In hot weather, you will sweat a lot, so we recommend choosing a tenugui made of highly absorbent material or using two tenugui at a time. It is also a good idea to have a spare one on hand so you can change it between practice sessions.

4. Preparation before wearing and correct posture

It is important to stay calm and do it carefully when putting on your protective gear. If you put it on in a hurry, the laces may get twisted and you may lose your balance.

Basic posture

• seiza: Suitable for wearing protective gear except for tatari
• Kneeling: It can also be used to put on a tare, or, depending on the physique, to put on a mask.

5. Types of Kendo Equipment and Basic Wearing Order

Kendo equipment consists of four parts: men, kote, do, and tare (according to the All Japan Kendo Federation rules). The basic order of putting them on is as follows:

The role of each piece of armor

• Tare: Protects the lower back and abdomen. Consists of 3 or 5 pieces.
• Body: Protects the torso and flanks. Available in reinforced resin and fiber types.
• Mask: The most important piece of protective gear is the head, face, and throat.
• Kote (hand guard): Protects from wrist to elbow. The right hand is especially thick.

6. Correct way to wear each piece of armor and tips

How to attach the tare

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.

STEP 1 Get into a kneeling or standing position.

STEP 2 Place the central o-tare (largest tare) in the center of the front.

STEP 3 Bring the hanging cords to the back and cross them on the left and right sides above the waistboard of the hakama.

STEP 4 Tighten firmly and return to the front.

STEP 5 Tie a bow at the center of the tare, making sure the knot is hidden under the otare.

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.

STEP 1 Place your torso against your chest. The bottom of your torso should be hidden by about half the width of the sash.

STEP 2 Cross the chest straps at the back.

STEP 3 Bring the crossed strings to the front and thread them through the breast leather.

STEP 4 Wrap the string around the string once or twice and tie it securely.

STEP 5 Bring the waist strings under the armpits to the back and tie them in a bow in the middle.

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.

Superscript (common method)

STEP 1 Firmly spread both ends of the face futon.

STEP 2 Put the mask on from the front, with your chin pressed against the "earth" part of the Tenchi character and your forehead pressed against the "heaven" part.

STEP 3 Adjust the knot of the men's string so that it is at eye level at the back of your head and below the top of your head, and then tighten it firmly.

STEP 4 Cross the men-himo at the back of your head, tighten it firmly, and then bring it back to the front.

STEP 5 Cross the strands at the top of the mengane (above the forehead), then wrap them around the back and tie them in a bow.

STEP 6 Smooth out any twists in the string and make the knots the same length on both sides. The length on both sides should reach just below the ears.

STEP 7 Finally, leave a small gap around your ear to relieve the feeling of pressure. A gap of about one finger width is ideal.

Undermounting (method that emphasizes fixing strength)

This method is used by players such as All Japan Champion Masashi Teramoto. While it provides a strong hold, it takes time to put on and requires a longer men's strap.

The basic procedure is the same as for top-attaching, but after crossing the men-himo at the back of the head, bring it further forward and cross it again over the forehead, then finally tie it in a bow at the back of the head.

How to attach the Kote (glove)

Kote is a protective gear that protects from the wrist to the elbow. The thickness is different between the left and right hands, with the right hand being thicker.

STEP 1 Hold the kote-gashira (finger part) firmly with both hands.

STEP 2 Insert your hand and press it in until your fingertips are fully seated.

STEP 3 Make sure your fingers fit securely into the fingertips of your thumb.

STEP 4 Gently rotate your wrist to check for ease of movement.

7. Common installation mistakes and how to fix them

The surface becomes loose and slips off easily

the reason: The men's strings are not fastened properly, or the chin and forehead are not tightly fitted together.

Solution: Tighten the men's strings again and make sure that your chin and forehead are firmly in contact with the men's cushion. The position of the men's string knot is also important; make sure it is at eye level at the back of your head.

The torso rises

the reason: The chest strap is too tight or sits too high on your torso.

Solution: Adjust the position so that the bottom of your torso is hidden by about half the width of the sash, and loosen the tightness of the chest strap. If your torso is raised too high, it will put pressure on your throat and sides, hindering movement.

The small hand is easy to slip off

the reason: The size is too big or doesn't reach the fingertips far enough.

Solution: Hold the top of the gloves and push them in firmly all the way to your fingertips. If they are still loose, it may be the wrong size, so consult a store.

The pipe rotates

the reason: The string is tied loosely or not in the correct position.

Solution: Cross the strings securely at the back and then re-tie them securely at the front. Make sure the strings are not twisted.

8. Daily maintenance of protective gear

Daily maintenance is essential to ensure that your protective gear lasts a long time and is always kept clean.

Care after practice

• dry: After practice, be sure to dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Sweat wipe: Wipe off sweat from the inside of the men and kote with a dry cloth.
• deodorant: It is effective to use a deodorizing spray specifically for protective gear.

Regular inspections

Check the following about once a month.

• Frayed or damaged face strings or body strings
• Holes or tears in the gloves
• Bending or deformation of the mengane
• Frayed seams on the hanging

Storage method

If you will not be using the product for a long period of time, please store it observing the following points.

• Allow to dry completely before storing
• Store in a dry place
• Put it in your armor bag to prevent insect damage.
• Do not place heavy objects on top (to prevent deformation)

9. Learn about the history of kendo equipment

In order to understand the correct way to wear kendo equipment, it is important to know its historical background.

The origin and development of kendo equipment

The origins of kendo equipment lie in the art of swordsmanship, which developed alongside the Japanese sword. Born in the Heian period, it passed through the Kamakura and Sengoku periods, and evolved during the Edo period from a "skill for cutting 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. This is considered to be the prototype of modern kendo. He created the foundation of kendo equipment, which has continued to be improved by subsequent craftsmen.

Evolution of materials and manufacturing methods

Kendo equipment developed from armor and helmets, and has taken on its current form in pursuit of lightness, breathability, and safety. The following materials are currently used:

• Deerskin: Traditional material, durable and breathable
• Clarino (artificial leather): Lightweight and easy to care for, popular with beginners
• Orizai: Good breathability, suitable for summer

Manufacturing methods have also diversified, from hand stitching by artisans to machine stitching. The cushioning and durability change depending on the stitch width (6mm, 7mm, 8mm, etc.).

Modern Kendo Equipment

As of 2026, kendo equipment continues to evolve while preserving tradition, incorporating the latest materials and technology. Lighter, more shock-absorbent, and more breathable, these equipment has been designed to make training more comfortable for swordsmen.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

We have provided a detailed explanation of the correct way to wear kendo equipment, including the latest information for 2026.

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 will improve your posture and concentration.

To practice safely, be sure to take care of your equipment daily and wear it correctly. If you wear your kendo equipment correctly and approach practice in a state of mind and body, you will surely improve quickly.