Please also watch the video.

■ General measurement methods

The size of your kendo armor has a big impact on comfort and safety. Wearing armor that doesn't fit properly not only makes you look unattractive, but it can also make it difficult to move and lead to injury .
Therefore, it is very important to first get your body measurements accurately.

What is important for all protective gear (men, kote, do, and tare) is the accuracy of the measuring tools and methods .

• What you will use is a "sewing tape measure"
  
  
• Metal measuring tapes, strings, ribbons, etc. are not recommended as they are prone to errors.
  
  
• Measurements are generally taken by two people (especially the head, which is difficult to do alone)
  
  

However, measurements of the waist and other torso and sagging areas can be done by one person.

Precautions when measuring

• The tape measure should fit neither too tightly nor too loosely.
  
  
• Hold the tape measure against your skin from start to finish
  
  
• Always check that the threading position (line) is correct.
  
  

■ How to measure the size of a surface

When measuring the size of a surface, you need to measure the following three items:

(1) Measurement method

A: The circumference from the top of the head to the tip of the chin

1. Place the end of the tape measure at the crown of the head and have another person hold it down.
   
   
2. Go from cheek to chin to the other cheek, then circle back around to the top of your head.
   
   
3. At this time, make sure that the 0cm point of the tape measure is on your cheek.
   
   

Standard size: Children are around 58cm, adult men are around 72cm. Sizes over 73cm are classified as extra large.

B: Around the headband position

It goes all the way from your forehead to the back of your head, slightly above your ears.
Guideline: The average size is about 10cm smaller than A. For adult men, it is around 57cm.

C: Height from chin to outer corner of eye

With your head straight, place your chin on the table and measure the vertical height from the table surface to the corner of your eye.
It is more accurate to use a ruler than a sewing tape measure. A typical measurement for an adult male is about 12.5cm.

(2) Points to consider when choosing

• The surface may have been pressed in the box when it arrives, so smooth it out to restore its natural shape.
  
  
• Place your chin under the inner ring and press it against your face, making sure that your forehead and the bottom of the inner ring are firmly in contact .
  
  
• The forehead does not touch → The surface is small.
  
  
• It wobbles when you move it up and down → The surface area is large.
  
  
• When viewed from the side, the back of the head is sticking out → The face mask is too narrow and dangerous.
  
  

If the surface is slightly larger, you can adjust it by inserting a **surface cushion (surface adjustment futon)**.

■ How to measure your hand size

(1) Measurement method

The size of the gauntlet requires two items: "D" and "E".

• D: Length from the tip of the middle finger to the crease of the wrist <br data-end="1445" data-start="1442">Measure with your hand straight, your fingers relaxed and in a natural position.

• E: Around the base of the four fingers excluding the thumb. <br data-end="1507" data-start="1504">Go around the most protruding part of the hand. Be careful not to include the thumb as this will result in an error.

(2) Points to consider when choosing

• Put your hand in and check whether you can make a fist and whether it is easy to grip the bamboo sword .
  
  
• If it is tight, choose one size up.
  
  
• If it's too loose, consider going down one size.
  
  
• Kote vary greatly from person to person, so if you feel uncomfortable, consult an armor store.

■ How to measure your torso size

(1) Measurement method

Choose based on height, weight and waist size.
If you already have a torso that you are using, you can use its height and back width as a reference.

(2) Points to consider when choosing

When wearing it, the ideal gap is about the size of half a fist on each side .

• Too big torso: When you extend your arms, your chest gets caught and it becomes difficult to swing them down.
  
  
• Torso that is too small: There is a gap between the chest and torso, reducing safety
  
  

Try wearing it and moving your arm to see if it feels uncomfortable.

■ How to measure the size of the sag

(1) Measurement method

Like the torso, the sag is chosen based on height, weight, and waist size .
If you already have a tare, use that size as a reference.

(2) Points to consider when choosing

It affects your stance and footwork, so it's important to balance ease of movement with appearance .
Ideally, the sides of the garment should rest on your hip bones. If the lining is visible when viewed from the front, the garment is too large.

■ How to choose protective gear for children

When it comes to children who are still growing, many people think, "I want to buy something bigger so that they can use it for a long time."
If the protective gear is too big, it will be difficult to move and your safety will be reduced , so choose the right size for your body.

However, even if the surface is a little large, it can be adjusted with a **surface cushion (surface adjustment futon)**.
There are two types: thin (approximately 1 cm) and thick (approximately 2 cm), and they can be worn simply by sandwiching them between the face cushion at the top of your head and the inner ring.
It also has the effect of cushioning the impact on the face, making it recommended for children.

■ How to choose protective gear for women

Even if they are the same height, men and women have different physiques.
Generally, protective gear is unisex, so women need to be more careful when choosing their size .

When choosing ready-made bras, some women choose ones that are slightly larger than their body size, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, it means the size is not right.

• The mask is loose and slips down during practice.
  
  
• The kote is too big and it's difficult to grip the shinai.
  
  
• I have a large chest and cannot stretch my arms, or I find it difficult to bow.
  
  
• The hanging part is too long, making it difficult to put your legs out

These are signs that your protective gear doesn't fit your body properly.
Women in particular may find it easier to move around if they choose a smaller size, so be sure to choose the fitting carefully.

■ Choosing the right size for protective gear is very important

The most important thing about kendo armor is that it fits properly .
By taking accurate measurements and choosing protective gear that fits your body perfectly, you can improve your appearance, safety, and ease of movement.

If you are unsure about measuring yourself, there are online shops that also have physical stores, so it may be a good idea to consult with them.