How to properly store your kendo equipment | Tips for storing and caring for it to prevent odors and stains [2026 Edition]

Swordsmen, where do you keep the protective gear you use in your daily training?
Some people have a dedicated storage area at their school or dojo, while many others take their swords home after each practice.

However, there are some concerns about storing it at home.Odors and stains.
Some people may think, "Maybe I can just put it in the trunk of my car..." but in fact, you need to be careful about this.

In this article,Tips for storing your kendo gear safely and for a long timeWe will explain in detail how to deal with odors and stains.

table of contents

1. Three reasons why kendo armor smells
2. Basic storage rules to prevent odors and stains
3. [By part] Correct storage and placement tips
4. Points to note when placing protective gear in schools and dojos
5. Is storing things in the trunk of your car dangerous? What to do
6. Odor prevention techniques that can be used immediately after practice
7. Important points to remember when storing and carrying your Shinai
8. Daily care methods to make your armor last longer

1. Three reasons why kendo armor smells

Where does the distinctive smell of kendo armor come from?
Understanding the cause is the first step to effective odor control.

Cause 1: Bacterial growth

The main cause of armor odor isBacterial proliferation.
Sweat itself is odorless, but over time bacteria break down the sweat and sebum that adheres to the armor, causing that distinctive odor. The gloves and men in particular come into direct contact with the skin, creating an environment in which bacteria can easily multiply.

Cause 2: Accumulation of sweat and sebum

During practice, you sweat a lot.
In particular, the inner part of the hand and the inner ring of the men (uchiwa) are prone to sweating.Sebum and keratinWhen these accumulate, they become a source of nutrition for bacteria, causing the odor to become stronger and stronger.

Cause 3: Improper storage environment

Leaving the equipment in the protective gear bag, placing it in a poorly ventilated area, or storing it in a humid environment can cause serious damage.Improper storage environmentThis promotes the growth of bacteria, so care must be taken especially during the rainy season and summer.

2. Basic storage rules to prevent odors and stains

Here are some basic rules to keep your protective gear clean and prevent it from developing odors.
Following these five points will make a big difference in the lifespan of your armor.

Rule 1: Always dry your equipment in a well-ventilated area after practice

When practice is over,Immediately remove from the protective gear bag and dry in a well-ventilated placeLet's let it.
If you leave your gear in your bag, it will become damp and bacteria will grow easily. It is important to take it out and dry it at least 2-3 times a week if possible.

Rule 2: Avoid direct sunlight and dry in the shade

Materials such as rawhide and Clarino are used for the armor.
Direct sunlight hardens the leatherThis can cause cracks and fading. It is best to dry the garment in the shade in a well-ventilated area.

Rule 3: Avoid hot and humid environments

Temperatures above 25°C and humidity above 70% are the most favorable conditions for bacterial growth.
Avoid places such as near pools or bodies of water, closed rooms, and inside cars in the middle of summer.Keep a dehumidifier nearbyis also effective.

Rule 4: Wipe away stains regularly

After practice, wipe down with a tightly wrung wet towel or disinfectant wipe.Wipe away sweat and dirtMake it a habit.
Pay particular attention to the inner part of the kote, the inner ring of the men, and the waistboard of the tare. If dirt is left unattended, these areas will be prone to producing odors.

Rule 5: Line drying is best

If you have space to hang clothes,Store by hanging it using the strap inside the body.Ideally,
This allows air to circulate throughout the armor, allowing it to dry efficiently. If it is difficult to hang dry, try standing the armor upright or arranging it on a steel rack to allow for as much air circulation as possible.

3. [By part] Correct storage and placement tips

Armor varies in material and structure depending on the part.
By practicing the appropriate storage method for each item, you can more effectively prevent odors and stains.

Correct placement of the face

The mask is placed with the metal side facing up.Is the basic.
If the mengane is placed face down, sweat from practice will run onto the men's edge, causing it to stay constantly damp.

How to prevent and store small hands

Kote is one of the protective gear.The most smelly area.
The inside of your hands, which come into direct contact with your palms, are prone to accumulating sebum and dead skin cells, making them a breeding ground for germs.

Storage of the body and prevention of deformation

There are various types of body, such as bamboo body, resin body, and fiber body, and each has different storage precautions.
In particularBamboo barrels are vulnerable to high temperatures and humidity and are prone to deformation.So be careful.

Storage of Tare and Care of Waincoat

Because there are few parts of the tare that come into direct contact with the body, it is less likely to develop an odor than other protective gear.
However,The back of the waistboard (name tag area) is prone to sweat seeping in.So be careful.

4. Points to note when storing protective gear at schools and dojos

It is very convenient to have an environment where protective gear can be stored at schools and dojos, but
The condition of your armor will vary greatly depending on the storage environment.

The advantages and disadvantages of protective gear

Benefit

• No need to carry heavy armor all the time
• Reduce preparation time before practice
• Reduce the burden of commuting to school or work by train

Demerit

• Poor storage conditions can cause odors and stains to worsen.
• Regular maintenance tends to be neglected
• There is a risk of theft or loss

Ideal armor placement environment

Measures to take near water sources

Areas near pools and hand-washing stations are humid, making protective gear susceptible to damage.
If you have no choice but to place it in such a location,At the very least, take home the mask and gloves.It is also effective to place a dehumidifier near your armor.

5. Is storing items in the trunk of a car dangerous? What to do?

"It stinks if I leave it in my room, so maybe I'll just leave it in the trunk of my car..."
I often hear such voices,Storing it inside a car is not recommended..

Three risks of storing items inside a car

Risk 1: Deformation and deterioration of protective gear due to high temperatures
In midsummer, temperatures inside a car can exceed 60°C. Bamboo barrels are particularly susceptible to warping and deformation at high temperatures, and even resin barrels will deteriorate if exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. Leather products can harden and even crack.

Risk 2: Bacteria growth in a sealed environment
The inside of a car is an enclosed space, so it is easy for moisture to build up and bacteria to grow in it. In particular, in the summer, the worst conditions of high temperature and humidity are created, making the odor even worse.

Risk 3: Odors spreading inside the car
The smell of the protective gear will fill the car and permeate the seats and interior. Once the smell is absorbed, it is not easy to remove.

Measures to take if you have to leave it in the car

If you absolutely must temporarily store your phone in your car, take the following precautions:

6. Odor prevention techniques you can use immediately after practice

The most important thing to do to prevent odor isCare immediately after practice.
This 5-minute treatment will dramatically improve the smell of your armor.

Step 1: Wash your hands before practice

It may be surprising, butWashing your hands before practice is very effective in preventing odors.
Your hands are full of sebum, dead skin cells, and germs. By thoroughly washing your arms with soap before putting on your gloves, you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt that gets on your hands.

Step 2: Wipe off sweat immediately after practice

After practice, even if you're tired,Immediately wipe sweat off your protective gearMake it a habit.
The longer the time passes, the easier it becomes for bacteria to grow.

Step 3: Use a disinfectant and deodorizing spray

After wiping away the sweat,Disinfectant and deodorizing spray for kendo armorLet's use it.
The key is to choose a deodorizing spray specifically for kendo rather than the typical deodorizing spray available on the market.

Step 4: Use the gloves

Koteshita glovesis very effective in combating hand odor.
The gloves absorb sweat and sebum, significantly reducing the amount of dirt that gets on the gloves themselves. The gloves are machine washable, so they can always be kept clean.

Step 5: Make sure to dry your gear before putting it in your bag

After wiping and spraying,Dry in a well-ventilated place for at least 30 minutes to an hourLet it go and then put it in your armor bag.
It is strictly forbidden to put wet equipment into the bag. If you are in a hurry, take it out of the bag and dry it as soon as you get home.

7. Precautions for storing and carrying your Shinai

Just like protective gear, bamboo swords need to be stored properly.
It is easily affected by humidity and dryness, and its lifespan varies greatly depending on the storage environment.

Ideal storage environment for bamboo swords

Important points to note when transporting

When carrying a bamboo sword,Always put it in a bamboo sword bagLet's do it.
This is not just good manners, but is extremely important for the following reasons:

Regular maintenance of your bamboo sword

• After practice, wipe with a dry cloth
• If the handle leather is damp, dry it
• Repair any splinters or cracks in the bamboo as soon as possible
• Applying oil to your bamboo sword regularly will help it last longer.
• Check for looseness in the knot and tip of the leather.

8. Daily care methods to make your armor last longer

Protective gear isn't cheap at all.
By taking good care of your armor on a daily basis, you can significantly extend its lifespan.

Weekly scheduled maintenance

Check the condition of your protective gear once a week.

Thorough care once a month

Give it a more thorough cleaning once a month.

• Apply a thin layer of leather care cream to the leather parts (edge ​​of the face, back of the hand, etc.)
• Wipe the metal with water and then polish it with a dry cloth.
• Remove any detachable strings before washing
• Wipe the entire armor thoroughly and dry it in the sun (for a short time)
• If necessary, have it inspected at a specialist store.

Annual professional cleaning

No matter how carefully you take care of it, dirt will accumulate that cannot be removed with daily care.
Professional cleaning service once a yearWe recommend that you use the following.

Even BUSHIZOArmor cleaning serviceOffers.
It's a good idea to use it during the off-season or before a tournament.

The meaning of taking good care of tools

Kendo legend Ryoichi Uchimura is known for his careful handling of his protective gear.
Ichiro also said, "Top players take good care of their equipment. People who treat their equipment carelessly will never become top players."

No matter how inexpensive the armor, it is an important tool that is carefully crafted by a craftsman.
It can be heavy and difficult to carry,Proper storage and daily careThis will make it last longer.

Summary: Tips for storing kendo armor

In this article, we have explained the correct way to store kendo armor and the key points to prevent it from getting smelly or dirty.
Finally, let's summarize the important points.

Preventing odors and dirt and keeping your sword clean is also a sign of good manners as a swordsman.
Please take good care of your own armor and continue to practice with confidence.

Related article

Please also see our related article on caring for your protective gear.

• A complete guide to preventing mold on kendo armor
• Armor cleaning service