What are the Kendo Men Masks and Shields recommended by the All Japan Kendo Federation to prevent droplet dispersion?

December 2025, 4

As a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the All Japan Kendo Federation has issued a notice stating that the use of face masks to prevent droplets is mandatory when practicing against other people, and that it is recommended to use them in combination with shields made of polycarbonate or plastic.

In this article, we will introduce products designed to prevent the spread of droplets.

When choosing a product for actual use, we recommend that you check the policies of the organization or group you belong to.

All Japan Kendo Federation Guidelines for preventing the spread of infection in preparation for the resumption of training

On June 10th, the "Request to Refrain from In-Person Training" was lifted and "Guidelines for preventing the spread of infection as we resume practiceン" has been established. It is a must-read for anyone who practices kendo.

The AFC guidelines are created with the cooperation of experts.

Guidelines for practice and specific steps to prevent droplet spread are explained.

*6/8 update Supplementary explanation regarding the guidelines

Additional information has been provided regarding the "Guidelines for preventing the spread of infection in preparation for the resumption of practice."

-About the difficulty of breathing when wearing a face mask

- Tournament hosting

- Iaido, Jodo

*6/24 update　Regarding masks in infection prevention guidelines (based on new survey results)

What's noteworthy about this update:There were suggestions regarding the type and shape of masks.Please read the following.

The above is an excerpt from the All Japan Kendo Federation website.

Men Mask Product Introduction

There are types available that are worn by looping the elastic around both ears like an everyday mask, and types that are attached to the inside of the face mask.

You can also choose from materials such as breathable polyester fabric or cotton fabric that feels comfortable against the skin and absorbs sweat well.

KENNMA Kendo Mask

At the 2021 All Japan Championships, many athletes were seen wearing the uniform, including winner Keita Hoshiko.

This kendo-specific mask has breathing holes and is comfortable to wear, reducing discomfort.

This is a martial arts mask developed for kendo.

Due to the spread of COVID-19, wearing masks during practice and matches has become mandatory in the kendo world.
We have heard many people say that practicing and playing games while wearing a mask is difficult and challenging.

The mask was developed specifically for kendo after much trial and error, with many experienced kendo practitioners as test subjects, to ensure performance even during intense exercise. Design registration pending!

*As a measure against infectious diseases, we recommend wearing a face shield in combination with a mask.

【size】
Mask center to ear loop tip Mask vertical width (top of nose to chin)

XS 105mm 115mm (Kids/lower elementary school grades)

S 115mm 135mm (for upper elementary and junior high school students, women with small faces)

M 130mm 145mm (female/general male)

L 140mm 150mm (general male)

[Material]
Nose and mouth area: 90% polyester, 10% cotton
Ears: 70% nylon, 30% polyurethane

Katsujin Cool Mask Matsukan Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Life-saving mask

List price: 1,100 yen Matsukan Kogyo Co., Ltd.

Cool to the touch and antibacterial and deodorizing treatment make kendo comfortable!

Cool to the touch q-max 0.286W/cm2 (measured value)

・Cool to the touch
- Excellent moisture absorption and quick drying
・Inhibits bacterial growth on fabrics
・Prevents unpleasant odors

Body: 100% nylon
Ear hooks: 84% polyester, 16% polyurethane

*Hook the looped part over your ears and let the mask part hang down in front of your mouth.
It can be used either over the nose or out of the nose.
If you are wearing the mask over your nose, bite the mask with your mouth before putting it on to create more space around your nose and mouth.

Wearing a face mask

■Size (body: octagonal)

L (for adults) Height: 24cm Width: 21cm
M (Women's/Children's) Height: 22cm Width: 19cm

■ Color: Black only

Shield Product Introduction

Mouthguard

"Mouthguard" to prevent saliva scattering, regular price 880 yen, made by Matsukan Kogyo

It does not completely prevent the virus, but it can reduce the chances of contracting it.

【size】
For 14-sided gold (general use)
For 12-13-sided gold (for children and boys)

[Material]
Made of polycarbonate

Eye guard

A transparent eye guard to protect your eyes.
It can be fixed to any surface.

The eye guard can be securely attached to any faceplate (standard processing).

It prevents debris from splinters on the bamboo sword from getting into your eyes.

【Feature】
- Resistant to impact and will not break even if struck
- Transparency is almost the same as that of glass.
- It is scratch resistant.

【取付方法】
Insert the protruding part of the eye guard into the second row from the top of the faceplate.

◆ Size
12-piece face mask - for children
13-sided gold-for boys
14-piece face mask - for adults

The purpose of masks is to prevent the spread of droplets, so they may be more difficult to breathe than usual, but this is unavoidable given the risk of infection with the new coronavirus.

I hope that in the future manufacturers will come up with new products with various innovative features!

We will update this page with the latest information.

Thanking you in advance.

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