This is the fifth in a series of articles explaining the basics of kendo that beginners should know before starting kendo.

The commentary will be given by MAYU and RYOKO from Osuga Budo Goods Store.

This is the fifth time, and it's about how to wear protective gear.

5. How to wear protective gear

MAYU & RYOKO "Hello everyone"

MAYU: "This is MAYU from Osuka, a kendo equipment specialty store."

RYOKO: "This is RYOKO. This video is for all kendo beginners. Please take a look."

MAYU & RYOKO: "Please"

How to apply the tare

MAYU: "Now we'll put on our protective gear. First we'll put on the tailoring."

MAYU: "For the tare, you should kneel and place it on your stomach. Then cross it behind you."

MAYU: "Then, tie a bow at the bottom of the middle part. The tighter you tie it, the less likely it will slip off."

MAYU: "Once you've finished tying it, put it inside, adjust it a bit, and it's done."

How to attach the torso

MAYU: Next, let's put on the torso.

MAYU: "First, place the torso against your stomach, then move the longer end from this side to the other side."

MAYU: First, thread the string through the loop.

MAYU: "Once you've threaded the string through the breast leather, make a loop. Then, pass the string under the shoulder strap here and put the string through the loop."

MAYU: "Then, pull it until it's the same length as the other end of the string and it's done."

MAYU: "If you pull this part hard at the end, it will be harder to remove."

MAYU: "Do the same on the other side."

MAYU: "First, cross the top long string from the back and pass it through the breast leather. Then, make a loop and put it around the shoulder strap, then put it through the hole and pull it through."

MAYU: "Once they're the same length, pull the shoulder straps and it's done."

MAYU: "Next, we'll tie the strings in the back in a bow. We'll tie the short string at the bottom in a bow at the back."

MAYU: "Then it's finished. Tie it like this. This concludes my explanation of how to wear the torso."

How to wear a tenugui

MAYU: Next, we'll put on the mask. First, we'll put on the hand towel.

MAYU: "When using a tenugui, make sure your bangs are tucked in and tucked behind your ears so your hair doesn't come out."

MAYU: "Then cross the end over to the other side."

MAYU: "Then, hold it down at the back and bring the front fluttering part up."

MAYU: "Finally, put the frills inside and it's complete."

How to wear the mask

MAYU: Next, I'll put on the mask.

MAYU: "Hold the mask in one hand and insert it through your chin."

MAYU: "Once you put it on, pull the men-himo tightly."

MAYU: "Once you pull it, bring it to the back and tie a bow, just like you did with the string here."

MAYU: "Then, we align the lengths of the men-himo strings and pull them tightly to prevent them from coming loose."

MAYU: "Then it's done."

MAYU: "Tie it like this."

Next time, we'll talk about key points for dressing up.

This time, we were shown how to put on protective gear.

Click here for the instruction video → [How to put on protective gear] OSUGirls Kendo Lesson - Osuka Part 5

To look beautiful, you need to wear the armor correctly. After putting on the armor, it's a good idea to check yourself in the mirror to make sure the torso height is just right, and that the men-himo strings tied at the back aren't too low, etc. There are a few points to keep in mind when putting on the armor, which will be explained in the next article, so please take a look.

It will take a lot of practice to get used to putting on a tenugui towel until you get good at it.

Next time, we will be sharing tips on how to wear it. Stay tuned!

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