This is the eighth installment 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 eighth time, and this time we will look at how to store armor.

How to store your armor

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 tuck away drips

MAYU: "Now, I'll show you how to tie the hanging cord and the body cord. There are many different ways to tie them, but this time I'll show you a simple way.

First, let's learn how to tie the tare. Place the tare on your knees and wrap the string around the left side of the otare.

MAYU: "Once you've wrapped it up to this point, tuck the ends inside and it's done."

MAYU: "Do the same on the other side. Wrap it around the otare and then tuck it inside to finish."

How to store the torso

MAYU: "Next, I'll show you how to tie the waist string. First, take the longer string at the top and make a batten."

MAYU: "Then bring it to the back, then bring it to the front and tie a bow."

MAYU: Next, bring the short waist cord to the front and tie it in a bow in the same way.

MAYU: "It's now finished. This concludes the tutorial on how to tie the hanging string and the body string."

RYOKO: "Now, I'll explain how to put your armor back into the bag. First, put the hanging parts away. Put the hanging parts in this way so that the name on them is upside down."

RYOKO: Next is the torso. The torso should be placed facing this way.

RYOKO: Next is the mask. Turn the mask upside down and place it this way.

RYOKO: "All that's left is to put the kote on both sides and it's complete."

Next time, we will look at how to assemble a bamboo sword.

This time, we were given an explanation on how to put away armor.

Click here for the explanatory video → [How to put away your protective gear] OSUGirls Kendo Lesson - Osuka Part 8

You may think that it doesn't matter once you join, but isn't treating your equipment with care on a daily basis also part of the training of kendo?

It feels good to have your armor neatly packed when you take it out before practice.

Next time, we will be teaching you how the shinai works. Stay tuned!