Due to measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, many kendo practitioners are finding it difficult to practice as they would like, which is frustrating.

Even though we are able to practice to some extent, practicing while wearing masks and shields is still hot and uncomfortable, even though it is a little cooler than midsummer, and we would like to practice in as cool a place as possible.

Therefore, many swordsmen choose jersey uniforms over cotton ones, don't they?

However, while jersey uniforms have advantages over cotton uniforms, such as being cooler and quicker drying, it is undeniable that they also have disadvantages, such as being less attractive and less absorbent.

However, a jersey uniform has been developed that overturns the conventional wisdom about jersey uniforms!

That is this fan .

By the way, this fan was developed by Fukutake Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), a new martial arts equipment manufacturer founded in 2004.

Under the Busen trademark, the company is based on the concept of " Bringing a breath of fresh air to tradition... " and handles everything from materials to tailoring.While respecting the traditions of kendo, the company produces innovative products such as the " Shuhari Series " of fully washable protective gear and the " Busen W Series ," which can be washed by removing the inner ring.

This fan is the world's first kendo uniform, woven using the traditional weaving and embroidery method from a new high-performance material called STC (science and technology cotton), which is 100% polyester!

This time, I would like to write about my impressions of this fan, including wearing it during practice.

1. Product Features

This is the fan.

From the BUSHIZO online store

Fabric enlargement

Does it look like a jersey uniform? No matter how you look at it, it's an indigo-dyed cotton uniform.

When I wore it to practice, almost no one realized it was a jersey uniform unless I told them.

back side

If you look closely at the collar, you can see that the neckline is sewn in an S shape, as shown by the dotted line, which eliminates any annoying sagging around the chest.

In addition, instead of the straight stitching found in traditional judo uniforms, the stitching is gently curved, allowing for easier arm movement and reducing unnecessary stiffness, making the uniform more comfortable to wear.

Furthermore, the back is seamed, which makes you look beautiful when standing, prevents the fabric from being too tight, and makes it easier to move around.

2. Comfort

On a sunny day in mid-July, I actually tried using it during practice.

Actually, I really don't like wearing a jersey uniform.

This is because the judo uniform does not absorb sweat, so sweat flows over the surface of the body like a river, which is not very comfortable, and also somehow it feels more humid inside the judo uniform than cotton.

Well, that's me, but what about a fan?

I wear a gi and hakama to the practice studio, and usually I'd be drenched in sweat by the time I got there, but on the day I was wearing the fan, the wind blew through my gi even in the scorching sun, so I was able to walk coolly.

During practice, it absorbs the sweat well, so I don't feel like the sweat is running down my body, which is something I don't like.

Moreover, unlike cotton, it absorbs sweat and dries quickly, so the uniform doesn't feel soaked and is comfortable.

Also, there was absolutely no color transfer to the body, which is common with cotton dojo uniforms.

3. Washing and drying

Senpu is a jersey uniform, so it can be washed in the washing machine.

This time, I tried washing it with regular laundry detergent. I used Kao New Beads Luxe Craft.

I'll measure it before I wash it.

The length was 79cm and the measurement from the centre of the back to the cuff was 57.5cm.

The color of the water during the first wash.

It's hard to tell, but the color hasn't faded at all.

And the fan that I took out of the washing machine and hung out to dry.

There are no wrinkles at all and it feels almost as if it is dry at this point.

Let's measure the dry fan.

The length is 79cm, and 57.5cm from the centre of the back to the cuff.

There is no shrinkage at all.

Hakama now on sale!

Also, a fan-shaped hakama has recently been released!

Although it is slightly thin, it has the same cotton texture as a judo uniform.

The thing placed behind is a jersey hakama.

Can you see it? It's so thin that you can see through to the back.

It has inner pleats as well as outer pleats, making it an innovative product that can be washed and dried in the dryer!

summary

Senpu can be said to be a new-generation kendo uniform that combines the best of both cotton and jersey uniforms.

[Busen] "Fanpu" Jersey Dogi (Order page here )

How about getting the Ogikaze uniform and hakama set?

[Busen] "Fanpu" Jersey Dogi & Hakama Set (Order page here )