Among all the kendo armor, the one that stands out the most is the "do."
While it's easy to be captivated by the beautiful design and finish, it's very important to understand the original role of the body and how to choose the right one .

Wearing a torso that fits your body well will greatly improve your striking stability and ease of movement.
In this article, we will explain the basics of kendo armor, how to choose it, and how to determine the size of armor in an easy-to-understand manner, even for beginners.

table of contents

1. What is a tou? Its role and structure
   
   
2. Characteristics of each part that makes up the torso
   
   
3. Finishing and design of the dodai
   
   
4. How to choose a kendo suit and determine its size
   
   
5. Recommended points for choosing a torso for women
   
   
6. Summary: Make kendo more comfortable with a do that suits you

1. What is the torso? Its role and structure

The torso is the part of kendo armor that protects the chest, abdomen, and armpits .
It is an important part that absorbs strikes and plays a role in supporting the stability and safety of movements.

Some people who have just started kendo choose their armor based on its design, but the torso actually has a complex structure and function. Understanding the characteristics of each part will make it easier to find the armor that suits you.

2. Characteristics of each part that makes up the torso

● Chest

This part protects the chest, and the core is made of felt or cotton, which is then covered with leather to finish it off.
The chest is decorated with traditional cloud and red ornaments, but these are not just decorative.

• Cloud-shaped chest ornaments : When the tip of the sword hits the chest, they disperse the impact and prevent the tip from flowing down the neck or armpits.
  
  
• Shuhong : It has the practical role of fixing the core material and leather and preventing the tip of the sword from slipping.
  
  

Types that combine traditional designs such as cloud-shaped ornaments and three-story pine ornaments are also popular. Shuhong comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it is recommended for those who want to express their individuality.

● Small breasts

This part protects the side from the bamboo sword getting in.
They are also called "legged" or "hand-held" types, and come in a variety of types with one to three legs.
The more legs there are, the more expensive it becomes, but for smaller people or women, having too many legs can make the armpits feel cramped.

This is often omitted from torsos for children, so it is important to choose a balance that suits their body type .

● Dodai (body stand)

This is the most visible part of the torso, protecting the abdomen and sides. It is also a part that is easy to express individuality by including a family crest. There are three main types:

① Bamboo trunk

This traditional type is made by gluing together bamboo with cowhide and finishing it with lacquer. It has the highest shock absorption and is a product that shows off the craftsmanship. The price varies depending on the number of bamboo sticks (43, 50, or 60), but the strength is roughly the same.

② Yamato Body

Made of nylon resin, they are light and durable. Many types, such as 50- or 60-piece models, replicate the shape of a bamboo barrel, and are easy to handle.

③ Fiber body

Made from compressed pulp fiber and hardened with resin, it is lighter than the Yamato Do. It is popular among beginners and is widely used as a cost-effective protective gear.

● Leather edge

Leather that protects the edges when joining the chest and torso base.
There are two types: "reverse edge" (folded) and "uncut." The reverse edge has a more luxurious feel and also prevents the bamboo sword from slipping.

3. Finishing and design of the dodai

The dodai is mainly finished with lacquer.
Lacquer is not only beautiful to look at, but also effective in protecting the leather.
Domestic lacquer is rare, accounting for only 1% of the total, and is characterized by its strong coating and long-lasting luster.

The most common types of painting are:

• Ro-nuri : The most standard. A high-quality finish that can be polished to a mirror-like shine.
  
  
• Matte black finish : A calm impression, scratches are less noticeable. Popular among practical users.
  
  

Recently, there has been an increase in unique finishes such as Ishime-nuri, EMBO, Tamamushi-nuri, and Shark Body (ray skin pasted).
Some artisan shops use sandblasting to create designs such as cherry blossoms and dragons, making it possible to create a one-of-a-kind body.

For those seeking originality, we recommend this type of custom processing.

4. How to choose a kendo suit and determine the size of your armor

Image source: Tokyo Seibudo Co., Ltd.

The most commonly searched points when searching for "How to choose a kendo suit" are size and balance .
Torso size is determined based on height and waist, but even if the numbers are the same, the fit will vary depending on body type and gender.

Here are three important points to check that you won't find out from a size chart alone.

① Balance between the torso and the torso base

When you look at the torso from the side, if the torso base curves gently toward the chest, it is a sign of good balance.
A poorly balanced torso will feel heavy when worn and will be unstable and prone to shaking.
If you feel that the position relative to the tsukidare is too cramped, you can make it more comfortable by setting the dodai a little lower.

② Width of the torso and chest

If your torso and chest are too wide, they will hit your arms when you swing them, hindering your movement.
Before purchasing, be sure to check that your chest does not get in the way when you swing your arms down.

③ Check fit and gaps

The correct size torso should have enough space on both sides to fit half a fist when worn.
If it is too big, it will be difficult to move and may get in the way of your neck when bowing.
On the other hand, if it is too small, the bamboo sword can slip through the gaps in the armor, which is dangerous.

Also, the width of the bamboo torso may change depending on the humidity and dryness, or changes in your body shape. If you feel any discomfort, you can try inserting bamboo inside, securing it with a belt, and leaving it for a few days to adjust it .

5. Recommended points for choosing a torso for women

Kendo armor is generally designed for both men and women.
As a result, women are prone to problems such as the size not fitting properly and the bra hitting their chest or the protruding parts getting in the way.

If your torso hits your neck or chest when you are squatting, simply making your torso, chest, and torso base a few centimeters smaller will make movement much easier.
Another way to do this is to reduce the number of legs on a small chest.

The torso fits snugly to the body, giving a clean look and making kendo movements look beautiful.
Custom orders for women are also on the rise, so be sure to check with an armor store.

6. Summary | Make kendo more comfortable with a torso that fits your body

The kendo do is not just a protective gear, but an important piece of equipment that supports safety and performance.
By choosing the right size and balance for your body, you can move easily and perform beautiful kendo.

While the appearance of the design is important, the quickest way to improve is to first understand the basics of choosing a do and choose the do that is perfect for you.