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The Kendo uniform is the traditional Samurai garb of Hakama and Gi (Keikogi). The Hakama is a pair of 'trousers' that look like a skirt. The back has a stiff back plate to help keep your back. The front features 5 pleats and there is 1 pleat at the back. The five pleats represent the five Confucian relationships of: righteousness between ruler and minister; affection between father and son; attention to their separate functions between husband and wife; order between elder and younger brothers and faithfulness between friends; as well as the five Confucian virtues of humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faithfulness. The single pleat reminds us that just as loyalty and filial piety are one and the same we should follow the true path without double dealing. The hakama is designed so that we should think of these things whenever we put it on. |
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Padded clothing for sword practice began to be worn to prevent/minimise injury
from blows from the training swords. Originally this followed the developed of
samurai armour and utilised thick cloth, leather, bamboo and similar materials.
Over time, these developed into the armour we have today, made of different
sections that are tied on to the body. Head: a helmet similar to European fencing helmet but with a throat protector and shoulder "wings". The face plate consists of metal "bars" to provide protection without restricting vision and breathing. Under the head-piece, a head-towel is worn to absorb sweat and pressure. Torso: a chest plate that wraps around the waist and extends up to the neck. This is worn over a set of leather plates that cover the upper legs. The legs area is not a Kendo target but needs to be protected from "wayward" blows. Wrist/hands: special padded gloves are worn to protect the wrist (target area). Breaking in the "Men" (helmet) All about wearing bogu |
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The above makes a bulky and awkward set of gear to lug around! so most Kendoka
also have a bag that carries the armour and uniform and another sword bag. There
are many different types available. The standard armour bag just carries the
armour, however, if you are going to travel with your Kendo, you should have one
with room for the Hakama, Gi and your other 20th Century nick-nacks! The sword bag
should be big enough to accomodate 1 or 2 shinai/juk-do AND a bokken. Why 2
shinai/juk-do? - because with serious training, somewhere down the track your
shinai/juk-do might give way, and this is most likely to occur right when you
don't want it to, so having a spare on hand is a good idea. |