Kendo is a very physical sport and and its practicioners need lots of protective equiptment. The gear include the kendo bogu (armor), the kendo uniform (worn under the bogu; consists of a hakama and G.I.), and the kendo stick/sword (also known as a shinai).

Bogu can be bought at specialized kendo stores, like E-Bogu. E-bogu is known to be one of the BEST sites to buy bogu and other kendo equiptment from. The majority or kendoka buy their equiptment from E-Bogu.

The bogu is comprised of the men (helment), kote (arm guard), do (chest protector), and tare (groin protector). Kendo, Kumdo, Kenjutsu, kendo bogu

The kendo shinai must be properly taken care of or else it will pose a danger to both you and your opponent. The shinai must be checked for splinters and oiled regularly. This helps keep the shinai from breaking and sending razor sharp shrapnel into you and your opponents faces.

The shinai's string must also be kept tight. This is to keep the top from slipping off and making the shinai go through your opponents men.

If you think your shinai or bogu are damaged or not safe, do NOT use it and tell your sensei. Help keep your dojo safe for everyone.