So you've decided to start kendo. Maybe you watched a tournament, maybe a friend dragged you to your first practice, or maybe you've always been drawn to the discipline and spirit of the sword. Whatever brought you here — welcome. You're in for an incredible journey.
One of the first questions every new kendoka asks is: "What gear do I actually need?" It can feel overwhelming at first, but don't worry. We've been in your shoes, and we're here to walk you through it — piece by piece.
1. Start With Your Uniform: Kendogi & Hakama
*Please note, depending on dojo/club culture or rules, this suggestion might not be the first option. Some dojos and clubs insist you start in normal gym outfit, before allowing you to wear a gi and hakama. Please check with the dojo leader before you make this purchase decision.
Before you ever put on armor, you'll be training in your kendo uniform — and you'll be wearing it a lot, so it's worth getting right.
Your uniform has two parts:
Kendogi (胴着) — The thick, indigo-dyed jacket. It's built to absorb sweat and take the wear of regular keiko. The deep blue color is traditional and will fade beautifully over time (that's a good thing!).
Hakama (袴) — The wide, pleated pants worn over the kendogi. Each of the seven pleats carries a meaning tied to the virtues of bushido. Wearing them is a privilege — and folding them properly is your first lesson in kendo discipline.
What to buy as a beginner: A mid-weight cotton or tetron-cotton blend is ideal. It's durable, breathable, and easy to care for. Save the premium hand-stitched sets for when you're further along in your journey.
2. The Shinai: Your Bamboo Practice Sword
The shinai (竹刀) is the soul of kendo. Made from four bamboo slats bound together with leather fittings, it's the tool you'll use in every single practice. Treat it well.
Here's what to know when choosing your first shinai:
Length: Determined by your age and height. Most adults use a 38 shinai (114 cm). Your sensei can confirm the right size for you.
Weight: Standard competition weights apply by age group, but for practice, go with what feels balanced in your hands.
Quality: A solid mid-range shinai is perfect for beginners. Inspect it before every practice for splinters or cracks — a damaged shinai is a safety hazard.
Our honest advice: buy two. Shinai break — it's part of the sport. You don't want to be stuck on the sidelines mid-keiko because your only shinai split. Having a backup means you're always ready.
3. The Bogu: Kendo Armor Explained
Bogu (防具) is your full set of protective armor, and it's what makes kendo's full-contact strikes possible. Most beginners train in just their uniform and shinai for the first few months before suiting up — and that's completely normal. Your sensei will let you know when you're ready.
When the time comes, your bogu set includes four pieces:
| Piece | Japanese Name | Area of Protection |
| Helmet | Men (面) | Head, face, and throat |
| Gloves | Kote (小手) | Hands and wrists |
| Body Armor | Do (胴) | Torso |
| Leg & Groin Guard | Tare (垂れ) | Thigh, hips and groin |
For beginners, a machine-stitched bogu set is the smart choice. It offers solid protection, holds up well through regular training, and won't cost you a fortune while you're still finding your footing.
One thing we can't stress enough: fit matters. Bogu that doesn't fit properly affects your movement, your comfort, and your safety. If you're not sure about sizing — especially if you can't visit us in person — we offer free consultations via Zoom. We'll make sure you get the right fit before you buy.
4. Don't Forget the Zekken
Small but meaningful — the zekken (垂れネーム) is the name tag that attaches to your tare. It displays your name and your dojo. Once you're officially part of a dojo, you'll want to get one made. It's a proud moment, trust us.
5. Kendo Bags: Carry Your Gear the Right Way
A dedicated kendo bag keeps your equipment protected and organized between practices. Here's what to look for:
Shinai bag: Long, slim bags designed to carry 2–4 shinai. A great first purchase.
Bogu bag: A larger bag built to fit your full armor set. You'll need this once you're suited up.
Your Beginner Shopping Checklist
Here's a simple priority list to get you started:
- Kendogi (jacket)
- Hakama (pants)
- 2x Shinai (bamboo sword)
- Shinai bag
- Bogu set — when your sensei gives the green light
- Zekken — once you've joined a dojo
Ready to Get Started?
Kendo is a lifelong journey, and your equipment is your partner every step of the way. You don't need the most expensive gear to begin — you need gear that fits well, keeps you safe, and lets you focus on what truly matters: your keiko.
At Hokubei Budogu, we're kendoka first and a shop second. We test the gear we sell, we organize tournaments, we sponsor youth kendoka, and we genuinely care about your progress. If you ever have questions — about gear, sizing, or just where to find a dojo near you — reach out. We're always happy to help.
Happy Keiko.