Why Hokubei Budogu Is the Best Place to Shop for Your Kendo Equipment You've been training hard. Your shinai is starting to show its age, your bogu needs an upgrade,...

Good shinai are not an accident. They are the result of knowing what real keiko demands — and sourcing accordingly. Hokubei Budogu now carries a full lineup of SSP-approved shinai...

A kendo zekken (nafuda) is more than just a name tag attached to a kendoka’s tare—it represents identity, tradition, and responsibility within the kendo community. Displaying a practitioner’s dojo and...

KendoNearMe.com is a sideline pilot project by Hokubei Budogu, created with the long-term growth of the kendo community in mind. Hokubei Budogu operates with two core missions: giving back to...

One of the most common points of wear on kendo kote is the palm. With constant gripping, sweating, and friction from the shinai, the palm leather will eventually thin, tear, or...

Hokubei Budogu Partners with Philippines Bogu Inc for Premium Kendo Armor We’re excited to share a major milestone for Hokubei Budogu. We have officially partnered with Philippines Bogu Inc, a...

The Kendo Dictionary is a comprehensive reference created for practitioners of all levels, from beginners stepping into the dojo for the first time to seasoned kendoka seeking deeper understanding. Kendo...

When purchasing a new shinai, one of the most important but often overlooked steps is climatizing the bamboo before use. Shinai are made from natural bamboo that reacts to changes...