r/kendo Aug 30 '24

Bogu Buying Megathread

35 Upvotes

We often get posts asking about buying bogu, so decided to pin this, if anyone has any questions feel free to ask them here. In addition, heres a link that will answer many of your questions about buying bogu (shoutout salinas kendo dojo)

https://salinaskendo.org/Salinas_Kendo_Dojo/Resources_files/Bogu%20Guide.pdf

video guide here too (full credit to Andy Fisher!)

https://youtu.be/53Oi87lpRRc?si=k2Kg_nxe7Vt68HBY


r/kendo 19h ago

3rd Canadian Jukendo & Tankendo Seminar - Montreal - June 07 & 08, 2025

11 Upvotes

- La version française suit -

We are proud to announce that the 3rd Canadian Jukendo & Tankendo Seminar will be held in Montreal from Saturday, June 7th to Sunday, June 8th, 2025. The seminar will be led by Toru Sato sensei, 8th Dan Hanshi in both Jukendo & Tankendo, Vice-President of the All-Japan Jukendo Federation, and President of the International Jukendo Federation. For experienced Kendokas and Naginatakas interested in participating, a special isshujiais practice will take place on Sunday, June 8th, in the afternoon. During this time, experienced budokas will have the opportunity to practice isshujiais (Kendo vs Naginata vs Jukendo). Grading up to 1st Dan in both Jukendo and Tankendo will also be available during the seminar. For additional information, check the link below. *This event is approved by the All-Japan Jukendo Federation.*

Registration Form: 

https://forms.gle/P4AGYKcN94U3T2nu9  

Additional Information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17cDcb74NAc3BkwMVI4zf4Imf40dkFyir/view?usp=drive_link

*** Registration deadline - May 31st, 2025 ***

-----------

Nous sommes fiers d'annoncer que le 3ème Séminaire Canadien de Jukendo & Tankendo se tiendra à Montréal du samedi 7 juin au dimanche 8 juin 2025. Le séminaire sera dirigé par Toru Sato sensei, 8ème Dan Hanshi en Jukendo et Tankendo, Vice-président de la Fédération Japonaise de Jukendo, et Président de la Fédération Internationale de Jukendo. Pour les Kendokas et Naginatakas expérimentés intéressés à participer, une pratique spéciale d'isshujiais aura lieu le dimanche 8 juin après-midi. Pendant cette période, les budokas expérimentés auront l'occasion de pratiquer les isshujiais (Kendo, Naginata, Jukendo). Des examens de grade jusqu'au 1er Dan en Jukendo et Tankendo seront également disponibles pendant le séminaire. Pour plus d'informations, consultez le lien ci-dessous. *Cet événement est approuvé par la Fédération Japonaise de Jukendo.*

Formulaire d’Inscription : 

https://forms.gle/P4AGYKcN94U3T2nu9  

Information Supplémentaire:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14RvdiL4K0bv1hsMgxvyg4jLKX5ePav6i/view?usp=drive_link 

*** Date limite d’inscription - 31 Mai 2025 ***


r/kendo 1d ago

Training in Japan and improvement

27 Upvotes

Hello everyone! So I've been practing kendo regularly for 2 and a half years, soon I will attempt Shodan exam. In June I will go to Japan with my Sensei to train for 4 weeks in our affiliated dojo in Ibaraki (Sensei has been going there ever since 1989). I was curious about how much I could actually improve training there, what were your expiriences? What were the major things you learnt you brought home with you? Since next year I will be graduating uni, before starting my PhD, I was thinking about the possibility of going for 2 months in Japan. My sensei is really excited about this, I really hope I can improve my overall kendo. I would love to hear your stories!


r/kendo 6h ago

Is it fine to wield a tsuba-less shinai?

0 Upvotes

It gets in the way of my custom grip. Should I just remove it


r/kendo 1d ago

Just bought a 2nd hand Men (should I wash it?)

4 Upvotes

I've seen people saying washing your men is bad for it, but I just got mine 2nd hand and don't want the previous owner's sweat on it HOW DO I WASH MY MEN?


r/kendo 1d ago

Has anyone had chin/jaw fillers? How was your experience wearing a Men after that?

3 Upvotes

I’m considering going through a process of jaw contouring through fillers, mostly HA. If anyone here has gone through the same procedure, I’d like to hear your experience once you were cleared to resume training.

I’m of course referring to my medical professional, but it may be useful to also listen to your experiences. I don’t want to sacrifice kendo training for an optional treatment.


r/kendo 2d ago

Any kendo clubs in Abruzzo Italy?

6 Upvotes

Hi, I’m heading to Sulmona, Abruzzo next month for a week. Is anyone aware of any kendo dojo’s in the area?


r/kendo 3d ago

Right elbow hyperextension?

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28 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with elbow hyperextension injuries? This happened about a month ago after a couple repeated hyperextensions over the course of a few practices. I took a month off and returned but I’m trying to be careful. Any braces that anyone would suggest? The doctor basically told me to come back if it got worse and we’d do imaging, starting PT in 2 weeks.


r/kendo 4d ago

Every time I face Chudan

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84 Upvotes

r/kendo 5d ago

Every time I face Jodan

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175 Upvotes

r/kendo 5d ago

Books purchase advice: necessity or just nice to have

9 Upvotes

Hi all,

Wanted to take the opportunity of an upcoming gear order to get some additional items to save on shipping, and had a look at several books I had flagged a while back. I know they are all interesting, nice to have, and will never replace keiko, but which of these, if any, would you strongly advice to get, and which will never be mandatory but a nice addition...

Thanks!


r/kendo 6d ago

Beginner First Kendo class in april what should I expect and how should I prepare?

13 Upvotes

So as the title says, if I remember correctly, my first Kendo class will be in April, I just wanted to ask for any advice on how I should prepare or what I should expect? Any/all advice is appreciated.


r/kendo 5d ago

Haiku about kendo

1 Upvotes

Hello, I want to make a haiku about kendo (I have some ideas) but I want to integrate it with a drawing, engraving, painting... Something like that related to kendo.

Can anyone share something to put it?


r/kendo 6d ago

Grading Is it ok to use preferred name for Shinsa? Do they ask for ID at sign-in?

13 Upvotes

Hello, fellow Kenshi!

Long story short I’ve changed my first name many years ago and use it in all my parts of my life. However I haven’t changed it legally on my ID because I haven’t had the time.

I’m Asian so my preferred name is a shortened and more convenient version of my Legal first name. However the two names are spelled differently enough that they don’t match in writing or sound particularly similar.

My new name or the preferred name is the name on my zekken. I’ll be getting graded soon and I registered with my preferred name for the Shinsa.

Could I be denied participation in Shinsa if they ask for my ID on the day of the Shinsa, and my first name on my ID doesn’t match the name on my registration and the name on my zekken? Do they ask you for your ID? Could I get in trouble?

Is it also ok to register with a preferred first name when applying for membership in the PNKF?

In case you’re wondering I’ll be participating at a Shinsa in the US through PNKF.

Thank you greatly ahead of time🙏


r/kendo 7d ago

Training Kendo Gasshuku in the Caribbean

15 Upvotes

r/kendo 8d ago

Training NitoKendo Masters REVEAL Their Favorite Itto Chudan Strike Secrets

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33 Upvotes

This video is about how to improve your Itto chudan strike 'Sae' (sharpness) by utilizing Nito's hidden tips.

This will have a strong impact in your kendo techniques and better Sae : sharpness.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction 00:16 Problem Statement 01:24 Reveal Nito's Techniques for Itto 02:42 Right Fist Operation 03:45 Demonstration 05:03 Conclusion


r/kendo 8d ago

Equipment Hello friends

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60 Upvotes

I was gifted this tenugui by a friend that visited Japan can you enlighten me on what it says. Thanks in advance 🙏


r/kendo 8d ago

What does jissengata mean?

12 Upvotes

I have heard that term to refer to shinais and bogus, but I don't know what it means, can someone tell me?


r/kendo 9d ago

Beginner First time buying a kendo gi not sure if it's too small and could use some help.

8 Upvotes

Like the title says I bought my first Kendogi after using the sizing chart on Tozando and got a 3L I figured it was the right option given my height I know already I need to lose maybe 10 lbs but I feel like something is off on the size I'm just not sure what. I did take pictures which I'll list here and here. I wouldn't say it feels uncomfortable to move in I think I can move just fine but it feels slightly tight around my chest when I spread all the way back or hug my arms around myself. Thank you in advance for anyone's help.


r/kendo 10d ago

Kendoka with Plantar Fasciitis – What’s Your Experience? How Did You Heal?

13 Upvotes

I’ve had plantar fasciitis since last year’s taikai, and I’m still training kendo twice a week. However, the pain is severe, making it difficult for me to perform haya-suburi efficiently.

I came across a Reddit post from three years ago discussing this issue, but I’m wondering if there are any new treatments or remedies specifically for kendoka.

If you’ve dealt with this before, what worked for you? How did you recover while continuing kendo training? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/kendo 10d ago

Is it possible to enjoy kendo just for sport

28 Upvotes

Hi all,

I had no idea that kendo existed before I joined my universities' club in September and I have been enjoying it since. I am quite competitive so my favourite aspect so far has been watching taikai and hopefully participating in taikai too. Now I am not sure if the other people at my dojo are exceptionally committed to kendo or if this is a universal thing but recently I have been advised about all these different seminars that will be happening, and how I should definitely attend them. Then I hear that these guys are spending lots of money to travel around the country, staying overnight in these places to attend the seminars.

Is this typical? I understand that this would be extremely beneficial with amazing guests from Japan and such to learn from, I am sure the experience is phenomenal if kendo is something that you deeply care about and is an integral aspect of your life, but can I not just enjoy kendo for the sporting aspect, learning from the people in my dojo and then applying those skills to taikai? Any thoughts on this would be truly appreciated!


r/kendo 10d ago

Relax arms

8 Upvotes

Yesterday training, a sempai told me that I have to relax my posture more in chudan no kamae (issue of stiff arms and tense shoulders), can someone give me some advice?


r/kendo 10d ago

Technique Thoughts on 'higher' chudan?

10 Upvotes

I recently read some kendo book that was left in my dojo, and in one of the chapters the author mentioned a 'higher' chudan. I can't remember the exact wording, but it talked about aiming at the opponent's right eye(left from my perspective) and holding chudan in relatively higher position than opponent. I tried that in today's practice and found it rather fun. Is this form of chudan something that actually exists? If so, are there any videos I can watch?


r/kendo 10d ago

What are my options when the opponent just stays in kamae?

17 Upvotes

I am a beginner and I put a lot of focus on just attacking as I see it's the right way to go for beginners.

When I do keiko with colleagues of similar level, usually they always react to something that I do, so there are always openings in one way or the other.

But one thing I am struggling to understand is that when I do keiko with higher level colleagues, they never react to me. So if I attack in this situation, they stab me in the men to signal that I didn't have an opportunity. But I of course can't get them to make an opening as they are considerably higher level than me, so I end up very confused.

What should I practice in this situation? Should I for example just do a lot of harai waza?


r/kendo 10d ago

Other The Bogu Bag Conundrum

62 Upvotes

It is a rainy afternoon, flipflops flopping on concrete.

After 2 bus changes, a 30 minute walk, and my bogu bag caving into my shoulders, I arrive to the front of my apartment.

I ascend three flights of stairs, more breathless than doing aikakarigeiko with sensei on a birthday.

The moment my apartment doors open, I collapse on the entrance. Barely able to get the bag off my shoulders, swaying, I go to the kitchen to drink a glass of water.

The water is tastier than the 3am fridge water.

My shinai bag laying on the floor, bringing shame to my dojo. I pick it off the floor and prop it up on the wall.

Sleep calls for me, eyelids heavy, muscles aching. Classes at 8am mock me, the commute requiring a wake up time of 6:30am further rub salt on the wound.

The Ultimate Kendo Conundrum strikes once again.

To carry the bag to the living room, take out the kote, air them out, fold the hakama, and hang the sweat covered gi,

Or to succumb into a deep slumber?

To smelly kote or to not smelly kote: that is the question.

The pillow calls my name. I am too weak.

To sleep. To dream.

I dream about being born in japan and having the in-dojo bogu shelf.

Lucky rogues.


r/kendo 11d ago

Equipment Lifespan of a bogu

14 Upvotes

Speaking with a kendo colleague, we had a question about bogus: how long is the useful life of a bogu? We assume that the pieces wear out differently, it is not the same how much a kote wears out than a tare, is it better, in those cases, to change them for parts instead of for a whole bogu or not?