Bogu

防具

Traditional protective armor worn during full-contact Kendo practice.

Quick Facts

CategoryEquipment

Pronunciation/[boh-goo]/

Alternative NamesKendo armor, Protective armor

Definition

Bogu comprises four protective components: Men (helmet/grille), Kote (padded gauntlets), Do (chest cuirass), and Tare (hip protectors). It shields vital strike targets from Shinai strikes.

Related Terms

Hakama袴

Traditional wide pleated trousers worn in certain Japanese martial arts.

Kote小手

Wrist or forearm, also referring to the padded wrist guard in Kendo.

Shinai竹刀

Bamboo sword constructed of four slats used for full-contact sparring in Kendo.

Associated Martial Arts

Kendo