- What is BOGU?
BOGU is/are the protective armor pieces used in Kendo. The Kendo BOGU pieces consisted of: MEN (helmet), KOTE (gloves), DO (chest/body armor), and TARE (waist armor).
- When can I start to wear BOGU?
That depends on the head instructor and your consistency of training. It is somewhere along the line from 3 months - a year.
- How much does a set of BOGU cost?
Depending on quality, closeness of stitches (mm/bu), and materials. A set could cost from the range of $250 to a few thousand dollars.
- That's expensive! I can't afford that! Can I still wear one when the time comes?
Of course. We have a few extra sets left behind / donated by (former) members that we can lend them to you free of charge... if you don't mind the old bogu smells.
- I want to buy one, but which and where should I get one?
First, talk to Cochran Sensei or other seniors and ask for recommendations. Sensei or other seniors can answer most of your questions such as stitching, sizing, measurements, etc... and best of all, where to get a good deal.
Just a note to keep in the back of your head, try not to get one set before trying out with the dojo sets. Because it WILL be different without Bogu on, it will be more difficult, and people will actually hit you back... hard. This is when you actually find out whether Kendo is really for you.
