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Kendo |
      | BASIC COURSE -t-shirt & budo pants + shinai, weaponbag, oil, maintainance equipments. Shinai for basic course The beginner's course covers the use of the shinai (bamboo sword) and basic movements.Meijin Budoshop recommends the Ikken Shinai for the beginner's course, or the Kihon Shinai for juniors.The Ikken is also used by many experienced practitioners for their basic training.For adults (18+), the maximum length of a shinai is 39'' (120 cm).To participate in competitions, a men's shinai must weigh at least 510g, while the minimum weight for women is 440g.Women often use a 38'' length shinai. For juniors, it is recommended to consult a Meijin Budoshop salesperson, an instructor, or check the official Finnish Kendo Association's size chart.When purchasing a shinai, you can ask for assistance from Meijin Budoshop’s staff, who can suggest a model specifically suited for you (e.g., large-grip, lightweight, women’s specific, etc.). Additionally, a shinai requires maintenance, so you will need shinai oil and maintenance tools.While common household items can often be used, specialized tools like a shinai scraper and knife—featuring pre-shaped blades specifically for bamboo—make the task much easier. A shinai must not be carried in public without a protective case, so a weapon bag is required. The bag also protects the shinai from damage.Clothing for the Beginner's CourseA T-shirt and trousers are recommended. Ensure the trousers do not go under your feet to prevent slipping.Meijin Budoshop’s black budo pants are an excellent choice; they can be used later for disciplines like Iaido or simply as comfortable leisurewear. |
   | AFTER BASIC COURSE Blue uniform, bokken, second shinai At the end of the beginner's course, the 6th kyu exam is completed, and students move to the advanced course. At this stage, practitioners can start wearing the kendo jacket (kendogi) and the pleated trousers (hakama).In Kendo, a blue uniform is commonly used—though senior practitioners, women of all ages, and children may also wear a white uniform set. A dark hakama paired with a light-colored top is also appropriate.The traditional color is indigo blue, but nowadays chemically dyed fabrics also retain their color well.Natural indigo dye will gradually fade through use and washing.Uniforms are also available in lightweight versions for summer use.For the advanced course, Meijin Budoshop recommends the blue GO (5) jacket (cotton) or the YON (4) jacket (synthetic), paired with the GO (5) hakama. Specific models for women are also available in our online store and retail locations. Of course, you can purchase an indigo-dyed uniform immediately if you are prepared to maintain it—hand washing and careful folding are highly recommended. A single shinai may not last very long, so it is advisable to acquire a second shinai as a backup or to explore specialized models (oval grip, large grip, etc.). In competitions, you must have two of your own shinais to ensure the match can proceed without a forfeit due to a broken weapon.The advanced course also typically introduces Kata—predetermined movement sequences performed with a wooden sword known as a bokken (daito).For adult men and women, the bokken is approximately 102 cm long, while juniors use a shorter version. A high-quality bokken will last for years of practice. As a specialty, Meijin Budoshop's selection also includes longer and shorter bokkens directly from stock (2.3–2.6 shaku [as of 2020]). |
 | ADVANCED -bogu Bogu, or protective armor, is required after completing the advanced course. The bogu enables Kendo matches and the practice of proper strikes with actual contact.Initially, it is advisable to acquire a more affordable bogu to get started in Kendo; as your personal style develops, you can look for a set that better suits your specific needs.A bogu will last for years in use. Current 2020s models are very high-quality and comfortable, even in the basic range. Furthermore, there are various types of shinai available to suit different practitioners, and after gaining some experience, it becomes easier to choose the one that fits you best.There are also specialized shinais designed for correcting movement paths and strengthening muscles, known as suburi-shinais. |
  | CAMPS, EXAMS, SHOWS -zekken (name tag) and clean & new uniform during camps and exams For seminars, demonstrations, and future exams, it is advisable to acquire a high-quality formal uniform that represents the practitioner well. At seminars, a nameplate called a zekken (also known as a nafuda) must be worn. It displays the practitioner's city, club name or logo, as well as their first initial and last name. The zekken helps instructors identify practitioners and provide targeted feedback. Kendo Kata can also be performed with metal swords specifically manufactured for Kendo. A standard Iaido sword is not durable enough for this, so the blade must be exceptionally robust. We recommend the Kendo Kata Daito (long sword) and Kendo Kata Shoto (short sword), which are made in Japan and represent the highest quality for Kendo practitioners. |