EQUIPMENT

At the beginning it is possible to train with a simple sport suit. Accademia will provide other necessary equipment. [see page for beginners]

For centuries Kendō has been practiced wearing traditional clothes and equipment, a thing which represent part of the fascination of this ancient martial art:

Clothes
Keiko Gi: Jacket made of robust cotton with the fastening crossed on the front, also fulfil a protective function; usually its indigo coloured (dark blue), however there are versions in white, or with a geometric design on a white background, more often used by women or children.
Hakama: traditional trousers wide and folded, indigo coloured (or white or black); they are fastened on the waist and are long down to the ankles. In kendo Hakama is wore without any pants underneath.

Swords
Shinai: Sword composed by four wooden sticks, held together by leather and rope parts, usually used during trainings and competitions. The hilt is equipped with a removable guard to protect the hands. Shinais are of different length and weights depending on age and sex of the trainee.
Bokken: Solid wood or synthetic material sword, used to execute kata (simulated pre-established fights).

Armour (Bogu)
Men: Helmet protecting head, shoulder and throat.
Do: Chest protecting plate.
Kotè: Gauntlet protecting hands and forearm.
Tarè: Protection for waist, hips and groin.
Tenugui: Traditional head-kerchief wore under the Men.

The various protections are meant to repair the objective of valid strikes and the areas where a hit may accidentally arrive. Indeed not all the body may be hit in order to get a point, but only head (Men), throat (Tsuki), forearms (Kotè), and ribs (Do).

In the picture above: Correctly dressed practitioner, holding a shinai.