EQUIPMENT

Keiko-gi is a jacket made of light material. The keiko-gi should be loose-fitting, so that it offers no confinement about the shoulder area. Sleeves should cover the elbows.

Hakama is a divided skirt which allows leg freedom. It also aids in concealing his foot moevements from his opponent. Upon first wearing the keiko-gi, the student then steps in the hakama, holding the front section (the part without the stiff board, koshi-ita) and wraps the two long tapes back, front and secure snugly in the back, it is tied in the front. The length should be so that it will not drag on the floor, causing one to trip.

Bogu (armor). These should be put on while in seiza position.

Tare is the first piece to be put on. A thigh protector, it is wrapped around the waist, and the himo (cords) are tied securely in front under the large center flap.

Do or the chest protector is held over the chest, and the long right cord is brought over the left shoulder. The left cord crosses over to the right with slip knots which can be pulled loose.

Tenugui is a cotton towel to wipe away perspiration. When used as a hachimaki (headband), one purpose is to keep perspiration and hair off the brow, and the other is to signify that the wearer is ready for action. The tenugui is tied about the head, over which the face mask (men) is worn.

Men is a face mask, worn over the head with chin and forehead resting on respective padded rests. The men is secured as shown in the illustration with a pair of himo (cords)

Kote is a pair of padded gloves similar to those worn by hockey players. Left glove is put on first, pulling at the sleeve area. Push off by the same area when taking off. To tug at the hand portion will weaken that portion.

Bokuto, sometimes referred to as bokken is a hardwood replica of a sword. Today it is used only in performing kata or to practice various strokes. Centuries ago the bokuto was actually used in practice sessions, sometimes crippling the loser with a broken arm or fractured skull. A bamboo sword was later devised, making it safer.

Shinai first appeared as a three foot piece of bamboo, of which the front half was split into many lengths and wrapped in a leather bag. Known as fukuro-jinai, it was used extensively by the Yagyu school. The length varied up to about six feet, until the shogunate government set the regulation length to be 3 feet 8 inches, and the maximum to be 3 feet 9 inches. Today the ideal size for the average fifth or sixth grader is about 3 feet 5 inches. Today’s shinai consists of four lengths of polished bamboo which fit together. These strips are held together with a leather cover which serves as the point, and a tubular leather bag which is the hilt. There two leather articles are connected with a heavy nylon or silk cord which is secured around the fore third of the shinai by a length of leather strip. In as much as the shinai represents a sword, which was often referred to as the “soul” or “spirit” of a bushi (samurai), it should be treated with respect. One must never leave it where others must step over it, or lean on it as one would a cane. When placing shinai on one’s left side (in seiza), it should be with tsuba in line with the knees, the blade portion pointing to the rear, and the tsuru on the outside, thus placing the “cutting edge” toward oneself.