Why Choose Shogun Kendogu?

After countless hours dedicated to trialling a range of stitching and material combinations, our equipment has become renowned for its protection, fit, and competitive price. These factors should be considered when purchasing any item of kendogu, and are explained in more detail below.

Protection – It is commonly believed that a wide-stitched item of kendogu is for children or beginners. However, it is now also the chosen stitch pitch of many elite kendo athletes. The reason is in the fewer number of stitches across the futon – resulting in a thicker and softer material, with comparatively superior absorption and padding qualities on impact. 

In the past, in times when machine stitch bōgu was not yet an option, hand stitched bōgu was made to an approximate 9 millimetre grade, allowing for maximum impact absorption and a notably comfortable fit. We consider that our wide stitched bōgu is the modern day equivalent of this approach. Importantly, it is our innovative use of materials that has enabled us to re-introduce the wider stitch while maintaining the highest level of quality and resilience.

Superior fit – Our bōgu is softer and therefore fits better from the outset. As many of our customers will attest to, this optimal fit from the beginning results in the set feeling much lighter, while maintaining the cushioning only a wide stitch set can provide. Daiki Kiwada, 2012 All Japan Kendo Champion and Osaka Policeman, agrees: "I found this gear to be extremely comfortable and easy to use in my fights at the All Japan Championships."

Competitive price – Every item of kendogu on our webstore is made from scratch to the customer’s specifications. This includes sizing, design, and colour selections. In addition to the exceptional fit and trusted quality found in Shogun Kendogu’s equipment, each set in the Shogun Kendogu range comes with:

• a huge range of design options for the listed price – available through our unique “Bōgu Builder” technology 

• assurance that every item of kendogu is order made to exact customer size specifications

• a ‘buddies bōgu repair discount’

• free international shipping to most parts of the world

• fast and friendly service

As the international bōgu market continues to grow, kendo equipment can be found online for very low prices. However, cheaper off-the-shelf bōgu is not only poor quality, but can also be ill-fitting and lack protective properties. We at Shogun Kendogu are confident that, with all we include in one set of gear, we are providing exceptional value for money.