anything i should be aware of?

[Commander]

As some of you may know, i have ordered bogu, which should arrive on the 22nd of Dec.
Is there anything i should know about so called "Breaking in" parts of the armour??

Is there anything else i should know about?

I need all the help i can get lol


:)

[Anime12478]

While I have yet to wear armor, I would guess it would be similar to buying a new pair of shoes, especially boots. They are pretty uncomfortable to wear, but after a period of constant use, they start to shape to your body shape and movements.

[Commander]

Ok, i'll just prance about my house in armour. rofl


theres nothing like driving whilst wearing armour :p

[Ares]

Hi,
I just got my armour, it arrived 4 days ago. There are a couple of things you need to do with it. First you have to break the men, not by wearing, check the halifax kendo site for a detailed picture instruction on how. Also you have to break the kote. If you go on chiba bogu there is a picture/instruction on how to do that. other than doing up all the himos you should be alright. At grading the day before last i used my do,tare and kote, but the clubs men and it was, kote thumb was a bit stiff but it didnt bother me...got my ikkyu so overall its been a good week for kendo lol.
Take care
Islam

[Taek]

Before you try any breaking-in process with your bogu, I strongly suggest you to get proper instruction from those online sources as Ares mentioned or from your sensei or sempais at your dojo. As the thick cotton and leather material of bogu has natural crese memory, you can't easily undo once you have applied creses on your bogu, especially men tare. Best way is wear them and move around so they can natually adjust to your body shape. With my kote, I wore them and did suburi while I was sitting and watching TV....

[Ares]

I agree, i did my men breaking in and tied it and left it for three days, i undid it last night and it came out really nicely...im pleased...i wore it a little but the ears still hurt a bit...that shaping will come with time. My sempai also showed me how to do the men which helped alot if you find the internet instruction a bit difficult. kote as well wore them a little and did a little practice holding and striking...beware will turn a nice new white shinai handle blue lol.
Islam

[Mizukaze]

Haha, I got my bogu from Japan yesterday! I can't wait to try it all on. I've been using a spare do/kote for about a month now, and now that my own armor has arrived.. I'm literally drooling at the idea of trying my men on for the first time - which should take place within the next few days. ;)

[Catherine]

Once you have broken in your bogu, I recommend taking your new set and your current set to practice.

I used my new set for the suburi and other cutting practice and then put on my regular bogu for the jigeiko session. I did this for about 4 practices.

Catherine

[Commander]

Thanks for the info everyone. :)


Is there anything else i should know?