Bogu Question

kendoronin · 12th January 2004, 09:24 AM

Hey guys, I see that in websites such as www.e-kendo.com, www.e-bogu.com, and www.kendoshop.com, the more expensive bogous are the thinner ones as it seems. In the description, they state 3mm, 4mm, 5mm. This is what I am referring to. What does 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and so on represent, the thickness or what? I just started and know that I will not be needing bogou for a while, but as a beginner, I have a lot of questions. Today, Sunday, was my first class, and I'm only 13, so I'm really quite shy around my teachers and some students, although, luckily, I'm not so shy anymore. Thanks for any help.

**Ryukyu** · 12th January 2004, 11:51 AM

The mm values represent the spacing between stitching.
The closer the stitching, the better protection, but also the stiffer the bogu will be.
I'm sure there are others who can go into more detail.
Search the forums to find more info about bogu. There have been many informative threads about this very subject.
Also, talk to the others at your dojo. Since a lot of them may have already gone through the same process you are no, they are probably a good source of information about this too.
Good luck and welcome!!

ariel · 12th January 2004, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by kendoronin

Hey guys, I see that in websites such as www.e-kendo.com, www.e-bogu.com, and www.kendoshop.com, the more expensive bogous are the thinner ones as it seems. In the description, they state 3mm, 4mm, 5mm. This is what I am referring to. What does 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and so on represent, the thickness or what? I just started and know that I will not be needing bogou for a while, but as a beginner, I have a lot of questions. Today, Sunday, was my first class, and I'm only 13, so I'm really quite shy around my teachers and some students, although, luckily, I'm not so shy anymore. Thanks for any help.

you've only had your first class, so i think you don't need to rush in to get your bogu. just try to fit in and make yourself more comfortable with people at the dojo, and wait until your sensei talks to you about getting a bogu because then you know he thinks you're ready to wear one. who knows how long you're going to last doing kendo anyway (not saying you're a quitter, though).

**Hai_hai** · 12th January 2004, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by kendoronin

Hey guys, I see that in websites such as www.e-kendo.com, www.e-bogu.com, and www.kendoshop.com, the more expensive bogous are the thinner ones as it seems. In the description, they state 3mm, 4mm, 5mm. This is what I am referring to. What does 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, and so on represent, the thickness or what? I just started and know that I will not be needing bogou for a while, but as a beginner, I have a lot of questions. Today, Sunday, was my first class, and I'm only 13, so I'm really quite shy around my teachers and some students, although, luckily, I'm not so shy anymore. Thanks for any help.

Before there was the Kendo World forum, there was something called "asking other people in person". It's as ancient as kendo. Try it.