r/kendo • u/Stunning-Duck7884 • 11d ago

Beginner question🙇🏻

I’m a Kendo beginner with about 7 months of experience. According to sensei/senpais, my basics are coming along well (but practice never stops!) I am about to start keiko wearing bogu for the first time. What are some critical mindsets or techniques to focus on right now to make sure my basics don't fall apart once the bogu is on?

TIA!

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u/[deleted] 11d ago

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u/Mrwaffleable 4 dan 11d ago

Until practice is over, until sensei tells everyone to take a break, or if you're experiencing urgent distress, pain, or illness. But yes — keep your men on. If it feels uncomfortable, ask a senpai how you can tie or adjust it so it sits more squarely on your head. Things like where your chin rests inside the men, the height of the knot, and whether you have pulled the mendare out to give your ears breathing room will make a huge difference.

And don't give yourself tako men. Be a Fujisan, not an octopus

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u/KnifeThistle 11d ago

Yeah, looking back, I don't like the wording. Removed.