Bōgu

Bōgu  (防具, "protective equipment"), properly called kendōgu (剣道具, "kendo equipment"), is the primary means of protection in kendo, jukendo, naginata, and  sojutsu.. Bōgu also provides valid target areas. It can be hand-made or machine-stitched.

Full sets of bōgu for kendo include men, kote, dō, and tare.

 Paul Shin talks about some simple things one can do to keep bōgu in good condition.