Optional kendo equipmentThere are several pieces optional kendo equipment that are not necessary to practice kendo but definitely help make kendo a much more pleasant experience. Tabi
Tabi are similar to socks that are split on the toe. The kendo version of the tabi is also known as a half-tabi, in that they only cover the front half of your foot. This is all that’s needed since the front part of one’s foot is all that should be touching the ground. Tabi are often made of cloth fabric with a leather bottom, and are usually used by people whose feet blister easily. Heel Protector/guard
A heel protector accomplishes precisely what its name implies—it protects your heel. These are extremely useful especially if your dojo is like ours and has concrete flooring! They are usually made out of cloth with a heel pad that absorbs impact.
Wrist Guard
These are cloth pads that are attatched to a large wrist band similar to a sweat band. Getting hit on the kote is sometimes very painful, especially when the person you practice with has no regard for your safety. Kote pads are a useful tool for avoiding bruises and injuries Points to remember about optional wearThere are some unspoken rules that go with wearing any of the three pieces of equipment above:1. Never wear tabi or heel protectors to a shinsa (exam), although wrist guards are allowed. 2. When practicing kata, do not wear tabi, heel pads, or wrist guards. 3. Do your best to wean yourself off of the tabi and heel protectors as they can and will end up being a crutch. Back to Kendo Equipment Page
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