e-bogu is run by Taro Ariga sensei who is 8-dan in kendo. So you don’t have to worry about the quality of their products. They specialise in kendo equipment.
And as far as I know, e-bogu is…
This also means they offer a wide variety of products. This is a benefit for us, consumers, because the prices are reasonable. This is especially good news for beginners.
There is no doubt that they have a lot of orders from everywhere every day. Of course, they make mistakes. But their responses to these mistakes are quick and they treat their customers very well.
Many of my students buy equipment from e-bogu, and I have never heard any complaints from them. My students told me, “Oh, they are really quick to deal with problems and treat us good, too!”.
I myself am a consumer of e-bogu. I had no problem with their service, shipping and equipment. I am very satisfied.
I purchased two things in the past.
They arrived quickly and in good condition. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Update: As of 2026, I go to e-bogu when I need practice shinai. It is so easy for me to purchase shinai. I simply open a browser, go to their site, and place my order. Since I already have an account with them, it is a swift process for me to purchase practice shinai.
You have to make sure that you order one for your size.
"Click on each link where it says "click HERE for Hand (Head and so on) Size Information". They will tell you how to measure the size of hands, head and so on.
I suggest you talk to e-bogu’s customer service (if you are or have a growing child). We usually order a bit bigger bogu for growing children. However, to be safe, you should talk to them because they know about their products. i.e. they know how big their bogu are. You should NOT get a bogu that is too big because it will not protect you properly. That is why it is very important to talk to the shop.
You want to make sure that the bogu will come with himo (strings). So choose free himo. Also you need a bogu bag (a bag to put in your bogu)."
Tip for A zekken: This is a name bag for tare. You should have one if you belong to a dojo. Ask your teacher about this.
This is my advice to beginners who buy a set of bogu for the first time. So if you are a beginner, hopefully this helps you too. Personally, I want them to include a bogu bag for beginners; especially children. A very basic dark green cloth bogu bag will do for children.
Please leave your review of e-bogu here if you have purchased something from them. Your review will help other kendo people and prevent people from buying from fake online kendo shops. Click here to check out e-bogu (affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).