THEME

Hokuryu the nothern dragon is a unique kendo bogu design to mimic the best of handstitched bogu by using a square stitch create bumps to disperse energy. Just like the dragon, the square stitches gives an illusion of dragon scales that is hard and impenetrable. Hokuryu’s thickness, elasticity and aesthetic befits its image. The use of modern material enhances its function. An original bogu only from Hokuto. 

DESIGN SPEC SUMMARY

・Orizashi, Kazari

・IBB anti-bacterial Duralumin (Mengane)

・10mm Square-stitching (Menbuton)

・Batten with 5-dan kazari (Tsukidare)

・Aimomen uchiwa and okubyodare

・Kongawa herikawa

SHORT OVERALL REVIEW ON MEN

Hokuryu (men) offers great protection and better functions. Its short, thick and elastic men buton stitched using 10mm square stitched allows it to disperse and absorb incoming blows. Its futon though slightly on the softer side, it has enough thickness to withstand hard hits, while the square stitched allows it men to have softer structure near the flap to make it easier to shape and easy to lift up both hands for mobility. Its lightly convex naname-zashi tsukidare with 5 dan kazari and large okubyodare though is slightly soft but offers good protection from tsuki missed blows and its kazari is done neat and tight. Kongawa urakawa and herikawa offers good durability. A great men for an experience kendoka looking for a new primary bogu or secondary bogu. Suitable for both shiai, tournament and training.

However, its slightly soft structure especially near the flap needs user to be careful when practicing with hard hitters or hard hitting beginners by evading incoming hits by tilting their head, and its price tag might be a bit expensive for beginners.