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Tsubasa Brand is a line of innovative Kendo Bogu models made in Japan, which in a sense could have been only one "all purpose and all mighty" model, with the greatest value for its price, but after a lot of study, trial and errors, we found that some little changes substantially impacted the performance and the cost (thus the price) of the prototype design, which led us to create 5 versions of what we thought to be the best Bogu model.
The Tsubasa Brand Bogu series concept consists in offering a clever cut and effective design, to make the "only one Bogu set is enough for everything" statement possible, but also to make the user love wearing it due to the balance in durability, protection, comfort and apearance, which is the result of making the best use of the techniques and skills of the already experienced artisans out there, utilizing a selection of materials that perfectly do the job, and leaving the posibility of customizing or enhacing them if the customer feels like it.
We consider this line of products to be on top of the standard machine stitched Bogu in general, since it requires not only good materials and skillfully artisans to craft these pieces of art, but also the expert work of designing which comes from the combination of Kendo and Kendogu knowledge and the proper method of making Bogu and its materials, considering the customer's budget.
Nowadays is easy to find affordable options which are probably good enough to practice Kendo, and we offer this kind of products too (Tsubasa Budogu's entry level models). However, for those who want to invest a little more on something we think to be way better, while supporting the professionals behind each design and the artisans behind each stitch, as well as the study, originality and work behind Tsubasa Brand, we cannot recommend it enough!
Tsubasa Brand Models can actually be enough as your only Bogu Set for everything (and save you some cash), instead of the tendency of buying a cheap training set besides a set for competition and, lets not forget, another set for examination. Although we adhere to the idea of increasing the life (durability) of a gear by interchanging the pair of Kote, or your whole set, for another one every week or so, but we also believe the same Kendo equipment, uniform and Shinai should be used a certain amount of time at minimum, to grasp the sensation, otherwise, if you keep changing the balance and weight of your equipment often (in every practice) is not only challenging but also urges your Kendo to change and adapt to the differences you get with each equipment, which could interrupt the learning process you might be experiencing at a certain moment.
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Tsubasa White is a Kontan (indigo dyed cotton fabric), Orizashi (indigo dyed Kendogi-like woven cotton fabric) and Clarino (synthetic leather) Bogu model that features a 3 different types of stitching on the Men, overlapping in the hit area for an increased durability also supported by a Synthetic Leather reinforcement, and narrow stitching on the front part of each Mendare covered with Orizashi to give a more traditional appearance in an original way. The Men-buton cut and the Mendare Kazari are completely original (Tsubasa Budogu trademark). The Kote and Tare possesses a Double stitching in different angles depending of the area, to improve comfort, durability and appearance. The palms are Ultrasuede, and the fist has been reinforced with Synthetic Leather against friction in critical areas. The Tare has a layer of Orizashi protecting the Obi, and Synthetic leather on the sides and the corners. The Tare-Himo are made for an easy-tying and the pleats feature a 3 different types of Kazari placed in a certain way to improve the performance in terms of mobility and durability. The Futon in general is made flexible but harder on critical areas to give a nice protection without loosing comfort. The base Mengane selected for this model is IBB Duralumin, but you can upgrade it on the options if you like, as well as the overall reinforcement material.
* The Tsubasa White model in a nutshell: Clever design and use of materials.
* This is a multipurpose Bogu Set. However, the optimum suggested use is: Training and competition.
* Maintenance: After each use, just spray some water on the Futon (cotton-fabric, not the leather) areas where sweat concentrated the most, and let the Futon dry before the next use. Also stretch the Tenouchi (palms) so they don't dry having wrinkles on its surface, which could lead to holes. In case of dry weather, it is recomended to spray water droplets before using the gear, only on the futon area, and apply (and let dry before use) Mink Oil or Leather Cream on the palms one time per 2 weeks or when you feel it's necessary. (!) Do not expose the Bogu to direct sunlight for prolongated time. (!) If you wash your Bogu parts, avoid submerging it or directly watering the Menbuchi (the outer ring made of black lacquered leather, where the Mengane or metal cage is connected to the Futon). And remember, a very dry Bogu in dry weather will lose its fabric-flexibility, becoming prone to break apart.
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