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Tsubasa Brand is a line of innovative Kendo Bogu models made to your size, in Japan.
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 artisan out there, utilizing a selection of materials that do the job, but 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, without forgetting the customer's budget.
Nowadays is easy to find affordable options which are 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 is way better, while supporting the professionals behind each design and 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 the 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 Obsidian is the high-end model of the made-in-Japan series. Consists in Bushu Kontan (famous Aizome cotton fabric from Saitama) and Kongawa (indigo dyed deer leather). Optimum quality and durability, with a traditional appearance and high performance. Resembles a Tezashi Bogu yet include all the innovative trademarks that distinguishes the Tsubasa Brand. It features a wide cross Gunome stitch, and the Men and Kote are made with an original technique of reinforcing both the front and back of their Futon besides the edges with Herikawa. As the other models of this series, the trademark Men-buton cut is present but the Mendare Kazari and Ago Kazari on a deerskin Tsuki-Dare are re-designed just for the Obsidian model. The palms are brown deerskin and the Kote-Atama is made in Orizashi, Yoroi style, with deer leather reinforcements against friction (which can be customized for a full deerskin fist-type), giving the undoubtedly high-end look and performance. The Tare has layers of deer leather protecting the Obi, the sides, corners and pleats. The Tare-Himo are made for easy-tying and the pleats feature 1 type of Kazari with 6 and 5 rows placed in a particular way to improve mobility and durability. The Futon in general is sturdy yet comfortable and has thicker cushion on the critical areas for excellent protection. The base Mengane selected for this model is a Coated SWV IBB Titan for a well balanced and durable Men with antibacterial properties and Safety Wide View (just the best of the best!). Overall, it's a quality robust armor, comparatively speaking less flexible and not as light-weight as our other Tsubasa models yet more comfortable than standard narrow-machine-stitched models on the market thanks to its design, materials and Shiage ("finishing": hammering, bending, massaging).
* The Tsubasa Obsidian model in a nutshell: All-mighty, with old-school nuances. Masterful craft.
* This is a multipurpose Bogu Set. However, the optimum suggested use is for: High rank training and Dan examination.
* 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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