The Haechi Bogu

Thank you very much, sensei.🙂‍↕️The armor (Haechi Bogu) is very comfortable. I highly recommend it. The armor adapts well to combat. The purchase includes all Tenugui, Himo, and Chichigawa . I really enjoy buying Hokubei Budogu products because of their high quality.

I was given the opportunity by Yong to test and review this bogu set, so I purchased one for my wife. The bogu arrived in a square box, with each piece carefully packed in protective plastic and foam—an encouraging start that showed attention to detail.

The men (helmet) is well made, with thick and comfortable head padding. What stood out most to me was the grill design. Unlike many mass-produced men, which often suffer from poor alignment between the grill opening and the user’s eye level, this Haechi set uses a clever solution: widening the spacing between the bars at eye height. The result is a noticeably expanded field of vision without compromising safety. I personally plan to use a plastic eye shield behind the grill—something I’ve researched extensively for an upcoming presentation in Okinawa—so I have no concerns about splinters with this design.

The aesthetic details are also a pleasant surprise. The chichikawa is decorated with a subtle sakura flower pattern, which adds elegance to the men. The dō is tastefully designed, with its ribbon accented in a slightly different color that lends a refined, high-class look without being ostentatious.

Functionally, the kote are comfortable, with thoughtful padding. The slightly thicker protection on the right arm is a practical touch that kenshi will appreciate during extended practice or keiko.

Overall, this is an impressive bogu set. While it is mass-produced rather than custom-fitted, Haechi’s design choices—especially in the men—successfully address common limitations and elevate both performance and aesthetics. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, well-balanced armor set.

Really love my Bogu from Hokubei Budogu. Sensei Yong's experience and expertise is superb and I appreciate his attention to customer service.

I’m absolutely thrilled with the quality of my Haechi set. I began my kendo journey in April and, like many beginners, I spent hours researching before making my purchase. Back Sensei personally responded to my initial message, then took the time to hop on a Zoom call and spent an hour answering all of my questions, and helped with measurements over the call. There was no pushy sales approach, just genuine education and guidance, which gave me complete confidence in my decision.

The bogu itself exceeded my expectations. The craftsmanship is excellent, the fit is comfortable, and I can tell this is a set that will last me for years to come.

What impressed me even more was the patience and personal support. Hokubei isn’t just about selling gear, it’s about supporting kendoka on their journey. That makes all the difference. I would recommend Haechi to anyone looking for a high-quality bogu set backed by people who genuinely care.

After a 35-year hiatus from Kendo, I decided to return to the dojo and treat myself to my very first brand-new bogu set. I chose the Haechi Bogu set from Hokubei Budo—and I couldn’t be happier!

The design strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modern aesthetics. It’s lightweight yet incredibly durable, with extra protection exactly where it’s needed. The stitching has a clean, flowing design - crafted with precision to complement both style and performance.

As a short, chubby woman with shorter limbs, finding bogu that fits comfortably has always been a challenge. But Hokubei Budo made the process seamless. The customer service was superb—patient, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful. I didn’t even know my size, but they guided me through the measurements and made sure everything would fit just right.

When the set arrived, I was blown away. The men was already shaped for me, complete with a gorgeous chichikawa that added a personal touch. I also purchased a Dogi and Hakama set for practice, and I have to say—they’re light as a feather! I’ve never worn anything so breathable and easy to maintain.

This experience has made my return to Kendo feel even more special. I highly recommend Hokubei Budo to anyone looking for quality, comfort, and outstanding service. Thank you for helping me step back into the dojo with confidence and pride, and comfort!!