Michael G.
I received my Vanguard Myrmidon bogu extremely fast - only a few days after ordering it. The bogu has an amazing quality and looks great. I was not sure about the size of the men. KendoStar provided a thorough reply after asking and it resolved matters (in agreement with advice from my sensei). I am impressed by the level of service and look forward to start using the bogu. Consequently, I recommend using KendoStar for its excellent service and quality (a bit one-sided though - as I have not used any other vendor)
Csanad
Superb customer service, less than a week delivery to New Zealand. The bogu looks and feels awesome. I’m impressed.
javier l.
I've been using my myrmidon set for 3 months now and i love it, its very very comfortable, i can move easily and freely, the kote took a couple of weeks to loosen up a little.
The protective quality was an instant notice, since i have a teaching role and do very often as motodachi, i have had no issues with pain whatsoever.
I recommend this bogu set very highly, equally as a first bogu set or as a second one for spare use.
STEVEN M C V.
I am new to Kendo, I started because my son wanted to do this and joined in. After a few months decided on the Myrmidon bogu because of the extra padding as I suffer from quervain syndrome and tendinitis in my hands which makes them extra sensitive. I can't compare to other sets as its my first one, but I would say that you feel the hits for sure, but not once have I felt pain, at worst if someone hits you hard it stings. For sensitive people I recommend extra pads for kote and men. weight is great, quality seems amazing, Andy's instructional videos are perfect.
Small sidenote, if its your first set, make sure to buy a bogu bag as its not included.
Marco R.
Wow. What an excellent bogu!!!
I've started Kendo a few month ago because of my son wanted to. So i told myself "Come on old man. Give it a try and join him!"
Shortly after i could use a bogu for rent for practise i immediatly knew "I WANT MY OWN. ASAP."
The quality of the bogu i've bought is fantastic. Every little detail seemed perfect to me. I'm can't wait for practise.
I am sure that i'll buy my sons bogu at Kendostar when in a few month.
OK. Lange Rede, kurzer Sinn.
Kendostar ist richtig gut.
Greetings from Gladbeck, Germany
(Near Bottrop )
Marco Rottmann
Mikkel
Amazing
My first bogu set, was worried about fit of kote and men due to always struggling with fit of gloves and big head. But everything fits amazingly well. Gap in mengane lines up exactly with my eyes. Kote real comfy after just a few training sessions.
Anthony
My first bogu
When you're a beginner, choosing your first bogu is very difficult: you don't know exactly what makes a good bogu, and there are many sellers on the Internet.
That was until I came across the Kendostar website. I quickly identified my needs and chose the Myrmidon.
I should add that Kendostar is one of the few sellers not to overcharge for Kote and Do in size XL.
Last but not least, all the elements of the bogu fit my measurements perfectly and are extremely comfortable. The value for money is unbeatable. Why go elsewhere?
(Shipping and delivery to France was very fast -only 4 days!-).
Ben
Every bit as protective as advertised
This bogu really is every bit as good and protective as it says on the tin. I'm coming back to kendo after a lengthy hiatus, and when I last did kendo, I used a borrowed set of bogu throughout. It was very nice and did the job, and I was grateful to have it, but when I came back and got back into bogu, I decided that I wanted to make the investment of getting my own set.
I vacillated between the original Vanguard and the Myrmidon, and what decided me was that for a comparatively small additional cost (compared to the overall cost of the bogu, anyway), I could get the Myrmidon for the sale price and have that extra protection. After my previous kendo experience and coming away from practices with a lot of pretty painful bruising, I knew I wanted something that would give me some added protection, and this has absolutely done the trick thus far. Particularly the men- we were practicing men cuts for a good chunk of our last practice, and while I could feel the strikes land, they didn't hurt and didn't leave my head ringing. Kote strikes, likewise, are perceptible, but not as painful as I've found them in other sets. It makes a huge difference to my confidence level and in turn my ability to stand my ground rather than shying away from getting hit.
I was definitely nervous to take the plunge and buy my first bogu- it's a sizable investment- but I have absolutely no regrets. I'm really, really pleased with this set.
Emanuel
Beautiful Bogu
The VANGUARD MYRMIDON Bogu is a beautiful bogu.
And it perfectly does, what it is supposed to do: protect more than "normal" Bogus.
With my old bogu, I always had bruises on my wrist.
That is now a thing of the past.
Emanuel
Beautiful Bogu
The VANGUARD MYRMIDON Bogu is a beautiful bogu.
And it perfectly does, what it is supposed to do: protect more than "normal" Bogus.
With my old bogu, I always had bruises on my wrist.
That is now a thing of the past.
Fabián Martin
Great bogu!
As someone coming back to kendo after almost two decades, this bogu is a dream, especially when compared with my old one from the late 80s.
About the Myrmidon set: great all-purpose bogu, solid, protective yet quite lightweight, and very well made, with great attention to details. The kote feel like almost broken in from the start, the men fits comfortably, do and tare are perfectly made, no issues whatsoever. I also like its sort of "understated" elegance, without any unnecessary flourishes (but that's just my taste). It feels and looks like it could take a good deal of intense use for a long time, though!
I should add that the customer service is second to none, it really is. Great communication, great advice, and prompt dispatch. Once sizing was taken care of, the bogu was at my door, across the ocean, in the blink of an eye, perfectly packed. Thanks for that too!
Undoubtedly, this is not the last time I buy from KendoStar.
Bee
First bogu for a bruise-prone kendoka
After hearing how easily I bruise, this was the set that was recommended to me by my sensei. I was saving up specifically for this set anyway because I was so afraid of actually having bogu!
I don't have much to compare this to since it's my first set, but it all fit very well. Be sure to measure properly, or if you're comfortable with it and/or it's a possibility, ask your sensei or a senpai to help you with measurements.
It also arrived SUPER fast to the US because I ordered the standard that was in-stock. In fact, I think it arrived earlier than anticipated.
I've gone to practice with the bogu for two weeks now and can confirm that as long as your opponent is striking in the right spot, it won't hurt. From a woman's perspective with a larger chest, I will say that the dou is going to have similar issue with any other dou unless you get a custom one, according to what other women have said to me. I am probably going to also order the chest guard to wear beneath it as I've already been struck on the chest where the mune doesn't cover, and it's not pleasant. Note that the dou is also resizable if needed.
My other suggestion for those who are ready for bogu and are already planning to get their set is to make sure you get a bogu bag as well to arrive around the same time. I was very picky about what I wanted, which meant I had to lug around my set like a strange kendo Santa Claus around the gym, but now that I have a bogu bag, it's no problem!
Luke
Nice first bogu
Seems to be a very protective and good quality bogu for a first set. Happy with the finish and has lots of extra luxury things over the standard vanguard if that's important to you
Wajanai Snidvongs
Great bogu at an amazing price
Just received the Vanguard Myrmidon bogu set after placing my order 5 days ago. Exemplary and fast service to Thailand as usual for KendoStar (including all import fees!).
I haven't had a chance to test it out properly yet, but it certainly feels comfortable and much more protective than my old bogu.
Steph
Most protective!
Not had much of a chance to use it yet, but what I can say so far is, that for my first bogu it is exactly what I wanted m. Super protective, and even more comfortable.
I would definitely recommend that you go first this bogu. You won’t regret it.
Phil
Premier achat
I am a beginner and I was looking for a light and quality buggy so that I no longer had to borrow the buggies from the dojo. The difference is huge. the quality is there. The service too. Faster than expected delivery and premium service. Thank you so much
Matthew
Great Bogu at a Great Price!
I was torn between getting a Kamui, Victory or this Myrmidon and I ultimately decided on this bogu set since I am new to Kendo and KendoStar keep Myrmidon sets in stock, whereas the Kamui and Victory are made to order so I was able to get it quickly.
Because I practice naginata, I wanted mendare that would be very mouldable and the men on this set has very tight stitching which allows for you to mould the mendare very well. I have found it to be a bit too long for nag, but naginata men would be better off with not only a shorter mendare but also a different cut too and since I also practice kendo it's better for me to just make do with a kendo men. KendoStar will happily provide you with a shorter (or longer) mendare if you ask though and I presume they could even give a different mendare cut too.
The dou is a standard synthetic 50 piece one and the quality is very nice with the gloss finish shining nicely. I do prefer the single piece do-dai as they are lighter but this 50 piece works well.
The kote for this set are very nice and protect the hand very well. The measurements I gave to KendoStar provided me with a kote that fits nice and snug. I believe it has an anti-bacterial lining on the inside which makes the kote fell nice and fuzzy, very comfortable to wear because of it.
The tare are built solidly and don't impinge mobility.
Overall great bogu, particularly if you are a beginner and are working with other beginners or are frequently a motodachi.
Manuel Mesones
Everything I was expecting and some more!
To say I'm impressed with this Bogu would be an understatement! The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the care for detail is fantastic. The photoshoot images you see of this product don't lie: it is gorgeous.
I had the chance to wear it at the last practice, and it is everything I was expecting and some more. The Bogu is Light, super comfy and protective.
I was a bit dubious about the sizes, but the fit was perfect for me. I just followed the measurement instructions as shown and had no problems.
The delivery was super speedy! I ordered it on a Saturday night and received it by Tuesday. I couldn't be happier :)
Guillaume Laflamme
Premier bogu
Tout est parfait. L'armure à été livré rapidement, tout semble vraiment bien conçu. La couleur est belle. J'ai pris le "upgrade" des himos et je ne le regrette pas du tout. Il y avait même le lien facile pour un video de l'installation des himos et de comment porter le bogu. J'ai vraiment l'impression d'avoir un produit haut de gamme pour commencer mon aventure kendo
Marcus Ferreira
Best Protective Bogu Ever!!!
I couldn´t believe my eyes, when I received my first bogu, I wanted for a very long time to order my first bogu and I unsure which bogu I would pick.
Then I found out the bogu myrmidon in kendostar, and I never looked back super protective, specially if we have intense training.
Now I can enjoy practice in a way much safer without being afraid of getting hit, because this is the most protective bogu, you will ever find out here.
If your looking for the most protective bogu myrmidon is the way to go!!
Any doubt I had the team kendostar always helped me and answer all my questions.
Thank you so much!!!!
Pawel
Great first bogu
Great choice for a first bogu. I was looking for something very protective. Practicing as a beginner with beginners means a lot of missed and too strong strikes. And the promise is kept. Especially the men and tare are exceptional compared to what I've used before - you just feel almost nothing. Very comfortable cote that gives a good feeling of the sword. And on top of that I've discovered that this bogu is far much lighter than the others used by my colleagues. Right size and fits perfectly after few momens. I was not expecting the men to adapt to the desired shape so quickly.
In terms of service - TOP! Good communication with the team via email. Excellent service and fast shipping. Everything as promised.
Adarsha Lama
Light, Strong and Stylish
I was borrowing bogu from the dojo until I saved enough for my own. I have to say this set has a nice feel and look to it as well as being very protective.
It feels much lighter (especially on the head) compared to the cheaper borrowed set and the Kote has nice inner padding on the fingers.
Overall this is a great option for those who have a larger budget looking for great protection without sacrificing style or weight.
Tren
Great set right out of box
Great service
The men looks exactly like the pictures shown above. Although it is not custom made, the men fits perfectly, particularly the monomi. I look in the mirror and see my eyes are right in between the 8th and 9th bar. The shape of the men is great right out of box as well (the fuji-san look). The kote is comfortable, and the tare is beautiful. About the durability, I might post my review to kendo rant after some time of using the bogu.
Thank you KendoStar
Marino Frana
Amazing bogu set
First of all, amazing service.
Made my order in the evening and the next day it was on the way to me. When it arrived 3 days later I was about to find Andy's video on how to attach himo and then I realized the link to it and how to wear bogu were included in envelope along with thank you card and some lovely KendoStar stickers. The omamory lucky charm and great looking KendoStar tengui included for free were really a nice touch.
Bogu looks and feels great, I can't wait to try it out in training. I was bit anxious if it will fit right, but I folloved the measuring guide and it is just perfect.
Thank you, KendoStar team
Carl
First Bogu
It's rare to find a company with service as good as their product but Kendostar have really delivered. Excellent advice pre purchase when deciding on the options to go for and extremely happy with the Myrmidon. As comfortable as it is Beautiful. A stunning Bogu for my first set having spent some time in the club sets, and protective enough to put up with the hits from the more overzealous juniors without any pains.
Very happy, thanks KS team!
Darius
Genuinely excellent service
I recently bought my first set of bogu from Kendostar after spending two years in club bogu.
I was genuinely impressed with the speed of service from Kendostar. My order had been picked up by DHL less than 18 hours after paying, and was delivered to my home in New Zealand 5 days later.
The bogu I’ve received is of high quality and fit to my exact specifications, despite being one of Kendostar’s off the shelf products. It’s comfortable to wear, relatively light compared to what I’m used to, looks great and provided great protection in practice tonight.
I think I’m a lifelong convert. Thanks Andy and the team.
Jack
First rate service
Not only is the Bogu excellent, very comfortable and I received it two days later. The Men in particular is extremely protective. Couldn't be happier.
Ismael Avalos
Excellent Bogu set ... Love it!!!
Excellent customer service!
The order was dispatched on Tuesday morning from the UK and received it on Friday morning in Sydney Australia!
Ezgi was very helpful and responded to all my queries.
My first Bogu set Vanguard Myrmidon, top quality and looks amazing!!!
KendoStar is my favorite Kendo shop.
Excellent customer service + Top quality products
Tomáš Korenko
My first Bogu
This was my first personal bogu and i must say it is stunning. The quality is awesome and padding gives you very good protection. I am able to train in it for hours without feeling any pain. I would recommend this for every begginer kendoka
Dries
Amazing bogu right from the start
Very happy with this bogu set. The kendostar team was extremely helpful with some modifications to the standard options (ordered a different style do mune). Feels great and fits excellent from the first time you put it on, no need to 'break it in'.
Looks amazing, feels great to wear, protects super well. Definitely consider this one when looking for a new set!
Tony
Very nice bogu set
I have been using this set for a while now and I can only say that this set is incredibly protective and comfortable....!
The quality of the set is stunning and the fit is top notch (follow Andys "Measuring Guide" and you´ll be fine)
If you are looking for a very protective, well-constructed, very good material choice, etc., it is definitely worth looking a little extra at this set.
Tanks Andy for all your help!
Kazan
Great 1St bogu
Great service : quick answers and very fast delivery to France.
The bogu looks great. Much better than the one from my dojo.
Men very protective, no more pain at all. Kote are very good but not "magical" : you may still feel the hits sometimes even if they are very protective.
Apparently bleached deerskin leather have less durability but a better fit. For the most protective bogu it may not be the best choice, even if they look great and fit very well.
For the price on Kendostar : it is indicated as "on sale" but as it is always "on sale" apparently (same for some other bogus) may it would be better to indicate only the real price. Partners from my dojo informed me of that.
Yolandi
Amazing Bogu
This is my first bogu and all I can say is wow! The guard-stitch looks amazing and everything feels premium, yet super comfortable and protective.
I went for the tsubasa kazari design on the mune and it is beautiful.
The katsumamori tied to the inside of the do is a great touch and much appreciated.
Best of all my bogu arrived within 4 days even with the restrictions in South Africa.
Thank you Andy and Kendostar for the excellent service and for promoting Kendo around the world.
Barry Stevens
Perfect First Bogu
My girlfriend purchased this bogu over the vanguard basics as she was a little worried about strikes hurting and this set definitely adds that little extra protection. Wonderful first set. She couldn't be happier.
LT
1st bogu and beautiful
For someone who is very nervous of buying this online, Andy had been amazing and very helpful. Replied to every questions and concern I have.
My son first set of bogu and it fit perfectly with Andy's guidance. The bogu is beautiful. One happy boy!
Fast shipping. It was not due out until the zekken was ready but Andy and team had got it sorted asap and sent them before the zekken.
Zekken arrived today and it's beautifully sewn.
So Thank you!
Mohamad Ahmad
Very Very Nice Material & Finishing
This is my 1st set, but I can judge it comparing to other ones we have in the dojo:
Pros:
1- CS: as mentioned earlier this is my 1st set & I was unsure about a lot of stuff, I had many Qs, Andy not only helped me choose the most suitable one for me, but also he was SUPER patient with me and answered all my questions thoroughly in the last 200 email I sent him asking for something ;-)
2- The Quality of the material & finishing are very beautiful, not only me noticed this but also my colleagues when saw it!
N.B. the Tare colors are very constant and uniformed not fading in some spots like the pictures above! I didn't find any lighter spots in mine!
In general regarding 1st impression, CS & the quality & finishing of the set 10*s/5. I wish I'm able to upload my own pictures to show how good my set is :-)
Cons:
1- I changed the Do-Dai, it took 10 weeks to receive it! I know it is mentioned very clearly above, but for me it was like waiting until forever.
2- I chose the Souzashi Mune, the quality is not that good comparing to the rest of bogu, may be because the quality of the material of the bogu itself is higher, where the difference in quality is obvious; my friends in the dojo have the same Mune exactly, but you can't see or feel this with their sets! May be because it matches the quality of the rest of the bogu (most of them are in the range of $500)
In general THANK YOU so much Andy not only for your patience and support, but also for your beautiful video's on YouTube!
Gergely
Best bogu set I ever used
I always used borrowed bogu, this is my first own bogu set made for my size. It's not only the perfect fit, but also beautiful and does a relly good job at deflecting heavy strikes. I didn't feel a thing, even when a taller guy hit my men pretty hard. Kote also does a great job. I ordered a matte black ishime do and everybody loved it. It's so beautiful I was staring at it for a whole day.
Lucy
Beautiful and Protective First Bogu Set
I'm a 6th kyu kenshi and so this is my very first set of bogu. As someone who is a bit nervous regarding injury, protection was extremely important for me when choosing my bogu, and I can say after a few keiko sessions that this set performs very well.
The men in particular is great at absorbing impact, as at best I barely feel anything and if someone strikes quite hard there's a 'thunk' but no pain, which is as much as I could have hoped for. The added protection does mean that the men is not as light as some other models but I found this an acceptable trade-off and have gotten used to it over time. It is also worth noting that I am small and slight so probably notice bogu weight more than some other kenshi.
I chose the simple 'Souzashi' mune for the do with the standard glossy black finish, and it looks brilliant. The tare looks great, is very comfortable, and also works well to soften the impact from missed do strikes. My kote were comfortable from the start, which was unexpected but welcome, and they do a great job of saving my bony wrists from bruises!
Andy was brilliant at answering any questions I had about options and delivery - thank you KendoStar for a great product and great service!