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'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

$317.00 CAD
$317.00 CAD $317.00 CAD
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Free worldwide shipping over £125 30-days no-risk returns Lifetime warranty
Estimated dispatch time: 1–2 business days

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Kendo Men Pad $19.00
*30% OFF* - Original KendoStar Triple Tenugui Set! $90.00 $63.00

Measuring Guide:

D) Measure from the wrist joint, to the tip of the middle finger.

E) Measure in a slight diagonal line around the knuckle and palm area.

 F) Measure around the palm, with all fingers and thumb closed.

BACK & REINCARNATED! The Extra Protective Bogu Set 'VANGUARD' is one of the Bogu sets that stands out as unique amongst its rivals. The culmination of years of research and trials, VANGUARD has been specifically developed to not only be comfortable, and functional - but most importantly, extremely protective.

"I designed the VANGUARD Bogu set, based somewhat on the most popular Bogu sets that I have designed in the past. During my career as a Kendogu professional, it has been somewhat hard to deliver a Kendo Bogu set that provides this level of protection, whilst I was employed at Japanese companies. Despite producing an extremely popular, extra-protective Bogu set in the past, that was hugely popular, I was told by the companies in Japan that worked for that it was not to be continued - as it did not meet the needs of Japanese customers.

This upset me a great deal, and was a deciding factor in leaving employment at such companies, in order to start KendoStar.

The great thing about VANGUARD is that it is great for ALL levels of Kendoka. It's great for instructors who are on the receiving end of lots of hard strikes - especially from beginners. But it is also a fantastic set for instructors to recommend to their students, including the beginners, as they also benefit from the protective features. I know myself, from my own experience as a Kendo instructor, that a large number of students quit Kendo shortly after first wearing the Bogu. This is because of the pain that they experience as beginners, which not only are they not used to, but also because they are also on the receiving end of strikes from other beginners, who have not mastered the cutting technique.

In Japan, this is less of a problem, as most beginners are children, and not adults. So they do not experience hard strikes in the same way. Therefore, simply allowing a new adult beginner to use the same kind of Bogu that is popular in Japan can be quite risky.

Therefore, VANGUARD carries on my own personal tradition of designing and manufacturing Bogu sets to cater to this concept, and I could not be more proud to finally bring the most protective, and most comfortable Bogu set so far to the international Kendo community" - Andy Fisher, KendoStar CEO.


Literally perfect for ALL levels of Kendoka.

The Kote also feature the same 10mm Pitch-zashi stitching, as featured on the Men, and also feature the same additional padding in the strike zone - keeping you protected from hard strikes. The wrist joint is made using an original cut, which is extremely flexible, whilst also being very durable. The palms are made using toughened synthetic leather, and Yoroi-Kazari is featured on the fists for increased manoeuvrability.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 78 reviews.

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

So good, I bought two pairs. One pair has lasted me since 2019 and still going strong now in 2026. I recently bought a second pair so that I could practice two days in a row while the first pair is drying. You can see both pairs on my photo. The old ones clearly don’t look the same as the brand new ones but they do look remarkably good for their age. They’ve held up extremely well, protection is the same as it was on day one.

Vlad L. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

I've worn them a few times already. They are extremely comfortable and have an excellent look to them as well. I bought these for my main set of practice kote and I think they will work out marvelously. Thank you, Kendostar!

Jason D. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Best kote for the money, no doubt! My son uses these series (he has two pairs) and practices 4 times a week. I got my pair too, now, as to rotate with my Myrmidon. Anyway, good craftmanship, nice details, reinforcements at the right spots, and good quality materials. And then, as always, KS top class customer service!

Fabian M. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

I was worried about using a new pair of kote for a grading seminar, but I need not have been concerned. These are a great fit and were extremely comfortable. They really do offer good protection whilst allowing flexible movement. Fantastic product - many thanks!

Nigel C. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

They are not the best I could buy, but they are good quality and very comfortable, they allow you to train intensely and they protect quite well. Many thanks to kendostar for repeating the shipment, since there were problems with the first shipment and they did not arrive on time, KendoStar took care of solving the problem and sending me the order again.

Javier F. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Customer photo review of *SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

I just received my (first) pair of the Vanguard kote and have to say that I am highly impressed by the apparent quality of the materials and craftsmanship, as well as the understated, yet sharp, design. The size is also spot on and I can freely move my thumb and wrist, even as the kote are still brand new. They feel very protective and as built to last. Amazing service and fast delivery - I will certainly be ordering again and again from KendoStar in the future.

Marko P. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Another great purchase from KendoStar! Super comfortable kote and a high level of protection from those strikes! Arrived super quick and as ever fantastic packaging as well. Thank you KendoStar!

Jonathan C. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Fantastic customer service, emailed to ask what kote would be in stock for my size as I needed to replace my aging pair and they arrived a few days later! Fit perfectly and couldn't ask for better service!

Toby N. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

I received the kotes and noticed the kotes allow me to hold the shinai correctly than my old pair. Kotes are little tight but in time I am sure they will fit perfectly. Over all the quality is very good.

Davis B. 4/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Haven't had the chance to try them out at the dojo yet, but I received them rapidly, and the fact that I didn't have any customs fees to pay is greatly appreciated. The materials feel sturdy yet more flexible than other kote in a similar price range, and the addition of the free protector is a nice touch. Will report back on their performance in practice!

Benjamin V. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Protection wise this set is fine. I ordered a loose fit, which was good as I expect a normal fit would have been way harder to break in. What I dislike is the material used inside of the kote itself. It is of some synthetic material that I found unpleasant. That said, it does what it needs to do.

Christoffer L. 2/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Very good kote As expected, KS Vanguard kote are solidly built from very good quality materials, well designed, the fit is perfect as it’s the grip feeling, and they look like they will take many many hours of keiko and a lot of strikes with no problem.

Fabián M. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Two months in and going strong! I've been using this pair of kote for two month now, the first few uses they felt a little tight but after those first practices they fit and feel perfectly! I ordered them with a kote-pad for extra protection but i've not needed it yet! they sure offer a lot of comfort and protection!

Javier L. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote

Premium Entry Level Kote After months of saving up, I was finally able to buy my first pair of Kendostar Kote! Compared to my previous Kote, the difference is absolute day and night! The first thing I noticed is the extra padding around the fingers and knuckles area. The days of getting my knuckles busted by a missed kote strike will finally be long gone! Definitely recommended! I don't think I will ever be satisfied with any other Kote that isn't from Kendostar!

Evan 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - 'VANGUARD' Extra Protective KendoStar Kote