NOW MORE PROTECTIVE THAN EVER! PERFECT FOR PRACTITIONERS WHO OFTEN ACT AS MOTODACHI, OR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST PROTECTION POSSIBLE.
IDEAL CHOICE FOR:
Those looking for the most protection possible
Regular practice use
Particularly intense practices
Receiving strikes as Motodachi
KEY FEATURES:
KendoStar Original GUARD-STITCH Protective Stitching
Extra cushioned Futon
Lightweight despite padding and protection offered
Genuine bleached deerskin Kote palms
Extra durable features for long-term heavy duty use
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.
Building on the Original VANGUARD concept, The VANGUARD MYRMIDON is covered in our innovative GUARD-STITCH pattern stitching. A unique stitching pattern, that gives more protection than ever before. Flexibility, and comfort is incredible, and the addition of tighter stitching on the Mendare, Tare panels, and Genuine bleached deerskin Kote palm, gives a massive boost to long term durability.
IN STOCK - READY TO SHIP!
"I designed the VANGUARD Bogu series, 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 the VANGUARD series 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 choice 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, the VANGUARD series 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.
The Kote also feature the same GUARD-STITCH pattern stitching, as featured on the Men, and also feature 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 premium bleached deerskin leather, and Yoroi-Kazari is featured on the synthetic deerskin fist section.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 19 reviews.
Highly recommended!!!
Pros
+ Protective
+ I really like the look
Cons
- Takes time to break (like all the Kote I still wear & like, this point is mentioned just to share the information)
After thinking about these Myrmidon Kote for years, I finally decided to get them.
I have used them for few Keikos now, and I can say that they are the most protective Kote I have ever worn for 14 years.
I can now smile to the hard hitters with deep confidence, thank you KendoStar team!
Excellent quality and very good protection. The leather used (palm of the hand) is very supple and comfortable, but it is quite thin. Very happy with the purchase and with the fast service, as usual with KS.
The kote is well crafted and very comfortable. Even after a few keiko it became very natural to wear which I couldn't tell for the previous pieces I used. My hands are moving freely and the grip on the shinai can be relaxed. I expect it will be even better over time. Also it protects very well against strikes.
I can recommend it to anyone. Choosing a good kote can really enhance the training experience and efficiency.
I bought this set as a reserve to leave at my in-laws and replace a damaged pair (Strangely, I have multiple bogu around the world.)
The price was good so it didn't break the bank. Not as pretty as my other kote, so I didn't see these as becoming a favourite set.... however:
From the moment I put them on, I realised how flexible they were. Very good for movement and didn't feel stiff or floppy from the first day, but was able to move well for oji-waza.
Very high protection from heavy kote hitters, don't need to adjust grip as they absorb the cut.
Great purchase.
I bought these because I heard they were the best for protection against hard hitters. I was really nervous during kihongeiko about getting that initial kote hit. While you definitely feel the “thump,” you don’t feel the sting. Throughout the entire practice, I felt really comfortable. I highly recommend these if you’re thinking of upgrading or purchasing a set. I’ll definitely consider looking into the Vanguard Myrmidon Men as well in the future! Thank you Andy and team for bringing quality gear! Cry once, buy once. Totally worth it.
Protective and easy to use
My 2017 AJB Pitch bogu was good, but thin. In the last 2 years, I started getting injuries. Concussion, so I replaced the men with the Vanguard Extra Protective men. I liked it very much. So when I started getting bruises and swelling in the wrist and forearm, I got the Myrmidon kote, because it was the cheapest Kendostar kote that was in stock and used deer skin palm, which I preferred.
Never having used white deer skin palm before, I am pleasantly surprised by it. It is soft, easy to grip, and no smell, just like Andy Fisher said.
The kote is also every bit as protective as Andy said. And flexible.
I am happy with the purchases, both with the Myrmidon kote and the Vanguard Extra Protective men. Back in 2017, I considered Kendostar, but was hesitant, because it was a new company. Went with AJB Pitch. In hindsight, I should have just gone with Kendostar and saved myself a bit of money, and a lot of pain.
Amazing quality and service
I ordered a pair of Vanguard Myrmidon kote just to try out the quality and service of KendoStar. I was truly impressed by the quality of the kote, light yet extremely protective, everything about it was superbly finished for what is technically an off-the-shelf kote. I was also impressed with the delivery service; I received a shipping notice on the same day and it was delivered via DHL to Thailand within 5 days (it would have been faster but it was a long weekend and DHL Thailand held it for 2 days before delivery). All import and customs duties were included. Stellar service, great quality gear! I immediately ordered some tenugui from them, which arrived in 2 days! Will order a new bogu set from them soon.
Protective as promised
Bought these Kote as replacement for a Vanguard Bogu since the initial ones got to small for my son. Due to that he complained of painful Kote strikes. With the new ones this is history and he is super happy. Super protective, light, comfortable, almost no time to break in and superb looking.
Forget about painful kote
The myrmidon kote were an upgrade after my vanguard kote which have served me well these pas three years. They are not comfortable out of the box but you get there after only 4-5 training sessions.
And they are even more protective than the classic vanguard. If you have some hard kote striker in your dojo, these kote will really help you !
Recommendable!!!!
Very light kote, i was surprised, but perfect protection!! Comfortable to wear and superfast drying. Fantastic product!! Thx a lot!!!!
Like a glove
Coming from a very old kote pair, this does feel different. Soft, velvety yet very protective. Already comfortable since the first use. Highly recommended!
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