KendoStar was helpful at helping me size my equipment
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
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PERFECT FOR PRACTITIONERS WHO OFTEN ACT AS MOTODACHI, OR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST PROTECTION POSSIBLE.
Measuring Guide:
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| (A) Measure from the tip of the chin, to the furthest point at the crown. Keep mouth closed, and keep tape in front of ears. Hold the tape still with your finger, whilst another person takes the measurement. Tape should be reasonably tight, but not squeezing. |
B) Measure around the forehead at the widest point, where you would wear a hat. Keep the tape above your ears and eyebrows. |
C) Measure from the bottom of the chin, to the middle of the eyes. For accuracy, have someone help you. |
Building on the Original VANGUARD concept, The VANGUARD MYRMIDON is covered in our innovative GUARD-STICH 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 AND 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 Men is stitched using our new, innovative GUARD-STITCH pattern stitching. This is unique in Kendo Bogu design, featuring 4 lines of 3mm stitching, aligned in 14mm intervals. These large intervals create large cushions, where the Futon is left very thick, and padded, giving unrivaled protection, and takes the shock out of even the heaviest of blows. The Mendare feature, tighter 5mm diagonal stitching, to give additional durability where abrasion against the shoulders usually occurs. A light, but strong IBB Mengane (protective cage) features reinforced bars in the strike zone - giving excellent balance, and exceptional strength. to improve hygiene, a new type of specially developed micro-bacterial felt is used for the Uchiwa (face padding), which dries quickly, and is resilient to odor.

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 18 reviews.
KendoStar was helpful at helping me size my equipment
Marsh L. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Great product and fast delivery!!
Perry H. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
I'm very satisfied with the Vanguard Myrmidon! The extra protection gives me more self-confidence. I will attack faster and longer.
Erik S. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
I had to return the original size I ordered as I have a strange shaped head... but Kendostar were really helpful in making sure I got the right size, including checking my measurements and sending out a replacement very promptly. The men fits well and has had its first practice this weekend. Very happy with my purchase and the great customer service I received.
Matthew P. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Great equipment and excellent service. Shipping was much faster than expected, and I love that the price includes all possible duties. In Canada one never knows.
Thomas T. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Super protective and good looking men.
Reinhard M. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Men very confortable and super projective Thanks you JB
Jean-baptiste R. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Sehr schnelle Lieferung. Der Men macht den Eindruck als könnte er mich, wie mein alter Men, weitere 20 Jahre durch mein Kendoleben bringen, Ich bin begeitert.
Walter M. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
As always Kendo Star customer service is second to none. My order arrived several weeks earlier the expected. Extremely well made and fit is perfect. I will update in about 4 months when my rotator cuff surgery has healed.
Stella P. 5/5 Verified
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
It was a birthday present for my wife, she loves it from the first keiko on :-)) Great quality, fast delivery!! I will order "my" men a.s.a.p. !!
Stephan O. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
This is a spectacular men design!! VERY lightweight and very protective, yet still looks amazing. After a few minutes, it's almost like I'm not wearing a men compared to my old school hand-stitched titanium men. Break in was faster than any men I've owned (and I have "meny" hand stiched and otherwise men - LOL). Workmanship is first class. You could pay more for sure, but I don't think you could get a better overall kendo men. The last thing, Fisher Sensei's bogu designs are just so well thought out. They're technically spot on and just look wicked. I sat this men next to some of my others and it just has a cooler overall shape. Also, got the black menbuchi. Love it! Keep up the GREAT work guys...
Brian E. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Nice and light. Felt very protected, especially compared to my previous men. Managed to win second with my team at a regional competition with it on!
L H. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
very comfortable and protective as a beginner i did some research and i found the instructions on this website very helpful to be able to choose the right size for me, I am very happy with this purchased, it is a great price for the quality, i train with a lot of beginners so i get hit a lot on the head (men) but the protection that i have with this Men makes a big difference in my practice.
Livia S. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Very nice and the most protective men. Happy with my decision I bought this men because my old men actually did not really fit, in particularly the monomi does not align to my eyes (my mistake when I took measurement). Also, it is a little bit thin so it was not enough protective, especially when you are doing motodachi with new beginners who do not know to strike with tenouchi. The vanguard-myrmidon men fits me perfectly, especially the monomi. It is very well and high protective, I feel nothing when someone strikes powerfully with right hand. Also, it is very comfortable to wear it. It also looks very nice. It is exactly what is required for a good men. I ordered during the Xmas holiday but as usually, I got very good supports from Ezghi and it was delivered very quick. I am very happy with my purchase.
Thanh D. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Very pleased with purchase I brought this men in the lockdown a few months ago. At last I have been able to use it and I was delighted with it. It is comfortable and gives good protection which is exactly what is required from a good men.
John G. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
The most protective machine-stitched men I saw so far! I do own "high protective" men from rivals budogu in the past, but this one does indeed have more padding and thickness, so you'll feel well protected :)
French K. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
Excellent Men This men offers unrivaled protection. Men was supple and flexible from first use. Excellent product, best men I have ever purchased.
Lynne T. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
VERY GOOD Good stuff, perfect protection, good design, I really like it!! Fast shipping. Don't hesitate!
Chris G. 5/5
'VANGUARD MYRMIDON' Super Protective GUARD-STITCH KendoStar Men
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