Men (Mask)

In Kendo there are four main target areas, the head the wrist the throat and the forearm.

To protect the head the MEN is worn. This helmet-like mask provides protection to the top of the head (the actual target area), the face (the metal grill) the throat, and the shoulders.

The flaps that cover the shoulders give the kendo mask its distinctive shape.

• Men buton – the quilted cloth padding which covers the head and shoulders of the wearer.

• Men buchi – The rigid border that attaches the Frame to the quilted cloth.

• Men himo chichikawa – leather strap used to attached the cords to the grill. In “Kyoto style” fastening the himo-chichikawa should be attached to the men-gane at the fourth bar from the bottom. 

•  Kadogawa-ate or Mengawa-kazari – translated, these terms are corner leather patch and men leather decoration, respectively. This artistic detail is sometimes applied to the corners of the futon using leather or cotton fabric cutouts.

• Men himo – cords used to lace the Men securely to the head of the wearer.

• Tsuki-dare – the rigid pad protecting the throat area.

• Men Gane – The metal grill that allows the user to have clear vision and breath easily whilst offering a great deal of protection.

• Monomi – a space between two horizontal bars that is slightly wider apart (about 1 cm.) than the spacing between any other two bars.When properly fitted, the wearer’s eyes should be directly aligned with the monomi, allowing the wearer to see clearly while maintaining proper neck and shoulder posture.