Dress code
The entire uniform called a kendogi, includes a woven cotton top (keikogi) and pleated skirt-like pants that are called (hakama). The armor is worn over the Kendogi and is made up of four pieces:
1. a head guard (men), which has a metal face grill and protective flaps covering the throat and the back of the head and shoulders
2. a body protector (do), which is made from bamboo and covered in leather
3. gloves (Kote), which are thickly padded and protect the wrists
4. a hip and waist protector (tare), which is a thick cotton belt with protective flaps hanging from it
For protection, the most important part of a kendoka’s uniform is the head guard. A special towel (Tenugui) is placed around the head before putting on the head guard, Kendoka also wears groin protectors.
Etiquette
Kendo schools require students to show proper respect for their sensei (instructor), fellow students, and dojo (training hall).
1. Always bow when entering the dojo. It does the sign of respect to your sensei and to the past and present masters of Kendo. Always bow to your sensei when asking for or receiving instruction.
2. Touching another student’s gear, such as their armor or their sword, is not allowed unless you have permission to do so. Always pass behind a Kendoka wearing armor. If passing in front of a seated Kendoka, give a slight bow and hold out your hand as you pass.
3. Uniforms must be kept clean and in good order at other times.
4. Student must respect their shinai. Although it is made from bamboo, it represents a fighter’s sword, and this was extremely important to any swordman. A kendoka should never lean on their shinai, or leave it lying around. It would be the considered disrespectful to step over another student's armor or weapons that are laid out on the floor.