How uncomfortable should men feel/tips to make wearing men more comfortable?

[u/feathers1ut]

Hey all,

I have recently started wearing full bogu during training, men included. The men is club gear, and as such is not going to be a perfect fit but it is decent, however I feel as though I must be wearing it incorrectly given how painful it proves to wear once the hour mark has passed. For context, I have TMJ issues from clenching so I am prone to experiencing jaw and related facial pains.

The first few times I wore it I found it uncomfortable, but I think most of this discomfort was to do with the new sensation which is quite bizarre. However, I am now at the point where the sides of my head where the Himo lay become intolerably painful after an hour or so, and my jaw begins to feel as though it is cramping/shooting pain from my jaw up the sides of my face/head. It really feels like my head is in a vice after a while to the point where I cannot concentrate.

I understand there is going to be a level of discomfort that one must get used to with wearing men, however the fact that the pain begins to distract me seems abnormal, especially given no one else who has also recently gotten into men seems to experience it. I am someone who has a relatively high pain threshold, but I just feel like I have to be wearing it incorrectly or the size must be off. If I have it tight enough that it doesn't slip around, I feel that very pressurised pain where the Himo straps are and my jaw begins to ache badly.

Another thing perhaps of note is that multiple people in my dojo have commented that I have quite a 'small' western head/narrow face, which I have been told can make sizing for a men trickier given that they are designed for typically wider Asian faces. I don't know if this is a real factor, it is just what a fair few of my senpai have told me when asking them about fitting for men.

I was just hoping you guys might have some advice as to how I should try wearing this men, if it sounds to be the wrong size and if I likely need to get a custom one sooner rather than later in order to feel comfortable wearing it for extended periods of time.

Cheers

[u/JoeDwarf]

This is really the sort of thing that needs to be sorted out in person, we can't verify the fit and proper tying of your men from your text descriptions. Is there nobody in your club who can help address this for you?

[u/princethrowaway2121h]

Pull the back of the “wing tips” forward to stop the men from crushing your ears

[u/gozersaurus]

First and foremost, kendo gear should not feel uncomfortable, certainly not painful. If it is talk to your instructor ASAP about the fit. There will be a certain breaking in period to new gear, but what you're describing isn't that. As for westerner vs asian, these days lots of bogu makers will ask you that question. Club bogu there will probably be some things that will not fit correctly. Talk to your instructor first to see what can be done about the fit, and there are lots of little nuances that can be done to help it fit better that they can show you.

[u/BinsuSan]

Where is the men himo knot placed when tied?

[u/skilliau]

When you get your own bogu that fits correctly, the jaw problem will cease. That's the same problem I had.

I've never had problems with having a wider face as a Caucasian and I got my bogu from Japan.

[u/shik262]

The only time kendo hurts me is when I am motodachi for new students. Normal strikes feel like a sharp shove, you feel them, but they definitely don’t hurt.

[u/Oogasan]

It should not be that uncomfortable. The fit is probably bad and/or you are not tying it properly. Your teacher should be able to help you with the tying to begin with, and if that does not improve the situation maybe you can borrow a different men until you can get your own?

Having done kendo for quite a long time, I have noticed that many of the beginners tend to drop off when they get into bogu. It is a bit uncomfortable and maybe a bit scary getting hit on the head. It is loud, hot and hectic. Most people need some time to adjust before they start appreciating kendo. So just hang in there, when you have found a men that fits better you will have a great time!

My tip to ease the pressure over the ears is to pull to the sides of the back opening of the men. That usually helps.

[u/Single_Spey]

It shouldn’t, even if it’s not “tailor made”, any decent quality, off the rack men, providing you’ve been measured correctly, should feel fine. Regarding pain under the himo, it only happens to me when I’m not folding the tenugui neatly under itself on the sides, and it may occur that the himo overlaps this tenugui little lump. Untie and start all over, sorted.

[u/Great_White_Samurai]

If you're serious about kendo buy your own bogu that actually fits.

[u/feathers1ut → u/Great_White_Samurai]

I plan to buy my own set, but wanted to keep it up for a bit using club gear to be sure I'm going to stick to kendo before spending a decent sum on bogu, this was also the recommendation of my club.