Why are velcro and plastic buckles not allowed in Kendo?

I used to do Kendo and I hated how my bogu (body armor) and men (helmet) used puny strings to fasten on my body and head. It really made me question why no one modernized this overly traditional sport with new technological advancements such as carbon, ballistic plastic for the area that's made of iron on the men, velcro, and buckles to replace strings?

Probably 1/3 of the time, I've seen my buddies re-do their strings because it kept on falling off mid-practice, and I'm having a hard time doing the strings on my men because it's so god damn difficult. Why take time doing your armor, when you can go straight to practice without the worry of strings going loose?

Whoever runs the Kendo Committee seriously needs to resign because f***, these old designs are mentally killing my mind. I'm an innovative type of person so old designs aren't my thing.

Also, my Kendo Sensei doesn't allow me to modify my bogu or men by strapping straps and plastic buckles. What the flying f*** is that supposed to mean? This is utter BS on his part! How am I going to convince him now?

So have you quit or are you still active? Your post says both.

You mean things like this?

nekojita said:

You mean things like this?

Click to expand...

It's... it's BEAUTIFUL!!
[MENTION=36]Mike Cash[/MENTION]
Currently inactive but I still have all my uniforms and armor. I don't plan on selling them just yet. I'd like to give Kendo a shot one last time.