Takeda Cavalry Samurai Armor historical re-enactment & Cosplay

Cavalry Vanguard – Unleash the Power of Takeda’s Mounted Army

Kiba Gundan (騎馬軍団 – “Cavalry Corps”) is a historically inspired Gashira Class yoroi (armor set), crafted to honor the elite mounted warriors of the Takeda Clan under the legendary Daimyo Takeda Shingen (1521–1573). As infantry and archers became common in the mid-16th century, Shingen revolutionized battlefield tactics by transforming his cavalry into highly disciplined spear units, designed to break enemy lines and pursue fleeing troops. His strategy proved devastatingly effective, most notably at the Battle of Mikatagahara—earning the Takeda the title of “Mounted Army.”

This Kiba Gundan Gashira Class armor captures that proud history, with a fully functional design intended for mounted combat and parade. Crafted with a ni-mai dō (two-section cuirass), it is favored for comfort and adjustability while riding. The cuirass is paired with a zunari kabuto featuring optional mayu (simulated eyebrows), miage shiwa (facial wrinkles), and the suemon (clan crest) on both the fukigaeshi (helmet wings) and tekko (hand guards). These details evoke Takeda’s fierce battlefield presence while paying homage to traditional samurai armor aesthetics.

All armor options are pre-selected to replicate the model shown, but can be adjusted to suit your personal style. Select from various kabuto styles, menpō, suneate, colors, lacing, and even swap or omit simulated features like eyebrows and wrinkles. Each suit is handcrafted by the skilled katchû-shi at Iron Mountain Armory, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern precision.

Key Features & Benefits:

Gashira Class: Mid-tier craftsmanship with high attention to detail

Designed for mounted samurai, with traditional ni-mai dō

Fully customizable helmet, mask, shin guards, and finish

Includes historical embellishments like suemon and fukurin

Full-sized & functional – ideal for wear, martial arts, or display

Includes display box & wooden stand

Shipping Information:

Handcrafted to order by our expert katchû-shi. Please allow at least 2 weeks for crafting and preparation before shipping.

Ride into battle in the spirit of Takeda Shingen – command respect with armor forged for warriors of purpose.

To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service.

Description

Cavalry Vanguard – Unleash the Power of Takeda’s Mounted Army

Key Features & Benefits:

Gashira Class: Mid-tier craftsmanship with high attention to detail
Designed for mounted samurai, with traditional ni-mai dō
Fully customizable helmet, mask, shin guards, and finish
Includes historical embellishments like suemon and fukurin
Full-sized & functional – ideal for wear, martial arts, or display
Includes display box & wooden stand

Shipping Information:

Handcrafted to order by our expert katchû-shi. Please allow at least 2 weeks for crafting and preparation before shipping.

Ride into battle in the spirit of Takeda Shingen – command respect with armor forged for warriors of purpose.

To see the class differences, please view Kachi Vs. Gashira.

For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service.

Additional information

Weight	26 kg
Dimensions	51 × 51 × 61 cm

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Kiba Gundan (Cavalry) Samurai Armor

Standard Suit Options

Kabuto Options

Chest Options

Kote Options

Sizing Options

Accessory Options

Extra Customization Options

Advanced Paint Options

Custom Lace Options

Cavalry Vanguard – Unleash the Power of Takeda’s Mounted Army

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Ride into battle in the spirit of Takeda Shingen – command respect with armor forged for warriors of purpose.

Description

Cavalry Vanguard – Unleash the Power of Takeda’s Mounted Army

Key Features & Benefits:

Shipping Information:

Ride into battle in the spirit of Takeda Shingen – command respect with armor forged for warriors of purpose.

Additional information

Reviews

Great News! 🎉

Select the LACE (Odoshi) Color you would like for your armor. (Click through the product images to see different Lace Colors.)

Select the Vertical and Horizontal ACCENT lacing for your armor set. (If left blank MAIN LACE COLOR will be used) (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)

Select the STYLE OF KABUTO (helmet) for your Armor. Please click the "ORDER OPTIONS EXPLAINED" link at the bottom left of the page for more details. To keep the standard style for this model armor leave pre-selected option "As Seen".

This option is available for Suji-Bachi Style Helmets, and allows you to chose how many plates are used to craft the “bowl” section of your helmet. The Standard Option is “Simulated” which means the helmet bowl will be crafted from a single sheet of steel and made to look like it is crafted from several pieces.

Select the Linen Material or Art. Silk Brocade used for your Armor parts.

Select the Leather Color and/or Egawa (pattern) used of your armor parts. (Haidate (armored apron), Light or Medium Suneate (shin armor))

Select the style of Suneate (shin armor) you would like for your armor. (Picture is for reference only.)

Select to upgrade your standard black lacquer Yoroi Bitsu (storage box & stand) to a natural lacquer Deluxe Bitsu with "dove tailed" joints.

Choose to add Samurai or Custom Mon (symbol) to your Yoroi Bitsu (armor box). Custom Mon's needs to be e-mailed to us in a mono-color, “Clip-Art” format.(Click through the product images to see different Standard Mon Options.)

Add a symbol (mon) to the ears (fukigaeshi) of your helmet. This can be a standard mon or custom design you can email us in "Clip-Art" format. (Click through the product images to see different Standard Mon Options.)

Add a Kasa Jirushi no Kan (ring with tassel) to the back of a helmet with an Agemaki Bow (a specially knotted cord).

Select your choice of face armor available for your yoroi. Standard and Ressei Menpo option will give you nose and mustache options. Henpo and Hoate are without nose option.

Add character to your armor by selecting a custom mustache option.(This option is only available with certain mask / nose styles.)

Select the Mon (symbol) to be painted on the front of your Dō (chest plate).(Option Not Available with Suna finish)

Customize the visor of your helmet with embosed eyebrows and/or wrinkles.

Select to add 1 or 2 Chest Rings (Saihai no kan & Tenugui no kan) to your Dō, used to display tassels or hold a saihai or gunbai. (Select option from the perspective of wearing the armor)

Add 1 or 2 WAIST RINGS (holding rings) to either side of your Dō (chest plate), used to hold bags, tie a weapon, Gunbai and/or your Sarashi in place. We recommend adding both if you are training in your armor. (Select option from the perspective of wearing the armor)

Add a Banner Holder (Machi-Uke) to the back of your Gashira or Kachi Dō (chest armor) so you can attach a Sashimono (war banner) to your armor set. (Add Optional Wooden Banner Base)

This option offers to make your kuzazuri (skirt plate) detachable / interchangeable. Commonly used in the past for fast repair / replacement of the kuzazuri, or removable for fast and quiet movement of troops.

Adjust the armor to your Height. Standard sizing is 5' 8" (175 CM). Select the option closest to your actual height. If unsure, select 1 size smaller and enter your actual size in the order comments.

Please select the option that is closest to your weight or next weight level greater, so our armorers can better fit your armor to your body size.

Add a long cloth belt used to hold your dō firmly in place for a more comfortable with and to hold weapons and other accessories to your waist.

Add Traditional Straw Sandals to your order. Select 1 size smaller.

Gashira (Officer): Expertly handmade from a mixture of quality traditional and modern materials, as well as some modern crafting process. This class of armor is crafted with a good attention to detail. Crafting Time: 20 to 35 Days. Materials Used: Bowl style kabuto, steel construction, traditional brocade, hemp, quality cotton, brass, copper fittings with genuine leather & and some synthetic materials might be used. (materials may differ depending on model) Our “Gashira Class” yoroi represents the next level up from our “Kachi Class.” Each suit is meticulously handcrafted by our experienced katchû-shi (armor smiths) at Iron Mountain Armory. These artisans pour their warrior spirit into every piece, using quality materials and traditional crafting methods, complemented by modern techniques, tools, and design advancements. Like the Taisho Class, each suit is heavily researched and crafted with great care for historical accuracy. The principal difference between the Gashira and Taisho classes is that the Gashira Class is crafted with a practical bowl-style kabuto (simulated laminate) and some machine-stamped parts. The Gashira Class also features subtle modern enhancements, such as grommets and spot welding, making the armor more robust and easier to maintain. Our Gashira Class samurai armor is made for collectors, exhibitions, re-enactors, and martial artists who desire an authentic “Gendai” samurai suit of armor without the additional expenses associated with the more traditional design and handcrafting methods of our Taisho Class. The Gashira Class features a more traditional Gendai design compared to the Kachi Class and includes features such as real animal hair, genuine leather, a removable or interchangeable nose, brass fittings, shoulder padding with kikko (armor plating), traditional butted mail, opposable thumbs, leg/waist support on haidate, extra materials, fittings, riveting, grommets, additional lacing options, and an included armor storage/display box (yoroi bitsu) with stand. The attention to detail is a significant step up from the Kachi Class. However, due to the handcrafted nature of many parts, there may be some blemishes that pass through our QC process. Although we strive to avoid and correct these blemishes, they are a natural occurrence in handcrafting. Taisho Class suits will have fewer, if any, of these blemishes due to the high standards and meticulous review processes.

If you would like to change the color of the BOTTOM PLATE of your Shikoro, you may select it here. If not it will match the option your provided above.(This option should only be chosen if you would like the neck plates to be a different color than those of the main Helmet.)

Select the color and finish for your Fukigaeshi (ears) of your kabuto.

Select the color & finish your Sode Bottom Plates (Suso no ita) will be painted. (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)

Select to change the Kusazuri (Skirt) Color / Finish. (If left blank it will match the MAIN ARMOR COLOR option selected above.)

Select the Color & Finish your Kusazuri (Gessan) Bottom Plates.

Select the color used for the BOTTOM HORIZONTAL LACE, on ALL Bottom Hanging Plates. (If left blank MAIN LACE COLOR will be used) (Image for reference only. Options may differ between classes and models)