Tatami (Japanese armour) the other related parts of a full suit of Japanese armour. Collapsible head protection such as "" and other collapsible armor are also "tatami" armor; a traditional kabuto could also be part of a tatami gusoku. Tatami armour was lightweight, portable, convenient for transportation, and they were manufactured inexpensively for the ashigaru light infantry. Tatami armours were worn by all samurai classes from the highest class to the lowest class. The higher class samurai wore elaborate armour while the lower class samurai and retainers wore simpler versions. In his book "Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The History of Weaponry
Rondel (armour) Rondel (armour) A rondel (ˈrɒndl) is a circular piece of metal used for protection, as part of a harness of plate armour, or attached to a helmet, breastplate, couter or on a gauntlet. Rondels most commonly hang off breastplates and cover the armpit, which is a vulnerable point.They may have been used to steady the jousting lance. In this instance they are commonly known as besagews. They also appear on the back of a type of late medieval helmet known as the armet. Their purpose for this is unknown, though it has been surmised that they may protect strapping, or