Kendo-Shinai 118cm

Japanese sword fighting with the shinai.

The shinai, made of split bamboo, was once considered an alternative to the bokken. However, especially in kendo—the Japanese art of sword fighting—the laminated sword proved more effective than its wooden counterpart. The relatively lightweight bamboo sticks can be adjusted to the desired weight using metal plates. Weights and length specifications apply, particularly in competitions. Women’s shinai must not weigh more than 440 g, and men’s shinai must not weigh more than 510 g. With a length of approximately 120 cm, our shinai meets the official competition standard.

Proper care ensures a long service life.

Bamboo belongs to the grass family. Like wood, bamboo is a natural raw material and requires ongoing care even after processing. In addition to a thorough inspection for splinters, you should prevent your shinai from drying out. When disassembled, the individual slats can be soaked in water or rubbed with oil. Ensure careful reassembly and rotate the striking side of your shinai from time to time. By distributing the impact forces, you counteract one-sided stress and thus a potential source of failure due to material breakage.

Safety is a top priority.

Your hakama protects you thanks to its sturdy construction, but the deadly 1977 training accident involving Dr. Kunihiro Goto demonstrated just how easily one can be injured by improper equipment. This tragedy was caused by a material failure in the shinai. It is your responsibility to protect yourself and your opponent. Therefore, always rely on high-quality gear and maintain it properly. If you ever find cracks or irregularities, replace your shinai immediately—safety is the top priority in Japanese sword fighting as well.

Get your high-quality kendo shinai now and trust in the exceptional quality of Budoland’s product range.