Shinai (竹刀)

***Shinai*** (竹刀) are the weapons used for practice and competition in kendo.  It represents a katana during *keiko*. *Shinai* are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently from kendo *shinai* and represented with different characters.

*Shinai* should not be confused with *bokuto*, or wooden swords used for *kata* practice.

## Construction

### Parts

* *Sakigawa*
* *Sakigomu*
* *Tsuru*
* *Nakayui*
* *Tsuba*
* *Tsubadome*
* *Tsuka*
* *Tsukagawa*
* *Take*
* *Chigiri*

The *sakigawa*, *nakayui*, and *tsukagawa* all fall under the category of a *shinai*'s leather parts. There are two kinds of leather to choose from. One is is *gintuki* leather, the other is *toko* leather. *Toko* is the cheaper kind and can normally be shortened (if so desired) by folding back the leather at the open end and making new holes for the leather thong that attaches to the *tsuru*. *Gin tsukagawa* are normally threaded at the *tsuba* end with a leather thong so they need to be cut at the closed *tsukagashira* end, and be sewn in a circle whilst turned inside out. *Gintuki* leather generally stretches less and is less prone to ripping. English-speaking equipment suppliers often may not describe the leather as *toko* or *gin*. In such cases, *gin* is usually described as thicker leather or superlative in quality , while *toko* is described as thinner leather and relatively lower in quality (e.g. "Top Quality" vs. "High Quality/Performance").

## Variations

### Sizes

The names of *shinai* sizes based off of the Japanese system of measurements. A size 39 *shinai* is thus a 3 *shaku* 9 *sun shinai*.

### Designs

Shinai also come in various styles, with differently shaped *take*, different types of bamboo, different shapes thicknesses in grip. There are smoked varieties, which have a distinctive color. There are even synthetic shinai too.

The three main shapes of shinai are as follows: *dobari*, normal, and *chokuto*/*koto*.

The three different materials most shinai are made of are *keichiku*, *madake*, and carbon fiber.

In this episode, host Andy Fisher introduces different types of Shinai, and offers advice on hot to choose one. Also he takes us through the process of Shinai maintenance.

When you choose your *shinai*, think of the length, weight, balance, type that fits your Kendo. Beyond that, you can decide on the quality of the tsukagawa, nakayui and other leather parts among other things. If you are new, don't sweat buying the super expensive fancy shinai. *Shinai* take a significant beating during practice, so for most people and most practices the marginal changes to the feel of a shinai usually aren't really needed until later. For the sake of cost and durability, a normal *shinai* will usually suffice.

## Regulations

*Shinai* may be checked with a shinai gauge to verify the correct thickness.

## Maintenance

Maintenance is important! Cracked/splintered *take*, loose *tsuru*, and loose *nakayui* all may cause the *sakigawa* to fall off during practice. This in turn may lead to accidents in which *take* slip through the *mengane* or splinters injure the body. Accidents like these have caused blindness and death. It is up to each *kendōka* to bear in mind the safety of all his or her fellows. Check each *shinai* before and after practice to ensure it is safe to use.

A less obvious part of *shinai* maintenance is moisture control. New *shinai*, including those shipped by plane and those stored or delivered to a dry location, often lose the moisture that prevent it from cracking. Oiling a *shinai* is a quick way of restoring moisture and avoiding breakage. There is a debate over which oils work well. However, whatever the case, be mindful that whatever goes into your shinai will come off onto your opponent's *bōgu*. One can help avoid *bōgu* stains by making sure *shinai* are thoroughly dried after oiling and by avoiding the use of wax to seal sanded-down splinters. Alternatively, one can let a shinai adjust to the local humidity by storing it for a few months before use.

A good *shinai* will be strong and flexible, bending at the *monouchi* rather than at the *tsuba* when bent against the floor.

## See Also

* *Shiaiyo*
* *Mokuju*

## References

1. ↑ Geoff Salmon, Tsukagawa Fashion Trends
2. ↑ Geoff Salmon, I've Been Slimed
3. ↑ Ishiwata Yasuji, Kendo Equipment Manual