Shinai

A is a Japanese sword typically made of bamboo used for practice and competition in ''kendo''. ''Shinai'' are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently from ''kendo shinai'', and represented with different characters. The light, soft wood used in a ''shinai'' distinguishes it from other wooden swords such as a ''bokken'', which is generally made of heavier, sturdier wood.

History

The earliest use of a bamboo weapon to train with instead of a sword is credited to Kamiizumi Nobutsuna (1508-1572?) of the Shinkage-ryū. The modern ''shinai'', with four slats of bamboo, is generally credited to Nakanishi Chuzo Tsugutate (died 1801) of Nakanishi-ha Ittō-ryū. The ''shinai'' was developed in an effort to reduce the number of practitioners being seriously injured during practice, making a practice weapon that was less dangerous than , the hard wooden swords they were previously using. This is also the motivation behind the development of , the armour that protects the ''kendoka''.

Due to its lighter weight compared to a ''bokken'' or a metal katana, a ''shinai'' can be wielded in a fashion that allows quicker strikes than would be practicable with a heavier sword. This also makes ''shinai'' popular in producing movies and television shows; a prop ''shinai'' with a thin metal covering can look similar to a metal sword, while allowing cinematic, showy strikes that are nevertheless fairly safe to perform.

Etymology

The word "''shinai''" is derived from the verb , meaning "to bend, to flex", and was originally short for ''shinai-take'' (flexible bamboo). ''Shinai'' is written with the kanji , meaning "bamboo sword", and is an irregular kanji reading.

In ''kendo'', it is most common to use a single ''shinai'', sometimes called ''itto'' style. Some ''kendoka'' choose to use two ''shinai''. This ''kendo'' style is usually called , a style that has its roots in the two-sword schools of swordsmanship such as Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū. A ''ni-to'' combatant uses a long ''shinai'' called the , which is usually held in the right hand, and a shorter ''shinai'', called the , which is usually held in the left hand. The holding position can be switched, however, with the daito in the left hand and the shoto in the right. The ''daitō'' is shorter and lighter than a ''shinai'' used in the ''itto'' style of ''kendo''. Specifications for ''shinai'' used in ''kendo'' competitions that follow the International Kendo Federation (FIK) rules, are below.

Construction

Sizes and style of ''shinai'' vary. For example, an adult may be able to use a ''shinai'' that is too heavy for a younger person, so ''shinai'' with different sizes and characteristics are made. ''Shinai'' are available in many styles and balances. A ''shinai'' should not be confused with a ''bokutō'', which has a much more similar shape and length to a Japanese sword and is made from a single piece of wood. However, both ''shinai'' and ''bokken'' are used in ''kendo''.

The slats of a ''shinai'' are usually made from dried bamboo. Some may also be treated by smoking them, or soaking them in resin. ''Shinai'' slats are also made of carbon fibre, reinforced resin, or other approved alternative materials.

The ''shinai'' comprises four slats known as , which are held together by three leather fittings: a hilt (tsuka), or handle wrapping (); a fitting at the tip () and a leather strip () that binds the four slats. The parts are all secured with a string ().

The ''nakayui'' is tied about one-third of the length of the exposed bamboo from the tip . This holds the slats together and also marks the proper ''kendo'' striking portion of the ''shinai'', or .

Inserted between the ends of the slats, under the ''saki-gawa'', is a plastic plug , and under the ''tsuka-gawa'' there is a small square of metal , that holds the slats in place.

A hand-guard is then fitted on the ''tsuka-gawa'' before it ends and the bamboo slats show. This is held in place by a rubber ring .

Safety

The ''shinai'' is useful as a practice sword to simulate the weight and feel of a katana or ''bokken'' without injuring the user or the target. Upon impact the bundled slats dissipate the force of the strike by flexing/bending along the length of the blade, and expanding slightly, along its cross-sectional area (stress = force/unit area). As a result of this lack of rigidity, along with the relative innocuous nature of bamboo vs razor-sharp steel, the impacted area is less damaged and may experience only bruising, rather than life-threatening deep cuts or puncture wounds, even with strong and forceful strikes.

Proper care

A ''shinai'' must be properly taken care of or it can pose a danger to both the user and the people around it. ''Shinai'' should be inspected for splinters and breaks before and after use, and maintained in a manner considered most appropriate by one's style, ''dōjō'', or ''sensei''.

Many people believe that oiling and sanding a ''shinai'' prior to its first use, and then periodically during use, can greatly extend its life. However, some disagreement exists on what is considered proper ''shinai'' care.

To properly inspect a ''shinai'', one first examines the area around the ''datotsu-bu'', inspecting all sides of the ''shinai'' for splinters. This is very important, as bamboo splinters can easily cause injury. The ''saki-gawa'' should be intact and the ''tsuru'' should be tight so that the ''saki-gawa'' does not slip off the end of the ''shinai'' during use. In addition, the ''nakayui'' should be tight enough as not to rotate easily.

When not in use, ''shinai'' used in ''kendo'' practice should be either laid on the floor or leaned vertically against a wall. Some instructors require the base (''kashira'') of the handle (''tsuka'') on the floor and the tip (''kissaki'') leaning against the wall. In kendo, the ''shinai'' is treated in the same way as a edged or bladed weapon, like an actual metal sword, and competitors are trained to think of it as a dangerous instrument if mis-used.

When a ''shinai'' is placed on the floor, it is considered poor etiquette to step over it.

Regulations

In ''kendo'' competitions that follow the FIK rules, there are regulated weights and lengths for the use of ''shinai''.

''Shinai'' are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without ''tsuba'' or ''tsuba-dome''. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the ''tsuba'' is 9cm.

''Shinai'' are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without ''tsuba'' or ''tsuba-dome''. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the ''tsuba'' is 9cm.

Fukuro-shinai

The ancestor of the modern kendo ''shinai'' is the , which is still in use in koryū kenjutsu. This is a length of bamboo, split multiple times on one end, and covered by a leather sleeve. This explains the name ''fukuro'', which means bag, sack or pouch. Sometimes the older and rarer kanji tō (韜) is used, but has the same meaning as fukuro.

Some schools cover the entire bamboo in the sleeve and add a ''tsuba'', like Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryū does. In Shinkage-ryū, the sleeve is lacquered Kamakura Red, and rather than covering the entire length, is tied off at the non-split end. This particular kind of ''fukuro-shinai'' is also called a , or toad-skin ''shinai''. The name comes from how the leather looks after lacquering; the sleeves are actually made of cow or horse-hide.

Other uses

''Shinai'' are commonly used as a prop in professional wrestling, where they are often referred to as ''kendo sticks'' or ''Singapore canes''. Wrestlers are typically struck across the back, stomach, legs and arms, though some are struck in the head or face, sometimes depending upon the wrestling promotion where the match is taking place.

See also

* Bokken
* Kendo
* Waster

References

External links

*

{{Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment

Bamboo weapons
Practice swords of Japan
Samurai weapons and equipment