Shinai

Kendo shinai for every stage of keiko — from your very first practice blade to shiai-grade — stocked here in Sydney.

Every handle and build in one place: standard, koban and tsukabuto grips, in keichiku or madake bamboo, from beginner to tournament shinai. In-stock orders placed before 12pm ship same day, or collect by appointment — and anything not in stock can be pre-ordered to the exact spec, with a delivery date locked in.

New to choosing a shinai? Read our size, grip and bamboo guide below, or message us for a quick recommendation.

How to choose your shinai

A shinai isn’t one-size-fits-all. Four things decide how it feels in your hands: length, grip shape, bamboo, and balance. Here’s how to read them — and where our range fits.

1. Length & weight

For shiai and grading, length and weight are set by age, following the All Japan Kendo Federation standards. These are the shinai’s measurements, not the wielder’s:

Stage Age Size Max length Min weight (M) Min weight (F)
Junior high 13–15 37 114 cm 440 g 400 g
Senior high 16–18 38 117 cm 480 g 420 g
University / adult 18+ 39 120 cm 510 g 440 g

At shiai the length, weight and tip diameter are checked at the weigh-in, so match your size to your division. Under 13 there’s no weight rule — choose by height: stand the shinai upright at your feet and the tip should reach to about your armpit.

2. Grip shape

  • Round (standard) — the usual circular handle. Even in the hand, works for any style and any level. This covers most of our range.
  • Koban / oval (小判) — an oval handle that settles your hands into the correct grip and stops the blade twisting, which helps while you’re still building technique. → Butoku 武德
  • Tsukabuto / thick (柄太) — a fuller handle for larger hands or anyone who prefers a thicker grip; it also draws the balance a little toward the hands. → Mogami-Kiyodaira

3. Bamboo

  • Keichiku (Taiwanese bamboo) — the standard for daily keiko: flexible and good value. It can raise splinters with use, so it pays to keep it dressed (see care below). Most of our practice shinai are keichiku.
  • Madake — denser, tighter-grained bamboo with a crisper rebound on the strike. It holds up longer and resists splintering, which is why it’s favoured for shiai and grading. → Shura 修羅, Yu-ka 勇化

4. Balance & feel

  • Standard — balance sits in the middle. Even and predictable, the easiest to learn on and the most versatile.
  • Dobari (胴張) — thickened toward the centre, so the balance shifts to your hands and the tip feels lighter — quick to handle for fast, close combinations. → Shura 修羅, Ka-In 火印
  • Koto (古刀) — balance sits further toward the tip for a heavier, more committed cut, preferred by advanced players. → Takeyoshi 武義

Practice or shiai — a quick steer

  • Daily keiko: a standard-balance keichiku shinai is hard to beat — durable, forgiving and easy to replace. Keep a spare or two. → Shoshin, Seido 星道, Takekaze
  • Shiai & grading: lean toward madake and/or dobari for feel and control, and check your size against the table above. → Shura 修羅, Ka-In 火印

Caring for your shinai

A few minutes of upkeep keeps a shinai safe and lasting far longer.

  • Before and after keiko, run a hand along the staves for splinters and cracks. Smooth any rough spot straight away with fine sandpaper so it can’t catch a partner or split further.
  • Every few weeks, take the shinai apart, check each stave, and wipe a thin film of shinai oil into the bamboo to keep the fibres supple. A little goes a long way — let it sit before you reassemble.
  • Replace any stave that has cracked through, and keep a few spares so a split never costs you a session.
Not sure which to pick? Tell us your level, your height, and whether it’s for keiko or shiai, and we’ll point you to the right one — message us.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about sizing, pickup, shipping and payment — message us if you can't find what you need.

What measurements do I need to provide for a custom Bogu set to fit correctly?

To guarantee an accurate fit, we ask for:

Dō and uniforms: height, weight, waist circumference, hip-to-ankle length.
Kote: palm length, palm circumference.
Men: jawline-around-head, forehead circumference, chin-to-eye measurement.

Because every set is made to your measurements, this also covers smaller or leaner builds — for example, a child who's still small and thin — the fit is based on their actual body, not a standard size chart.

Can I pick up my order in person, and where are you located?

Yes, local pickup is available at our Pyrmont location (1-29 Bunn Street, Pyrmont) until the end of September 2026. Please coordinate a date and time with us in advance so we can have your items ready and book visitor parking if you're driving.

From October 2026, pickup moves to 24-36 Pacific Highway, Wahroonga.

What are your shipping options, and how long does delivery take?

Custom-made Bogu is produced after we receive your measurements — production takes 7–10 business days in off-peak periods, or up to 10–20 business days during peak season (March–May). If ready-stocked Bogu works for you instead, we can dispatch within 4 business days.

Once dispatched, our default shipping method is Sea Freight (about 30–45 days), which is typically included in the price. Need it sooner? You can upgrade to Express Air Shipping (7–10 business days) for an additional fee.

Can I customize or remove individual items from a Bogu package deal?

Yes — you can upgrade specific components (such as upgrading the Men or Kote to premium versions), or remove items you don't need (like a shinai bag or backpack), for an adjusted invoice price.

What's your cancellation and refund policy for pre-order Bogu?

The refund window is based on your order date and shipping method. For Sea Freight orders, cancel within 7 days of placing your order for a full refund; after that, cancellations receive a 50% refund. For Air Freight orders, the full-refund window is 3 days from your order date; after that, it's also 50%.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept direct bank transfer, Xero invoice, WeChat Pay or Alipay (for RMB deposits), and credit card (including AMEX) via secure Shopify invoices, or cash for in-person pickup.

What happens if my shipment faces international port or customs delays?

International shipping can occasionally face unforeseen delays due to customs inspections or public holidays. We actively monitor all shipments and provide tracking links. For significant delays, we'll keep you updated and may offer interim gear or a small complimentary gift as thanks for your patience.