Shinai

For the village near Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat, India, see Shinai village. A is a practice weapon used primarily in kendo and is used as if it were a sword. Shinai are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently than kendo shinai and are represented with different characters.Sizes and style of shinai vary. For example, an adult male may be able to use a shinai that is too heavy for a female or a younger person, so shinai with different characteristics are made. Shinai are available in many styles and balances. In kendo the majority of students use one shinai, this style has its roots in the tradition of itto (one sword). However, some kendoka use two shinai, in ni-to, a style that has its roots in the tradtional two sword schools of swordsmanship. A ni-to player uses a longer shinai (daito), usually held in the right hand and a shorter shinai (shoto), usually held in the left hand.
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