View source for Shinai

{{Short description|Bamboo or wooden sword used in kendo}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Italic title|reason=[[:Category:Japanese words and phrases]]}}
{{Refimprove|date=July 2011}}
[[Image:Shinai.jpg|thumb|300px|A ''shinai'' made of [[bamboo]]]]
A {{Nihongo|'''''shinai'''''|竹刀}} is a Japanese [[sword]] typically made of [[bamboo]] used for practice and competition in ''[[kendo|kendō]]''.<ref name=DavidHallEncyclopedia>{{cite book |last=Hall |first=David A. |date=2012 |title=Encyclopedia of Japanese Martial Arts |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MIL1uQAACAAJ |location=New York |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |pages=256–67, 431 |isbn=9781568364100}}</ref> ''Shinai'' are also used in other martial arts, but may be styled differently from ''kendō shinai'', and represented with different [[kanji|characters]].  The light, soft wood used in a ''shinai'' distinguishes it from other wooden swords such as a ''[[bokken|bokuto (木刀)]]'', usually called a bokken (木剣) outside Japan, 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 [[Ittō-ryū|Nakanishi-ha Ittō-ryū]].<ref>{{cite book |author1=Junzō Sasamori |author2=Gordon Warner|author2-link=Gordon Warner |title=This Is Kendo: The Art of Japanese Fencing |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9PgWBhKrg00C&pg=PA51 |date=June 1989 |publisher=Tuttle Publishing |isbn=978-0-8048-1607-6 |page=51}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first1=Thomas A. |last1=Green |first2=Joseph R. |last2=Svinth |title=Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P-Nv_LUi6KgC&pg=PA599 |date=30 June 2010 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-244-9 |page=599}}</ref>  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 {{nihongo|''[[bokutō]]''|木刀}}, the hard wooden swords they were previously using. This is also the motivation behind the development of {{nihongo|''[[bōgu]]''|防具}}, 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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lowry |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Lowry (martial arts) |date=1986 |title=Bokken: Art of the Japanese Sword |publisher=Ohara Publications |page=21&ndash;27 |isbn=978-0-89750-104-0}}</ref>
==Etymology==
The word "''shinai''" is derived from the verb {{nihongo|''shinau''|撓う}}, meaning "to bend, to flex", and was originally short for ''shinai-take'' (flexible bamboo). ''Shinai'' is written with the [[kanji]] {{nihongo2|竹刀}}, meaning "bamboo sword", and is an [[Kanji#Readings|irregular kanji reading]].
In ''kendo'', it is most common to use a single ''shinai'', sometimes called ''ittō'' (一刀) style. Some ''kendōka'' choose to use two ''shinai''.  This ''kendō'' style is usually called {{nihongo|''ni-tō''|二刀}}, a style that has its roots in the two-sword schools of swordsmanship such as [[Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū]].  A ''ni-tō'' combatant uses a long ''shinai'' called the {{nihongo|''daitō''|大刀}}, which is usually held in the right hand, and a shorter ''shinai'', called the {{nihongo|''shōtō''|小刀}}, which is usually held in the left hand. The holding position can be switched, however, with the daitō in the left hand and the shōtō in the right. The ''daitō'' is shorter and lighter than a ''shinai'' used in the ''ittō'' style of ''kendō''.  Specifications for ''shinai'' used in ''kendō'' competitions that follow the [[International Kendo Federation]] (FIK) rules are below.
==Construction==
[[Image:ShinaiParMoi.bmp.png|thumb|center|The shinai components|600px]]
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 {{nihongo||竹|take}}, which are held together by three [[leather]] fittings: a hilt (tsuka), or handle wrapping ({{nihongo4||柄皮|tsuka-gawa}}); a fitting at the tip ({{nihongo4||先皮|saki-gawa}}) and a leather strip ({{nihongo4||中結|naka-yui}}) that binds the four slats.  The parts are all secured with a string ({{nihongo4||弦|tsuru}}).
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 {{nihongo||打突部|datotsu-bu}}.
Inserted between the ends of the slats, under the ''saki-gawa'', is a [[plastic]] plug {{nihongo||先ゴム|saki-gomu}}, and under the ''tsuka-gawa'' there is a small square of metal {{nihongo||ちぎり|chigiri}}, that holds the slats in place.
A hand-guard {{nihongo||鍔|[[tsuba]]}} is then fitted on the ''tsuka-gawa'' before it ends and the bamboo slats show. This is held in place by a rubber ring {{nihongo||鍔止め|tsuba-dome}}.
==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{{Vague|date=May 2024}} 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 and bladed weapons|edged or bladed weapon]], like an actual metal sword, and competitors are trained to think of it as a dangerous instrument if misused.
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''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Regulations of Kendo Shiai and Shinpan |date=December 7, 2006 |publisher=[[International Kendo Federation]] |location=Tokyo, Japan}}
* {{cite web |title=Shinai Regulations |url=http://www.kendo-usa.org/reference/shinai_regs.htm |publisher=KENDO America}}
* {{cite web |author=The International Kendo Federation (FIK) |date=1 July 2009 |title=Regulations for use of Shinai in competition |url=http://www.kendoaustralia.asn.au/content/?page_id=89 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719075941/http://www.kendoaustralia.asn.au/content/?page_id=89 |archive-date=2011-07-19 |work=The Regulations of Kendo Shiai and Shinpan |publisher=Australian Kendo Renmei}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Table A. FIK Specifications for competition use of one Shinai (Itto).
! Specification
! Gender
! Junior High School (12–15 yrs)
! Senior High School (15–18 yrs)
! University students and Adults (18 yrs+)
|-
| align="left"|'''Maximum length'''
|Male & Female
|{{convert|114|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|117|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|120|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
| align="left"  rowspan="2"|'''Minimum weight'''
|Male
|{{convert|440|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|480|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|510|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|-
|Female
|{{convert|400|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|420|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|440|g|oz|abbr=on}}
|-
| align="left"  rowspan="2"|'''Minimum diameter of sakigawa'''
|Male
|{{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|26|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|26|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
|Female
|{{convert|24|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
| align="left"|'''Minimum length of sakigawa'''
|Male & Female
|{{convert|50|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|50|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|50|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|}
''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.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table B. FIK Specifications for competition use of two Shinai (Nito).
!Specification
!Gender
!Daito (long shinai)
!Shoto (short shinai)
|-
| align="left"|'''Maximum length'''
|Male & female
|{{convert|114|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|62|cm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
| align="left"  rowspan="2"|'''Weight'''
|Male
|{{convert|440|g|oz|abbr=on}} minimum
|{{convert|280-300|g|oz|abbr=on}} maximum
|-
|Female
|{{convert|400|g|oz|abbr=on}} minimum
|{{convert|250-280|g|oz|abbr=on}} maximum
|-
| align="left"  rowspan="2"|'''Minimum diameter of sakigawa'''
|Male
|{{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|24|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
|Female
|{{convert|24|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|24|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|-
|}
''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.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Commercial Shinai Sizing
|-
! Size
! colspan=2 style="width:100px"| Length
| rowspan=5|
! Size
! colspan=2 style="width:100px"| Length
|- style="text-align:center"
! 28
| 36 in || 92 cm
! 36
| 44 in || 112 cm
|- style="text-align:center"
! 30
| 38 in || 97 cm
! 37
| 45 in || 114 cm
|- style="text-align:center"
! 32
| 40 in || 102 cm
! 38
| 46 in || 117 cm
|- style="text-align:center"
! 34
| 42 in || 107 cm
! 39
| 47 in || 120 cm
|}
==Fukuro-shinai==
The ancestor of the modern kendo ''shinai'' is the {{nihongo|''fukuro-shinai''|袋竹刀}}, 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 [[lacquer|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 {{nihongo|''hikihada''|蟇肌}}, 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==
[[File:Johnny Devine kendo stick.jpg|thumb|[[Johnny Devine]] (left) uses a kendo stick on Buck Gunderson during a match.]]
''Shinai'' are commonly used as a [[glossary of professional wrestling terms#foreign object|prop]] in [[professional wrestling]], where they are often referred to as ''kendo sticks'' or ''Singapore canes''.<ref>{{cite book |author=Thom Loverro |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |publisher=Pocket Books |year=2006 |pages=59–60}}</ref> 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==
* [[Waster]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{Commons category inline|Kendo shinai}}
{{Japanese (samurai) weapons, armour and equipment}}
[[Category:Bamboo weapons]]
[[Category:Practice swords of Japan]]
[[Category:Samurai weapons and equipment]]