Comments for Shinai size in comparison to the wielder's height, age, and weight.

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Jul 12, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		FIK
by: Anonymous

The "International Kendo Federation" was IKF and is now the FIK as there is also the "International Karate Federation" in the GAIFS which is the "General Association of International Federation of Sports".

Kendo-Guide.Com: You are right. It is FIK not KIF! My mistake!
Apr 19, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Don't get too hung up on shinai size
by: Matt

I wouldn't get too hung up on size.  It basically comes down to if you are in high school or older (read: an adult), males should use a 39 and females a 38.

If you are abnormally short (dwarfism, not just short for your age), you may need to use a shorter shinai, but if you can swing a 39 you should still use that.

If you are in middle school, or elementary school you should consult the bogu shop you are buying from for their recommendation based on your height.

Jeff Chen at Maruyama has always been very helpful and knowledgeable for recommending shinai to use for children.

Kendo-Guide.Com: I must add some things about the length and weight. You must follow the length of shinai if you participate in official tournament. Of course, as Matt said, there is always an exception so if you are not sure you should consult with your sensei or people in charge of the tournament.

At the big shiai such as the world champ, they measure your shinai. So it is very important to follow the size decided by KIF FIK (International KendoFederation) or the hosting organization of the tournament.

You can change your shinai depending on what you are working on in TRAINING. For example, when I want to work on seme, I use shorter shinai because I have to get in closer to strike my opponent.

I use a heavy shinai so if I strike unnecessarily too much I get tired. So I have to choose when to strike.  I use a lighter shinai when I want to fight the feelings of my "wanting to block". A lighter shinai is easy to lift up so I really have to keep the shinai down.

Many people have their own theories and ways of dealing with their problems so study what happens to yourself when using different shinai in length and weight.

Hope this helps.

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