Most beginners walk into kendo training not knowing the difference between a shinai, bokken, and kendo stick, and end up buying the wrong one. You order a solid wooden bokken thinking it's for sparring, or grab a foam practice stick when you need a regulation bamboo shinai. This guide explains all three clearly so you buy right the first time and start training with the correct equipment.
What Is a Shinai?
A shinai is a bamboo practice sword made from four split bamboo slats bound together with leather fittings and string. The flexible construction makes it safe for full-contact sparring while delivering realistic striking feedback. Shinai are the standard weapon used in competitive kendo and are required for any live sparring or bogu (armour) training.
Shinai come in different sizes. Adults (15+) use size 38, which is 114cm in length. Junior sizes (28–36) suit children and younger teens based on age and height. The bamboo flexes on impact, protecting both you and your training partner during intense sessions. Shinai need regular maintenance because bamboo splits over time with heavy use. Inspect for splinters before every session and replace worn slats immediately.
What Is a Bokken?
A bokken is a solid wooden sword, usually carved from oak or hardwood. It's used for kata (forms practice) and solo drills, not live sparring. The rigid construction and weight simulate the feel of a real katana, teaching you proper cutting angles, grip strength, and sword handling. Bokken are NOT safe for contact sparring because they're too hard and too heavy.
A full-force strike with a bokken can break bones, even through protective gear. Instead, bokken are used for controlled partner kata where strikes don't make contact, and for solo suburi (cutting drills) to build technique and endurance. Bokken are heavier than shinai, which builds wrist and arm strength over time. They're used in aikido, iaido, and kendo training. Great for beginners learning grip and posture before moving to sparring.
What Is a Kendo Stick?
Here's where it gets confusing. "Kendo stick" is a broad term used by beginners searching online, and it can mean different things depending on context.
First, "kendo stick" often refers to a shinai. When someone says they need a kendo stick for training, they usually mean a bamboo shinai for sparring. It's the most common interpretation of the term.
Second, "kendo stick" can describe foam or padded practice sticks designed for absolute beginners and children. These are safer than wood or bamboo, lightweight, and perfect for learning basic strikes and footwork before progressing to real equipment. They're soft enough for unsupervised play but still teach correct grip and swing mechanics.
Third, some people use "kendo stick" to describe plastic or rubber training weapons used in demonstrations or fitness classes. These aren't regulation equipment for traditional kendo but serve a purpose in beginner-friendly or non-contact training environments.
The key takeaway is this: if you're serious about kendo training, "kendo stick" usually means shinai. If you're buying for a young child or absolute beginner, it might mean a foam practice stick. Always clarify what type of training you're doing before purchasing.
Shinai vs Bokken vs Kendo Stick: Side by Side
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which one you need:
| Feature | Shinai | Bokken | Kendo Stick (Practice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo (split) | Solid wood | Wood, foam or plastic |
| Used for | Live sparring / contact | Kata, forms, solo drills | Beginner drills, demos |
| Contact safe? | Yes — flexible | No — rigid | Depends on material |
| Best for | Competitive kendo | Technique & forms | Beginners & kids |
| Skill level | Beginner to advanced | All levels | Absolute beginner |
| Buy first if... | You want to spar | You want to learn forms | You are just starting out |
This table makes it clear: shinai for sparring, bokken for kata, practice sticks for kids or absolute beginners. Most kendoka eventually own both a shinai and a bokken because they serve different training purposes.
How to Choose the Right One
The decision is simple once you know your training goal.
Want to spar with a partner? Buy a shinai. It's the only safe option for contact training and the standard weapon for competitive kendo. You'll need protective armour (bogu) eventually, but you can start shinai drills without it.
Learning solo technique and kata? Buy a bokken. It's perfect for practising cutting angles, grip, and footwork on your own. Bokken work builds strength and teaches you to move efficiently because the weight punishes sloppy technique.
Absolute beginner or buying for a child? Start with a foam or padded kendo stick. It's safer, lighter, and less intimidating for someone who's never held a sword before. Once they're comfortable with basic movements, upgrade to a bamboo shinai or wooden bokken.
Want all three eventually? Start with a shinai. It's the most versatile and gets you sparring-ready faster. Add a bokken later for kata practice, and keep a foam stick around for warm-ups or teaching younger students.
For sizing, adults use size 38 (114cm). Children use sizes 28–36 depending on age and height. When in doubt for an adult beginner, size 38 is the correct choice. Oversized or undersized equipment makes it harder to learn proper distance and timing.
Where to Buy Kendo Sticks in Australia
FitSet stocks the full range: bamboo shinai, wooden bokken, and practice kendo sticks, all in one place. Order online with secure checkout and your gear ships Australia-wide from local stock. No overseas wait times, no surprise customs fees. Whether you need a regulation shinai for dojo training or a foam practice stick for your kids, you'll find quality options built to last.
Browse the complete range at FitSet Kendo Sticks and get training-ready gear delivered to your door.
What is the difference between a shinai and a kendo stick?
|||A shinai is a specific type of kendo weapon made from split bamboo, it is the standard weapon used for live sparring in competitive kendo. The term "kendo stick" is used more loosely and can refer to a shinai, bokken, or foam practice weapon depending on context.@@@
Is a bokken or shinai better for beginners?
|||Both serve different purposes. A bokken is great for learning correct technique, grip, and solo kata before partner work. A shinai is needed once you begin sparring. Many beginners start with a bokken and add a shinai when they join a dojo or training group.@@@
What size kendo stick / shinai do I need?
|||Adults (15 and over) use a standard size 38 shinai, 114cm in length. Children use smaller sizes from 28 to 36 depending on age and height. When in doubt for an adult beginner, size 38 is the correct choice.@@@
Can kids use a kendo stick safely?
|||Yes. Foam or padded practice kendo sticks are designed specifically for children and absolute beginners. They are soft, lightweight, and safe for supervised practice. Junior bamboo shinai are also available for older children who train in a structured kendo class.@@@
Are kendo sticks legal to own in Australia?
|||Yes. Shinai, bokken, and practice kendo sticks are legal training weapons in Australia and are widely used in martial arts schools and kendo dojos across the country. They are sporting equipment, not weapons. Always check your state regulations if unsure.