The Kendo Swords

Although these are rarely utilized by Kendo practitioners, the Katana is known as the original steel weapon that was utilized for Kendo techniques and the Kendoka should have a thorough and firm grasp of its nomenclature and parts.

The Bokken

This is a wooden sword utilized primarily for practice of Kata; it has the same appearance like that of the samurai Katana but it can also be shaped like other swords such as the Tanto or the Wakizashi. The Bokken features a simple wooden construction that does not necessarily need too much maintenance and care compared to the Katana. Additionally, using the Bokken for training is not generally dangerous for both the user and other practitioners in the area since the Bokken is not sharp like the usual metal swords. Bokken is not being used for fencing as it can still cause considerable damage.

Shinai

The Shinai is the sword mainly used for practice and various Kendo competitions. It represents the Japanese sword and it can also be utilized in other forms of martial arts; The Shinai was created to reduce a large number of practitioners from getting seriously injured when training with the Bokken. This was also the reason why the Bogu (the armor that is part of the Kendo equipment) was created and it is used primarily to protect the Kendoka from various injuries and hits.

When practicing Kendo, the most commonly used weapon is a single shinai which is sometimes called the Itto style; however, there are a couple of Kendoka who choose to use the double shinai and this Kendo style is commonly called the Ni-to. A Ni-to practitioner makes use of a long Shinai that is called the Daito and it is usually wielded in the person’s right hand; the shorter shinai is called the Shoto which is commonly held in one’s left hand. The position of holding the weapon can be altered, with the daito on the left and the shoto on the right. Keep in mind that the daito can still be a little shorter and even lighter compared to the shinai that is being used in the itto form of Kendo.