What weapon is used in the martial art of Kendo?
The Bamboo sword is called a Shinai. It is much lighter than a real sword, and the striking technique is somewhat different, resulting in a more percussive “tapping” attack than an actual cut that is delievered with a real sword. Many Kendoka also train Iado to get the feel of a real weapon to mitigate the distorted impression one gets from a Shinai. Also, many Iadoka train in Kendo to learn range and timing and what it’s like to have a resisting opponent.
Kendo or way of the sword is a martial art that focuses on swordsmanship over any other. The bamboo swords called shinai (竹刀) are crafted to be lightweight and similar to the katana (刀), which is a backsword crafted in a curved and slender blade.
The shinai specifically is made so that sword fighters, or kenshi (剣士), can practice swordsmanship, without using a sharp blade that could easily cut through bone with enough force.
The Japanese katana is renowned for it’s ability to cut precisely and accurately, with its lightweight build and powerfully strong Japanese steel.
The katana itself is heavier than the shinai bamboo sword, but overall the katana has the same principles of fighting as you would have with the bamboo shinai.
