shinai size

[jennC]

Hi, im a beginner and i was wondering what shinai size would be good for me. Im only 5 ft. tall and im 14 years old. I was thinking about getting a 36 shinai. Any suggestions?

[Neil Gendzwill]

Hi, im a beginner and i was wondering what shinai size would be good for me. Im only 5 ft. tall and im 14 years old. I was thinking about getting a 36 shinai. Any suggestions?
You should wait until you talk to your instructor. A 36 is probably too small, he is likely to recommend a 37 or 38.

[jennC]

You should wait until you talk to your instructor. A 36 is probably too small, he is likely to recommend a 37 or 38.


Ok thanks, but a 37 or a 38 seems a little too big, and i cant find any 37's. do u know any place that would have that size? And if i have a 36 anyways, do you think the intructor would allow me to use the 36 instead of buying a 37 or 38?

jenn

[Neil Gendzwill]

Ok thanks, but a 37 or a 38 seems a little too big, and i cant find any 37's. do u know any place that would have that size? And if i have a 36 anyways, do you think the intructor would allow me to use the 36 instead of buying a 37 or 38?

jenn
I can't read your future instructor's mind. I suggest you wait until you begin classes. Your club probably has a better line on shinai than you can get yourself. We often have people show up to class with the wrong size shinai that they've bought on their own. If they're new and undamaged we'll usually trade them for the right size. But I think you just ought to wait for now. They'll lend you one for the first class I'm sure.

[jennC]

I can't read your future instructor's mind. I suggest you wait until you begin classes. Your club probably has a better line on shinai than you can get yourself. We often have people show up to class with the wrong size shinai that they've bought on their own. If they're new and undamaged we'll usually trade them for the right size. But I think you just ought to wait for now. They'll lend you one for the first class I'm sure.


alrite thanks

[Neil Gendzwill]

I can't read your future instructor's mind.
Sorry that came off a little snarky. Your instructor has to evaluate you in person and decide what's right for you. Lots of people get really excited when they decide to start kendo and want to go out right away and start purchasing equipment. They come here and other forums and ask lots of questions but really the first person to consult is the instructor. For example, our club has been around for 20 years and in that time we have made some good supplier contacts. We can generally get our students better deals than they can find themselves and we are in the best position to advise them on what they need. I'm sure this is the case for most clubs.

[Kaoru]

Hi!

I am short like you, and only 5 feet tall. I myself, use a 36" shinai, and it is good for me. I do agree with Gendzwill-san, though. Wait until you go to your first class, and ask the sensei. For me, the 38" was too much, as it was too heavy for me and felt too long, and I could not wield it no matter how hard I tried all practice.(I had been using a 36" but in my third month, he had me use a 38" this one practice.) So, my instructor changed his mind and continued having me use a 36", which feels just right. Each person is different, in that respect. Also, I don't know if this really makes a difference, but since you are still growing, what shinai you use may change as you grow taller. I am grown already. Anybody, please correct me if that isn't correct. Domo arigato!

Kaoru