About Shinai Balance'

[K1a1]

I have noticed many memebers talking about the importane of balance in a shinai, and although i am probably much too much a novice to notice the effects of a well-balanced shinai, where should to weight be?
That is, where is the wieght concentrated on a "balanced" shinai? (near handle, top/tip heavy, center, ect.?)

[Flylkorean]

everywhere on the shinai should be balanced.

by the way what dojo do you train in?

[LarsCW]

I think it has to do with the type of shinai, dobari or koto for example.

[Gregory]

That is, where is the wieght concentrated on a "balanced" shinai? (near handle, top/tip heavy, center, ect.?)


I think you are confusing balanced with unbalanced. If the handle has the weight concentrated in it, then it isnt balanced. Sorry.

[K1a1]

everywhere on the shinai should be balanced.

by the way what dojo do you train in?


i am in the 洗心館 (세심관: seshim-gwan ) dojo... (dojang, rather).

[Miravil]

It depends on individual choice. Some likes it heavier at the tip, some likes it heavier at the grip and some prefer balance weight.

[Andou]

I think it has to do with the type of shinai, dobari or koto for example.

Lars has it. There's usually the cut between these two (dobari and koto) because dobari has the weight distributed more towards the top of the tsuba and koto is balanced throughout. I don't necessarily think a shinai can be considered truly "unbalanced" unless it was very poorly made. If you get your shinai from reputable sources you see on the forums, you'll be fine.

On another note, usually you'll find people who will use both shinai regularly to be versatile and they should be able to discuss with you the pros and cons of the two. I personally am a koto user. Good luck and happy training.

[Nameless]

The balance of your shinai can be very important when choosing a new one. Many people who train with a dobari style shinai find it difficult to use a koto. I started using koto and find dobari awkward. It's too light and fast for me, making it difficult to maintain good form.