Advice to first-time buyers of kendo equipment (1)

ok i try.

i think he'll let you

Yeah, you better

I think i need to send an email to Mr.Yap, to ask for the permission to keiko that day.Don't know he allow or not?

Yes! Come come! xD

billyteoh2006 wrote:Jkoori ask me to go to KL on the 20th March. I think i will be there let's Keiko hahahaha

Sure thing!!! Come my brother.....

Jkoori ask me to go to KL on the 20th March. I think i will be there let's Keiko hahahaha

billy return to penang is like Naruto return to konoha...

long time on see abu.

For beginner, when it comes looking for a shinai, look for the one with a good balance to swing, and it's weight slightly heavier. The reason is that slightly heavier shinai is usually made out of a denser bamboo, thus meaning better durability.

And one more thing for gi and hakama, in Malaysia we might not be particularly bout it, but if possible do get the indigo(kon) colored hakama and gi instead of a black hakama and gi. It's differs between sensei but black usually are for Iaido instead of kendo.

Good job Izzaz.

thanks for sharing

I am not a Kendo expert, hence please point out and pardon me of any mistakes I post of here. However, I will try my very best to give any aspiring first-time kendoka a guide on buying their equipment.

1. SHINAI

Most basic kendo equipment. A shinai is enough to practice Kendo to a certain extent. Consists of four bamboo staves bound together as one.

-----> Types of shinai

-> Koto (chokuto)
Even weight distribution. Round handle. According to some it feels more like a real sword. It is quite thick throughout the whole length of the shinai, thus it lasts longer.

-> Dobari
Thick grip. The shinai tip is relatively thinner than chokuto shinais' tips. Most weight is on the handle (tsuka). Feels lighter because of the weight distribution.

-> Oval shinai
The handle is oval in shape, unlike most shinai, which are round. Gives a more sword-like feel. Helps pull hands into the correct grip.

-> Carbon shinai
Made of carbon graphite. Does not splinter. Lasts 30 times longer than normal bamboo shinai. Also can be found in bamboo-like colors. Very expensive.

-----> Size and measurements

Refer to the chart below.



-----> What do the sizes 32, 34, 36, and so on mean???
Those who are not familiar with the Japanese shaku-sun-bu system of measurement will easily mistake this for inches. For example, size 39 of a shinai corresponds to 3 shaku and 9 sun. 1 shaku = 10 sun. Thus the shinai length is 3.9 shaku. 1 shaku = 0.3 metres, thus 3.9 shaku = approx. 120 cm.

-----> What we recommend for first-timers
Buy the cheaper ones available on the online kendo shops. Even the cheap ones can last for a year of constant practice provided that it is well taken care of. I'd suggest that you buy a few spare cheap shinais as well, so that you have a spare in case one breaks until you can learn to control the strength of your strike. You shouldn't go for a shinai just for its looks, nor should you buy one that makes you develops bad habit. Like a too heavy shinai, for example, will cause you to lift with your right hand.


2. KEIKOGI AND HAKAMA

The standard Kendo practitioner's attire. Keikogi = jacket. Hakama = the skirt-like trousers with five pleats in front. Keikogi are also named Kendogi or simply gi in certain sites.

-----> Materials used for Kendo Hakama

-> Cotton
The usual material for hakama. A lot of care needed for this type. Looks nicer than tetron hakama. "Buffs" up around the legs, so there's some space between the legs and the hakama, good for air circulation. Provides a more "samurai-esque" feel.

-> Tetron
Tetron stands for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It is a type of polymer that is cheaper than cotton, and requires less care. After training just chuck it in the wash for a few cycles and hang it to dry.

-----> What do the numbers on cotton hakama mean???
You might've seen numbers like #6000 or #11000 before the name of the cotton hakama. This indicates the density of the weaving. #6000 hakama is less dense than #8000 which is in turn less than #11000. Many practitioners in some Kendo blogs suggest #8000 hakama, because it hangs nicely, and stays crisp but at the same time is soft. #10000 or higher hakama is often referred to as sensei's hakama. The tight weave makes the surface smooth and rigid in appearance. Expensive, but the first choice for those who want premium hakama.

-----> What we recommend for first-timers
Get an all-year round keikogi and tetron hakama. This will be warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer. But fortunately for us in Malaysia, we don't have to worry much about seasons, so it is recommended to get basic keikogi and tetron hakama. Once you know how to care for your hakama properly, then you can consider buying the cotton ones.

-----> What about color???
That is up to preference actually. But usually girls and old men would wear all white, and some will have a white keikogi with an indigo hakama. But most of the time, beginners just can get the indigo-coloured hakama and keikogi.

***End of part 1***