Shinai Maintenance

Shinai Maintenance

S. Quinlan

October 31, 2006

Contents

1 Shinai Components 1

2 Shinai Disassembly 3

2.1 Tsuru from the Tsuka-gawa . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Untying the Nakayui . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.3 Removing the Sakigawa . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.4 Removing the Tsukagawa . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.5 Separating the Bamboo Slats . . . . . . . . 9

3 Preparation of the Bamboo Slats 10

3.1 Sanding the Bamboo Slats . . . . . . . . . . 10

3.1.1 Using Sandpaper . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3.1.2 Using the Meikyu . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2 Oiling the Bamboo Slats . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2.1 Oiling by Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ii

CONTENTS iii

3.2.2 Submerging in an Oil Bath . . . . . 15

4 Re-tying the Shinai 16

4.1 Re-assembling the Bamboo Slats . . . . . . 16

4.2 Re-attaching the Tsukagawa . . . . . . . . . 17

4.3 Tying the Tsuru to the Sakigawa . . . . . . 17

4.4 Tying the Tsukahimo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.5 The �Nakayui Knot� . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.6 The �Tsuru Loop� . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.6.1 Location of the �Tsuru Loop� . . . . 20

4.6.2 Using the Tsuru . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.6.3 Using a Leather �Komono� . . . . . . 21

4.7 Attaching the Nakayui . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.8 Placing the Sakigomu and Sakigawa on theShinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.9 Tying the Tsuru to the Tsukahimo . . . . . 23

4.10 Tying the Nakayui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5 Maintaining the Shinai 27

5.1 Bamboo Shinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1.1 Maintenance Oiling . . . . . . . . . . 27

5.1.2 Rotating the Slats . . . . . . . . . . 28

5.1.3 Tightening the Tsuru and Nakayui . 28

5.2 Carbon Fiber Shinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

iv CONTENTS

6 Minor Shinai Repairs 31

6.1 Sanding Splinters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316.2 Replacing the Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

7 Major Shinai Repairs 33

7.1 Bamboo Shinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337.1.1 Minor Cracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337.1.2 Replacing a Slat . . . . . . . . . . . 34

7.2 Carbon Fiber Shinai . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chapter 1

Shinai Components

The Shinai, or bamboo practice sword, is made out of anumber of di�erent components. Each component alongwith its name is listed below.

• Chigiri. A small metal wedge inside the tsuka tohelp hold the shinai together.

• Kensen/Kensaki. The tip of the shinai.

• Sakigawa. The leather cup on the tip of the shinai.

• Sakigomu. Plastic grommet inside the sakigawa.

• Monouchi. The striking portion of the shinai.

1

2 CHAPTER 1. SHINAI COMPONENTS

• Nakayui. Leather tie at 14 the shinai's length.

• Jin-Bu. The portion of the shinai below the monouchi.

• Tsuru. The string along the top of the shinai.

• Tsukahimo. The leather tie on the tsuka.

• Tsuba. The thumb/hand guard.

• Tsuba-Dome. A rubber tsuba placeholder.

• Tsuka. The handle of the shinai.

• Tsukagawa. The leather covering for the tsuka.

• Tsukagashira. The bottom of the tsuka.

Chapter 2

Shinai Disassembly

2.1 Tsuru from the Tsuka-gawa

Although it looks complex, the Tsuru is tiedto the Tsukagawa by a very simple knot.First, lets look at the tsukagawa itself. At thetop of the tsukagawa there is a leather strap,the Tsukahimo, separate from the tsuka-gawa leather itself which passes through twoholes in the leather. This strap is tied, hor-izontally across the shinai, in a simple knot.The slack of this strap is pulled vertically up-ward toward the tip of the shinai by the tension of the

3

4 CHAPTER 2. SHINAI DISASSEMBLY

tsuru. I shall refer to this upper portion as the �TsukaLoop� . This leather loop is the starting point for disas-sembling the shinai.

The tsuru makes a number of loopsaround and through the tsuka loop. The im-portant portion, as far as disassembly is con-cerned, is where the tsuru makes a series ofconsecutive loops. These loops are made bywinding the tsuru around the tsuka loop fromthe bottom upward. To begin the disassem-bly, �nd the �nal of these consecutive loopsthat the tsuru makes at the top of the tsuka

loop. This top loop of is usually tied in a simple knotaround itself with the excess tsuru passed through thetsuru loop itself.

Push the tsuru out of the top of the tsukaloop and undo the small knot. You may needa pair of �needle-nose� pliers in order to grabhold of the tsuru properly. Once undonethe tsuru is now free to be unwound fromthe tsuka loop. Unwind the tsuru from thearound the tsuka loop until you reach the topof the tsuka itself. Once these loops are un-wound, quite often the tension in the tsuru islost and the tsuru will become loose.

2.1. TSURU FROM THE TSUKA-GAWA 5

Pull the excess tsuru down and awayfrom the upper portion of the tsuka loop.You will notice that the tsuru is wrappedunder the tsukahimo at the point wherethe leather was tied together. Simply pullthe tsuru out from under the tsukahimo.At this point the tsuru is essentially freefrom the tsukagawa save for one morepart.

The tsuru forms yet another loop betweenitself and the tsuka loop. The loop withinthe tsuru itself shall be referred to as the�Tsuru Loop� . Pull the excess tsuru outof the tsuru loop and then through the thetsukahimo. The tsuru is now completely freeof the tsuka.


2.2 Untying the Nakayui

Once the tsuru is free from the tsuka untyingNakayui is the next step. The nakayui is an-other leather strap which is placed on the shinaiat 1

4 the length of the shinai at measured downfrom the tip. It is wrapped around the shinai it-self three times and then knotted onto the tsuruvia a number of loops.

The nakayui is tied onto the tsuru byweaving it onto itself in a number (usuallythree) of �over and under� style knots. Pullthe loose end out from under the �rst loop.You may need a pair of �needle nose� pli-ers to help pull the nakayui out from underitself as they are normally pulled tight.

Once the �rst loop is undone you willsee that loose end the nakayui it laying un-derneath the tsuru. Pull the the nakayuiout from under the tsuru. We can now pro-ceed to untie the remaining nakayui loops.Each loop of the nakayui is tied in the same

manner as the �rst, i.e., in an �under and over� weavingtype knot. Simply pull the excess nakayui out from undereach of these knots until it is free. The nakayui itself isusually attached to the tsuru by either a knot, the tsuru

2.3. REMOVING THE SAKIGAWA 7

passed through a small hole in the nakayui, or both. Sim-ply leave the nakayui attached.

2.3 Removing the Sakigawa

Once the nakayui is untied the tsuru is free ofthe shinai completely. All that remains is toremove the Sakigawa. It is not necessary tountie the tsuru from the sakigawa unless youare replacing it, or changing the the way thetsuru is attached to it. Pull the sakigawa o�from the top of the shinai together with thetsuru and nakayui, leaving them all attachedtogether.

After pulling o� the sakigawa you will see asmall plastic grommet sitting inside the tip of thebamboo slats called a Sakigomu. This grommetkeeps the bamboo slats in their proper positions.A shinai is not usable under IKF safety

standards if the sakigomu is not present.

As such, be sure to keep it in a safe place. Pullout the sakigomu.


2.4 Removing the Tsukagawa

After pulling o� the sakigawa andremoving the sakigomu, the tsuk-agawa can be removed by pullingit o� the end of the shinai. Thisis quite often one of the most dif-�cult parts of shinai disassemblyas the tsukagawa often �ts quitesnugly over the bamboo slats.The most e�ective method for re-moving the tsukagawa is to holdthe bamboo slats above the tsuk-agawa in your left hand and, whilegripping the tsukagawa in yourright, slide your right hand downthe length of the tsuka. Let gowith your right, return it to thetop of the tsukagawa and slide it

down again. Repeat this as necessary until the tsukagawastarts to slide o� of the shinai. Some say to wear a pair ofrubber gloves for added friction while doing this.

When enough of the tsukagawa has slid o� of the shinaisuch that you can securely grab hold of it, pull the tsuka-gawa o� completely by pulling this loose excess directly.

2.5. SEPARATING THE BAMBOO SLATS 9

2.5 Separating the Bamboo Slats

With the tsukagawa removed we areready to separate the bamboo slats.However, before this is done we must la-bel the slats according to their positionin the make-up of the shinai, i.e., the top,bottom, left, and the right side slat. La-beling the position in which the slats �ttogether is necessary in order to have it �t properly backtogether. The most convenient place to mark your shinaislats is directly on their bottom face. By convention, the�bottom� slat is the one which was positioned opposite tothe tsuru. Using a pen, marker, or pencil clearly mark theshinai slats with a T, B, L, and R or similar for the top,bottom, left, and right side slats respectively.

Inside the bottom end of the bamboo isa small metal insert, called a Chigiri, wedgedinto the insides of the slats. The insert helps tokeep the slats together. Carefully separate theslats from each other by rolling them o� of thechigiri via a twisting motion to the left or right.A shinai is not usable under IKF safety

standards if the chigiri is not present; besure not to lose it.

Chapter 3

Preparation of the

Bamboo Slats

3.1 Sanding the Bamboo Slats

The four bamboo slatsof a new shinai must besanded before use. Eachof the slats side edgescome to a sharp edgewhich will splinter upontaking the impact of a

strike. Sanding the edges will help reduce splinters from

10

3.1. SANDING THE BAMBOO SLATS 11

forming which will in turn increase thelife span of the shinai and lower therisk of injuring your opponent. The en-tire length of the shinai slat edge mustbe sanded down such that the edgesform a more rounded bevel instead ofa sharp one. The sanding is best donewith either sandpaper, a shinai shav-ing tool called a Meikyu, or a com-bination of each. The meikyu has di�erent sized shavinggrooves to sand each part of the slats.

3.1.1 Using Sandpaper

While using sandpaper tosand your shinai it is best tostart out with a fairly largegrit to remove the major-ity of the edge's mass andthen moving to a smaller gritfor smoothing the edges. Arough guide is to start with

somewhere around 150-200 grit paper to sand the edgesdown and then switch to one around a 200-300 grit tosmooth them out.

12CHAPTER 3. PREPARATIONOF THE BAMBOO SLATS

When sanding sand up and down along theedges of the slat being sure to follow the grainof the bamboo. As bamboo is very soft mate-rial you will be able to sand down quite a bitof mass in a very short time. Be sure to checkthe area you are sanding regularly to make sureyou are not sanding too much. Continue sand-ing until the edges are rounded along the en-tire length of the slat. Then switch to the �nergrit paper and sand again until the edges are

smooth. This step is usually only required in certain areaswhere imperfections in the bamboo were uncovered withthe rougher paper.

3.1.2 Using the Meikyu

The meikyu is used to literally shavebamboo o� of the slats. As such it canreomve a lot of material very quickly.Each of the various grooves on themeikyu is used to shave di�erent sectionsof the slat depending on its width. Whilethe meikyu is not sharp per sé, its shav-ing grooves have very �at edges, i.e., sharp 90o corners.The meikyu shaves the bamboo by pulling the shavinggroove edge(s) across the section of bamboo you wish to

3.2. OILING THE BAMBOO SLATS 13

shave (along the grain). It is important to use long,

single direction strokes with the meikyu v.s. the

short �back and forth� motion of sanding. With shortstrokes, unless you are experienced with using a meikyu orare shaving very lightly, you run the risk of scratching thebamboo slats. These scratches, if not �xed via the meikyuor sandpaper, are a potential source of splinters and/orcracks.

3.2 Oiling the Bamboo Slats

Once the bamboo slats have been sanded down, they mustbe oiled. Oiling the shinai keeps the bamboo from dryingout, which in turn helps to keep it from splintering andcracking. This will greatly increase the lifespan of yourshinai.

Before you oil the shinai slats, it is a good idea to cleanthem �rst with a damp (with water) cloth to remove anyexcess shavings or dust. Once cleaned, remove any excesswater with a paper towel.

14CHAPTER 3. PREPARATIONOF THE BAMBOO SLATS

3.2.1 Oiling by Hand

Lay the four slats outside-by-side, the inside ofthe slat facing upward.The inside of the bambooslats look like a �U-shaped�trough, and this troughis divided into �ve sepa-rate sections by the orig-inal bamboo compartment

membrane. Be sure this area is free from dirt and debrisbefore you begin oiling.

Using a light oil (Peanutor Canola is �ne) �ll each ofthe troughs in each of thecompartments with enoughoil to cover the majority ofits length and width. Then,spread the oil over the restof the compartment mak-ing sure the entire surfaceof each compartment has oil on it. Do the same for eachslat.

Leave the oil to soak into the slats for three to sevendays, reapplying oil as it is absorbed.

3.2. OILING THE BAMBOO SLATS 15

3.2.2 Submerging in an Oil Bath

The second method to oil thebamboo slats is to submergethe slats in an oil bath. This isa much more e�ective methodfor oiling a new shinai, espe-cially if they are particularlydry, however it does involveconstructing the oil bath it-self.

Simply place the sanded(and cleaned) slats into the oilbath and leave them there forthree to seven days.

It is important that you donot leave the slats in the oil bath for too long as it ispossible for them to absorb too much oil. This will causetwo things to occur: one, the shinai will become muchheavier due to the added weight of the oil. Two, it ispossible for the bamboo to become too moist and lose someof its rigidity.

After taking the shinai slats out of the oil bath, be sureto let the excess oil drain o� of them.

Chapter 4

Re-tying the Shinai

4.1 Re-assembling the Bamboo Slats

Each of the bamboo slats were markedto indicate the �top�, �bottom�, �left�, and�right� sided pieces. Place the metal chi-giri in the pre-cut groove at the bottom ofone of the slats, for example the bottomone. Next, place opposite slat in place onthe chigiri, lining up the two slats. Hold-

ing the two slats together with your hand place the nextslat onto the chigiri, followed by the �nal slat. Squeeze thetsuka to ensure the chigiri is �rmly in the grooves.

16

4.2. RE-ATTACHING THE TSUKAGAWA 17

4.2 Re-attaching the Tsukagawa

Holding the bamboo slats together slide the tsuka into thetsukagawa. Be sure the tsukagawa is put on such that thetsukahimo is centered on one of the slats. Once the slatshave been slid into the tsukagawa far enough to hold themtogether, let go of the slats and then use both hands (ifneed be) to slide the tsukagawa on the rest of the way.The tsukagawa should be snug.

4.3 Tying the Tsuru to the Sakigawa

The tsuru can be attached to thesakigawa in one of two ways:

A: The tsuru is inserted into thesakigawa and loops around theback.B: The tsuru is inserted into thesakigawa and the loops at the front.

New shinai which normallycome with the tsuru attached using the second method.However, the �rst method is the preferable one as it helpsprevent the sakigawa from tearing.

Thread the tsuru through the sakigawa such that you

18 CHAPTER 4. RE-TYING THE SHINAI

have approximately 2.5-5cm of excess tsuru on one side.

Step 1: Align the two portions of thetsuru such that they are side by side.This diagram shows the short portionof the tsuru on the left, long on theright.

Step 2: Make a loop on the long por-tion.

Step 3: Pass the short portion through theloop and behind the long portion.

Step 4: Bring the short portion over andin front of the long portion (descending fromthe sakigawa). Then pass the short portionthrough the loop from its back side. Pull bothtsuru portions to tighten the knot.

4.4. TYING THE TSUKAHIMO 19

4.4 Tying the Tsukahimo

While it is very rare that one willneed to re-tie the tsukahimo itis illustrated here for complete-ness.Step 1: Pass the two endsof the tsukahimo through thetwo small holes in top of thetsuka.

Step 2: One end of thetsukahimo has a small hole in it. Pass the opposite endof the tsukahimo through this hole.

Step 3: Bring the end of the tsukahimo that was justpassed through the hole under the tsukahimo, creating asmall loop.

Step 4: Bring the tsukahimo down and through this smallloop making a simple knot. Pull the knot tight.


4.5 The �Nakayui Knot�

Before we proceed any further we must tie asmall knot in the tsuru at the point where thenakayui will sit; 1

4 the length of the shinai mea-sured down from the tip. This knot will help tokeep the nakayui in place.

Measure the length of the shinai. Then,starting at the tip of the sakigawa, measure 1

4of this length down the tsuru. Tie a small knotat this point and pull it tight.

4.6 The �Tsuru Loop�

4.6.1 Location of the �Tsuru Loop�

Next a small loop must be tied into thetsuru approximately 6.5cm-10cm fromthe upper portion of the tsukahimo. Thisloop, referred to here as the �TsuruLoop� is used in tying the tsuru to thetsukahimo and to more easily put the re-quired tension in the tsuru. There aretwo methods for creating the tsuru loop.

4.6. THE �TSURU LOOP� 21

4.6.2 Using the Tsuru

Step 1: Using the end of the tsuru oppo-site to the sakigawa, make a loop by tyinga simple �over-and-under� knot. Leave thisknot loose.Step 2: Make a second loop by passing thetsuru through the previously made loop.Step 3: Holding the second loop open, pullthe two ends of the tsuru to close the knot.

4.6.3 Using a Leather �Komono�

Step 1: After locating the proper point tomake the �tsuru loop�, fold the Komono inhalf and set it onto the tsuru.Step 2: Wrap the tsuru around thekomono.Step 3: Pass the end of the tsuru throughthe loop just made making a simple knot.Pull the knot tight.


4.7 Attaching the Nakayui

The nakayui must now be attached to thetsuru. There are two methods to do this.

Method 1: One end of the nakayui has asmall hole in it. Thread the tsuru throughthis hole and slide the nakayui up thetsuru and over the �nakayui knot�.

Method 2: Wrap one end of the nakayui (with the holein it) around the tsuru above the nakayui knot. Then passthe opposite end of the nakayui through the hole in thenakayui, making a small loop. Pull the loop tight.

4.8 Placing the Sakigomu and Sakigawa

on the Shinai

Before putting the sakigawa on the shinai be sure to placethe sakigomu into the shinai's tip.

Slide the sakigawa onto the shinai's tip over the sakigomu.Be sure that the sakigawa is fully pulled onto the tip andthat its seam (and the tsuru) are aligned with the tsukahimo.

4.9. TYING THE TSURU TO THE TSUKAHIMO 23

4.9 Tying the Tsuru to the Tsukahimo

• With the tsuru and sakigawa on the shinai thread thetsuru through the upper portion of the tsukahimo.

• Pull the tsuru upwards and thread it through the the�tsuru loop�.

• Pull the tsuru down and thread it under the knot inthe tsukahimo.

• Pull the tsuru to put it under tension. Then, whilemaintaining the tension, thread the tsuru under theupper portion of the tsukahimo. This makes a smallloop in the tsuru. Thread the tsuru through this loopand pull it tight.

• Wrap the tsuru around the upper portion of the tsukahimountil there is approximately 2.5cm-3.75cm remainingor you near the top of the tsukahimo.

• Make one more (loose) loop around the tsukhimo andthen thread the tsuru through it making a simpleknot. Pull the knot tight and then thread the excesstsuru through the loop made by the upper tsukahimo.


4.10. TYING THE NAKAYUI 25

4.10 Tying the Nakayui

• Starting at the nakayui knot wind the nakayui overthe tsuru and around the shinai three times. Be sureit is wound tightly.

• thread the nakayui under the tsuru making a smallloop. Pull this loop tight.

• Thread the nakayui under the tsuru again making aloop. Pull the end of the nakayui through this loopand pull it tight.

• Again, thread the nakayui underneath the tsuru tomake a loop. pull the end of the nakayui throughthis loop and pull it tight.

• Create another loop in the same manner as above,pull the nakayui through it and pull it tight.


Chapter 5

Maintaining the Shinai

5.1 Bamboo Shinai

5.1.1 Maintenance Oiling

A bamboo shinai should be oiled on a regular basis to keepit from drying out. There is no set standard as to howoften you ought to oil one as it depends on the climate inwhich it's being used, how hard one strikes, and how oftenone uses the shinai. However, a good rule of thumb is toperform maintenance oiling every three to four weeks as abase, increasing that frequency as needed.

To perform maintenance oiling, simply pour a light oilonto a cloth and (liberally) rub it onto the shinai slats.

27

28 CHAPTER 5. MAINTAINING THE SHINAI

5.1.2 Rotating the Slats

To increase the lifespan of your shinai you should rotate theslats periodically. This means that you change which slatis used as the �striking slat�. For example, if you were toinitially mark the slats as �top�, �bottom�, �left�, and �right�the bottom slat is the one which is used for striking as itis the slat which is opposite the tsuru. If the orientationof the slats is changed such that you strike with alternateslats any potential damage done will be spread out overfour slats instead of concentrated on only one.

To rotate the slats simply untie the tsuru from the tsuk-agawa, undo the nakayui, turn the sakigawa and tsukagawasuch that a di�erent slat is now the �bottom�, and thenre-tie them. You will most likely need to remove the tsuk-agawa, at least partially, in order to turn it.

Rotation of the slats is best done when performingmaintenance oiling.

5.1.3 Tightening the Tsuru and Nakayui

The nakayui and tsuru should remain tight at all times toensure the safety of your shinai.

For the nakayui, the rule of thumb is that if you canrub your �nger over the portion of the nakayui which iswrapped around the shinai and you can create gaps be-

5.1. BAMBOO SHINAI 29

tween each �loop�, it needs to be tightened.

For the tsuru, if you can �t your two �ngers betweenthe shinai and the tsuru, the tsuru must be tightened.

30 CHAPTER 5. MAINTAINING THE SHINAI

5.2 Carbon Fiber Shinai

Carbon �ber shinai do not need to be oiled or sanded likea bamboo shinai however, it is a good idea to rotate theslats periodically. It is also important to be sure the tsuru,and especially nakayui, are tightented before each use.

Chapter 6

Minor Shinai Repairs

6.1 Sanding Splinters

From time to time splinters will form on the slats of abamboo shinai as a result from dryness and general wear-and-tear type damage. These splinters pose as a potentialdanger to one's opponent and must be repaired.

To repair any splinters:

• �rst disassemble the shinai as needed in order to haveclear access to the damaged area.

• Using sandpaper, a �le, or a meikyu sand down thesplinter as well as 5cm above and below the damaged

31

32 CHAPTER 6. MINOR SHINAI REPAIRS

area until all traces of the damaged area are removed.

• For large / deep splinters, it may be necessary to �rstuse a carpenter's blade to cut o� the majority of thesplinter before sanding. CAUTION: bamboo cutsvery easily. Be sure to cut away the splinter carefullyand slowly else you risk damaging the bamboo evenfurther.

6.2 Replacing the Fittings

The �ttings (sakigawa, nakayui, tsuka, and tsuru) shouldbe replaced as needed. If any of the �ttings have holes,tears, frays, etc... they should be replaced immediately.

Chapter 7

Major Shinai Repairs

7.1 Bamboo Shinai

7.1.1 Minor Cracks

Most often if you discover a crack in one of the bambooslats you will have to replace the slat. However, if the crackis shallow enough you may be able to salvage the slat.

• Disassemble the completely and remove the crackedslat.

• Locate where the crack seems to begin and end.

• Using a carpenter's blade, cut into the slat approxi-

33

34 CHAPTER 7. MAJOR SHINAI REPAIRS

mately 1cm below one end of the crack.

• Slowly cut away the crackedportion until it has been com-pletely cut out of the shinai.

• Sand the slat along the for-mer crack as well as 5cmabove and below the dam-aged area making it assmooth and as rounded aspossible.

Caution:

• By cutting out this portion of the shinai slat, the slatwill be greatly weakened. This should be consideredas a temporary �x until a new slat can be obtained.

• As a rule of thumb, if the amount removed from theslat combined with sanding decreases the width ofthe slat (in any direction) by approximately 10-15%or more the slat should not be used.

7.1.2 Replacing a Slat

If a bamboo slat has been damaged beyond repair an extraslat (saved from a previously damaged shinai) can be used

7.2. CARBON FIBER SHINAI 35

in its place.

• Remove the damaged slat and choose a replacementthat resembles the shape, size, and compartment de-marcations of the original as closely as possible.

• Bring the four slats to be together, lining them up atthe bottom end.

• Mark where the chigiri from the shinai being repairedtouches the new slat by bringing them together (asif to put on the tsukagawa) and squeezing the tsuka.The metal chigiri will leave an indentation on thenew slat.

• Using a small saw cut a new groove into the bamboodeep enough such that the chigiri �ts into it com-pletely.

• Re-assemble the shinai.

7.2 Carbon Fiber Shinai

Carbon �ber shinai slats are not repairable in any way.Should one of the slats in a carbon �ber shinai crack orbreak it must be replaced.

36 CHAPTER 7. MAJOR SHINAI REPAIRS

Documents

Shinai Maintenance