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When holding this Shinai you will see the rich colour of the genuine Madake staves and it is well known that Shinai made from such high quality, authentic materials are very hard to come by. The first thing you will notice, however, may not be the aesthetic beauty, but rather the wonderful balance and ease of use this Shinai has.
The balance is Dobari, which means that the weight is distributed away from the tip and closer to the hands, making the tip feel lighter. This results in a slightly wider section near to the Tsuba, getting thinner towards the end. This style is probably the most popular style of Shinai amongst all levels, as it very easy to maneuver and is ideal for making quick, sharp strikes.
IMPORTANT
The Consumer Product Safety Association (CPSA) in Japan specializes in the quality control of potentially dangerous consumer goods. Only quality assured products are allowed to bear the SG Mark, which meet the Japanese government standards in line with Consumer Product Safety Law. Unlike other quality assurance stickers found on Shinai, the SG Mark is not awarded from a collective group of Kendogu manufacturers and retailers, rather it is a government approved seal that ensures products have met strict legal quality standards.
As well as on Shinai, the SG Mark can be found on various products which have the potential to endanger human life - including bicycles, baby carriers, motorcycle helmets, climbing equipment and much more. For official information (PDF) about the SG Mark and the CPSA click here. |