Since kendo is fencing based on the samurai, it requires a katana (samurai sword). However, it is not practical to use a real katana: people would die. Instead, kendoka use shinai A shinai is composed of four flat bamboo pieces. The bamboo is held together with leather and string. The string keeps the two leather pieces together. Shinai can be bought at specialized kendo stores, like E-Bogu. E-bogu is known to be one of the BEST sites to buy shinai and other kendo equiptment from. The majority or kendoka buy their equiptment from E-Bogu. Kendo, Kumdo, Kenjutsu, kendo bogu The kendo shinai must be properly taken care of or else it will pose a danger to both you and your opponent. It must be checked for splinters and oiled regularly. This helps keep the shinai from breaking and sending razor sharp shrapnel into you and your opponents faces. Its string must also be kept tight. This is to keep the top from slipping off and making the shinai go through your opponents men. When you first recieve your shinai, you should take it apart and sand the edges, this helps the wooden slats move smoothly against one another. You should then properly oil it using either lemon oil, vegetable oil, or shinai oil. If you think your shinai is damaged or not safe, do NOT use it and tell your sensei. Help keep your dojo safe for everyone