Regulations

In kendo competitions that follow the FIK rules, there are regulated weights and lengths for the use of shinai. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Table A. FIK Specifications for competition use of one Shinai (Itto).

Specification	Gender	Junior High School (12-15 yrs)	Senior High School (15-18 yrs)	University students and Adults (18yrs+)
Maximum length	Male & female	114cm	117cm	120cm
Minimum weight	Male	440g	480g	510g
Minimum weight	Female	400g	420g	440g
Minimum diameter of sakigawa	Male	25mm	26mm	26mm
Minimum diameter of sakigawa	Female	24mm	25mm	25mm
Minimum length of sakigawa	Male and Female	50mm	50mm	50mm

Shinai are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without tsuba or tsuba-dome. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the tsuba is 9cm.

Table B. FIK Specifications for competition use of two Shinai (Nito).

Specification	Gender	Daito (long shinai)	Shoto (short shinai)
Maximum length	Male & female	114cm	62cm
Weight	Male	440gm minimum	280~300gm maximum
Weight	Female	400gm minimum	250~280gm maximum
Minimum diameter of sakigawa	Male	25mm	24mm
Minimum diameter of sakigawa	Female	24mm	24mm

Shinai are weighed complete with leather fittings, but without tsuba or tsuba-dome. The full length is measured. Maximum diameter of the tsuba is 9cm.

Commercial Shinai Sizing

Size	Length			Size	Length
28	36"	92 cm		36	44"	112 cm
30	38"	97 cm		37	45"	114 cm
32	40"	102 cm		38	46"	117 cm
34	42"	107 cm		39	47"	120 cm