I was told one time that an individual trained properly in Kendo, could
split the head of a person wide open,just using the Shinai.If there are any Kendo
practioners out there,I would like to know if
this could be easily done.Or if it would take a great deal of training in the Art?
Your Brother in the Arts

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Brewer:
I was told one time that an individual trained properly in Kendo, could
split the head of a person wide open,just using the Shinai.If there are any Kendo
practioners out there,I would like to know if
this could be easily done.Or if it would take a great deal of training in the Art?
Your Brother in the Arts[/QUOTE]

First, I must say that I am one who believes in ki and the so-called "myths" that surround it. Physically a shinai wouldn't be able to smash someones head. However, if one believes in the stories of Kung Fu swordmasters who can use a stick as they would a sword (blocking the blade of a sharpened steel sword) then smashing heads in is a small step away. If the ki can work in the Iron Shirt/Golden Bell technique, than couldn't one do the same type of strengthening with a bamboo sword, making it like an iron rod?

test

Hello Brewer,
This would not be possible..I don't care how much spells you chanted first! The Shinai is made of Bamboo and was specially chosen as a training tool because students were dying using the Oak Bokken! Shinai is not solid enough to split a persons head..Regardless of the strength of the person using it..Bamboo bends..it would not be solid enough to cause the damage you ask about. (although it does seriously hurt!) Sorry but the story was probably a 'chinese whisper' that started with a Bokken as the tool that was used.
Ben.

the Shinai is a training tool it could however be used improperly during training and cause injury as can anything else. This however does not include smashing ones head open. The practice of Kendo focuses on slicing not bashing so a skilled kendoist most likely will not bash anyone's head. cut, slice yes. bash no.
To answer your question "No"

The Shinai was invented to minimize injury when sparring in Kendo. Plus in Kendo they also wear protective head gear so that minimizes injury even more. Without that head gear the Shinai may do some damage to someone's skull. But no one typically trains sparring with Shinai without the head gear.

Top Kendo experts haven't split each other's skulls in half with a Shinai in sparring or competition.

[This message has been edited by Walter Wong (edited 12-10-2004).]

Have you ever been hit with a bokken?

Not really and don't want to. A Bokken would seriously injure or kill. That's why they use Shinai instead of Bokken for sparring.

[This message has been edited by Walter Wong (edited 12-10-2004).]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Walter Wong:
Not really and don't want to. A Bokken would seriously injure or kill. That's why they use Shinai instead of Bokken for sparring.

[This message has been edited by Walter Wong (edited 12-10-2004).][/QUOTE]

Been cracked a few times on my wrist and it hurts!