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MEIKYŌ SHISUI Large Grip Koto Shinai
A premium Koto Jissengata Shinai with a thicker Tsuka: the straighter profile and tip weight of a Koto, with a more substantial feel in the hands.
The MEIKYŌ SHISUI Large Grip Koto Shinai is a Koto Jissengata Shinai. Its straighter, traditional Koto profile has a thinner bulge, which keeps a sense of weight at the tip, while the thinner Jissengata tip and the thicker Tsuka bring the balance a little back towards the hands. The thicker Tsuka also gives a more substantial feel, making the tip easier to control.
Its name, 明鏡止水, means a clear mirror and still water: the calm, unclouded mind valued in Kendo. Like every model in the Premium range, MEIKYŌ SHISUI is made to your specification: choose your fittings and Tsuru colour, or order the bamboo only.

Tip Weight With a Substantial Grip
A Koto Shinai is straighter, with a thinner bulge, so its balance sits towards the tip. On MEIKYŌ SHISUI the thinner Jissengata tip and the thicker Tsuka bring the balance a little closer to the hands, and the Tsuka gives the palms more to hold, adding control without losing the Koto character.
It suits Kendoka who favour Tobikomi-Waza and Ai-Waza from longer distance, and who also take Ippon with Oji-Waza and combinations as the situation allows.
Made to Your Specification
Choose your fittings and Tsuru colour and receive your MEIKYŌ SHISUI fully assembled and ready to use, or order the bamboo only to fit with your own fittings.
Key Features
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Large grip
A thicker Tsuka for a more substantial feel in the hands. Approximately 28mm on size 39, measured on the bamboo without the Tsuka, with a 30mm grip also available. -
Koto Jissengata profile
A straighter, traditional profile with a thinner bulge, finished with a thinner Jissengata tip. -
Tip weight with control
The Koto tip weight remains, while the large grip makes the tip easier to control. -
Built for attacks from distance
Suited to Tobikomi-Waza and Ai-Waza from longer distance, as well as Oji-Waza and combinations. -
Choice of fittings
Three fitting options, or the bamboo only. -
Choice of Tsuru colour
Seven Tsuru colours for fitted options. -
Made to federation standards
Made according to the All Japan Kendo Federation and International Kendo Federation standards. -
Men's size 39
Available in men's size 39. -
Part of the Premium range
Each Premium model carries its own name in bronze engraving.
A Substantial Feel
More in the hands than a standard Tsuka, for Kendoka who prefer a thicker grip.
Made Your Way
Your choice of fittings and Tsuru colour, assembled for you.
A Traditional Character
The straighter Koto profile keeps a classic feel in every strike.
Size and Specification Guide
All our Shinai are made according to the All Japan Kendo Federation and International Kendo Federation standards. The weight below is the minimum and the length the maximum set out in the All Japan Kendo Federation guidelines for this size.
Bamboo contains natural oil that dries out over time. To help your Shinai keep its proper weight, please oil it regularly.
| Size | Suitable For | Guideline Weight | Guideline Max. Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 Men's | Men, university age and adult | 510g+ | 120cm |
Who Is MEIKYŌ SHISUI For?
MEIKYŌ SHISUI is for Kendoka who prefer a traditional Koto Shinai but want a more substantial grip, including those with larger hands.
It suits Kendoka whose Kendo is built on committed attacks from longer distance.
Choose Your Fittings
Fitted options are supplied fully assembled, with Tsuka, Sakigawa, Nakayui, and a Tsuru in your chosen colour. The options differ only in the Tsuka: the other parts are the same. Or order the bamboo only and fit your own.
| Option | What You Get | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| — | No fittings | The bamboo only, for Kendoka who prefer to fit their own Tsuka, Sakigawa, Nakayui, and Tsuru | |
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Single Folded Basic Fittings | A standard leather Tsuka, folded once at the end | |
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Single Folded Deluxe ‘Gin’ Leather Fittings | A softer Deluxe ‘Gin’ leather Tsuka, folded once at the end | |
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Double Folded Deluxe ‘Gin’ Leather Fittings | A softer Deluxe ‘Gin’ leather Tsuka, folded twice at the end with two loops for the Tsuru, for extra durability | |
Choose Your Tsuru Colour
If you choose fittings, you can also choose the colour of the Tsuru, the string that runs along the back of the Shinai, opposite the striking side.
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| White | Yellow | Black | Blue |
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| Purple | Green | Red |
Please note: Shinai are made from natural bamboo, so slight variations in colour, grain, weight, and finish are normal. The product received may vary slightly from the product images. Please inspect your Shinai regularly and maintain it correctly before and after practice.













