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  • RETSU Short Grip Shinai
  • RETSU Short Grip Shinai, full length
  • RETSU Short Grip Shinai, close-up of the 烈 mark on the bamboo
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[5-50% off] *NEW* Premium Short Grip Shinai 'RETSU'

[5-50% off] *NEW* Premium Short Grip Shinai 'RETSU'

$98.00 USD
$98.00 USD
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Made to order. Usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks.

The RETSU Short Grip Shinai is a competition-oriented Shinai with a shorter Tsuka. It is slim overall, with a Dobari body slightly fuller through the lower section and a thinner Jissengata tip, which keeps it quick and adaptable at every distance, while the shorter grip gives the strike its crispness and reach when it matters most.

Its name, 烈, means fierce. Like every model in the Premium range, RETSU is made to your specification: choose your fittings and Tsuru colour, or order the bamboo only.

RETSU Short Grip Shinai with a broader profile, balance closer to the hands, 25mm standard grip, short handle, and a choice of fittings

Crispness From a Shorter Grip

Shortening the Tsuka moves the balance a little away from the hands and towards the tip, while the Dobari body and Jissengata tip keep the Shinai quick in the hands. The strike gains crispness and carry, and the reach extends slightly.

RETSU suits all-round Kendoka who use a wide range of distances and techniques, and who want a decisive, sharp strike at the moment of attack.

Made to Your Specification

Choose your fittings and Tsuru colour and receive your RETSU fully assembled and ready to use, or order the bamboo only to fit with your own fittings.

Key Features

  • Short grip
    A shorter Tsuka for compact hand positioning, with a crisper strike and slightly longer reach. Approximately 25mm on size 39, measured on the bamboo without the Tsuka.
  • Dobari Jissengata profile
    Slim overall, with a body slightly fuller through the lower section and a thinner tip, for quick, adaptable handling.
  • Match-grade finish
    Firm, thick-walled staves finished slim, for a crisp, decisive feel on impact.
  • 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.
  • Sizes for men and juniors
    Available in men's size 39, and in junior sizes 37 and 38.
  • Part of the Premium range
    Each Premium model carries its own name in bronze engraving.

Compact Hand Position

For Kendoka who prefer their hands closer together on a shorter grip.

Made Your Way

Your choice of fittings and Tsuru colour, assembled for you.

A Sharper Strike

Crispness and reach at the moment of striking, for decisive Ippon.

Size and Specification Guide

All our Shinai are made according to the All Japan Kendo Federation and International Kendo Federation standards. The weights below are the minimum and the lengths the maximum set out in the All Japan Kendo Federation guidelines for each 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
38 High school, approx. age 15 to 18 480g+ 117cm
37 Junior high school, approx. age 12 to 15 440g+ 114cm

Who Is RETSU For?

RETSU is for competition-minded Kendoka who favour compact hand positioning and a shorter grip, and who want a crisp, sharp strike.

It suits all-round Kendoka who use many distances and techniques, from experienced competitors to competing juniors.

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
Single Folded Basic Fittings: a Tsuka folded once with one loop for the Tsuru, a Sakigawa, a Tsuru and a Sakigomu Single Folded Basic Fittings A standard leather Tsuka, folded once at the end
Single Folded Deluxe ‘Gin’ Leather Fittings: a Gin leather Tsuka folded once with one loop for the Tsuru, a Sakigawa, a Tsuru and a Sakigomu Single Folded Deluxe ‘Gin’ Leather Fittings A softer Deluxe ‘Gin’ leather Tsuka, folded once at the end
Double Folded Deluxe ‘Gin’ Leather Fittings: a Gin leather Tsuka folded twice with two loops for the Tsuru, a Sakigawa, a Tsuru and a Sakigomu 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.

White Tsuru on a fitted Shinai Yellow Tsuru on a fitted Shinai Black Tsuru on a fitted Shinai Blue Tsuru on a fitted Shinai
White Yellow Black Blue
Purple Tsuru on a fitted Shinai Green Tsuru on a fitted Shinai Red Tsuru on a fitted Shinai
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.