up to 50% off in pack
  • KENSEI Blue Large Grip Shinai
  • KENSEI Blue Large Grip Shinai, full length
1 2

[5-50% off] *NEW* Ultimate Large Grip Shinai 'KENSEI BLUE'

[5-50% off] *NEW* Ultimate Large Grip Shinai 'KENSEI BLUE'

$96.00 USD
$96.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.

Shinai pack deal: buy more, save moreMix any models — total shinai quantity in cart counts together toward bigger discount
Free worldwide shipping over £125 30-days no-risk returns Lifetime warranty
Estimated dispatch time: 1–2 business days

Don’t forget these

Shinai Wax (Beeswax) $14.00
Premium Shinai Shaver (Kezuri) $35.00

Frequently bought together

Keep them safe

[5-50% off] *NEW* Ultimate Large Grip Shinai 'KENSEI BLUE' $96.00 this item
Nylon Shinai Bag for 5 Shinai $89.00 $75.65 −15%
You save $13.35 Bundle price $171.65
View full details

Men's size 39 usually ships in 1 to 2 business days. Junior sizes 37 and 38 usually ship in 7 to 10 business days.

The KENSEI Blue Large Grip Shinai has a Dobari body, fuller through the lower section, a thinner Jissengata tip, and a substantial, larger-than-standard Tsuka. Together they concentrate the weight at the hands, so the Shinai swings out very lightly while the tip stays easy to control.

Within the KENSEI Standard range, each model is identified by the colour of its 剣星 mark, and this model carries the mark in blue, 青.

KENSEI Blue Large Grip Shinai with a broader Dobari profile, balance closer to the hands, and 28mm large grip

A Larger Grip, a Lighter Swing

The thicker Tsuka suits Kendoka with larger hands, and anyone who prefers a more substantial grip than a standard Shinai gives.

With its fuller body and thinner tip keeping the centre of gravity close to the hands, KENSEI Blue is suited to quick combinations, Oji-Waza that catch the opponent as they start to move, and exchanges at close distance.

Single Large Grip Shinai

This product includes 1 x KENSEI Blue Large Grip Shinai, supplied fully assembled with a leather Tsuka and ready to use.

Key Features

  • Large grip
    A thicker-than-standard Tsuka that suits larger hands and Kendoka who prefer a substantial grip. Approximately 28mm on size 39, measured on the bamboo without the Tsuka.
  • Dobari Jissengata profile
    A body fuller through the lower section and a thinner tip, both bringing the balance closer to the hands for match-ready handling.
  • Very light swing
    Weight concentrated at the hands lets the Shinai swing out very lightly.
  • High tip control
    Suited to fast combinations, Oji-Waza, and exchanges at close distance.
  • Ready to use
    Supplied fully assembled with a leather Tsuka, so it can go straight into Keiko.
  • 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 KENSEI Standard range
    Each KENSEI model is identified by the colour of its 剣星 mark; this one carries it in blue.

Made for Larger Hands

A substantial grip that fills the hand, for Kendoka who find a standard Tsuka too slim.

Competition Balance

Fast, light handling for Kendoka who want speed in Shiai and Ji-Geiko.

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 KENSEI Blue For?

KENSEI Blue is for Kendoka who want a fast, competition-oriented Shinai with a substantial grip: those with larger hands, and anyone who prefers more in the hand than a standard Tsuka gives.

It suits Kendoka who build their Kendo on speed, quick combinations, and close-distance exchanges, from experienced competitors to competing juniors. It is the successor to our KOUREN Shinai, and the best pick if you appreciate KOUREN.

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.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 28 reviews.

Super fast delivery, exactly one week from order to receiving and I'm on the other side of the world! The shinai are great quality, nice big handles with perfect balance. They swing beautifully, especially for my left handed suburi which has improved significantly. In bogu strikes feel natural, less forced or manufactured effort and I sense my kirikieshi improved straight away. Maybe it's the handle, maybe it's the balance, either way, these shinai are superior to any others I have used before. I'm honestly really happy with this purchase.

Ray M. 5/5 Verified

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *3*

Been meaning to write a review on the Kouron Dobari Shinai for a while. Started off on recommendation buying three different shinai so I could find my preference, so opted for a special three-set of the great Toukon Oval grip; the Kouron Dobari; and the Tonba Octagonal. This was my least favourite of the three, however need to mention that it is the go to shinai for suburi due to its weight, for motodachi receiving as it is a very durable and allows you to parry heavier cuts without worry of damage (or switching to carbon fibre so as not to destroy your more expensive shinai), it's a heavier shinai that finds its purpose in these areas. I wouldn't buy it again as it didn't fit my regular needs, but if I found myself teaching juniors and needed to receive a lot of heavy hitters - this would be it. Need to mention that your regular tsuba won't fit this shinai, so make sure you have or you buy specificaly for this shinai.

Julian B. 4/5

*NEW* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - SINGLE SHINAI

Main shinai for multiple years now I already left a review for these in the single shinai section. This is an update in the bundle section, as I ordered this set several times now. I've been using these thick-grip shinai for more than two years now mostly for everything: normal keiko and shiai, too. The bamboo is very good quality, the tsukagawa feels excellent. I used them with shortened tsukagawa, too. They have a very comfortable balance and the thick grip makes is nice for large hands (I have longer-than-average fingers). I sometimes also use normal grip shinai when traveling abroad, but came to prefer these a lot. For reference, I'm currently 2nd dan with 4 years of kendo experience.

Gabor O. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *3*

Daito Shinai I ordered a set of these specially shortened to use as daito shinai in nito. I was very pleased both with the service and the product. It is always difficult to find a daito that has a good size grip, many are too small, this was good. Also the weight and balance made it easy to use one handed.

John G. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *3*

Main shinai for more than a year now I've been using these shinai exclusively for more than a year now. I'm currently shodan with 3 years of kendo experience and I started using a larger grip as a recommendation from my sensei. I have large hands, long fingers, and the thicker grip proved to be very comfortable. The bamboo is very beautiful, the tsukagawa is very nice quality. Some of the tsukagawa were very tight and it was difficult (but not impossible) to get them off when repairing, while some others were easy to remove. I broke around three of these in one year with 4 keiko/week on average, so I'm happy with the durability. I use these for everyday keiko and competitions as well. Shipping was also always very prompt (to Australia and the Netherlands). I highly recommend them for people who like thicker grips.

Gabor O. 5/5

*NEW* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - SINGLE SHINAI

Great value I have huge hands, with normal shinai I always feel like they rattle inside my hands. With the Kouren, there is a comfy fit and it stops me from over-gripping, so I can stay relaxed. Build is good, quality is good, and since they are made the same, buying in bulk means I can easily replace slats when they break.

J-m B. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *10*

Decent Shinai Good dobari shinai. Mine actually came with a double-folded tsukagawa which was a nice surprise, although the leather is very fuzzy compared to other tsuka leather. The balance is pretty good, however because it is 560 g it doesn't feel quite as light in the hand as some dobaris. Overall, very decent shinai for practice and keiko.

Kip 4/5

*NEW* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - SINGLE SHINAI

Well constructed and balanced Shinai The Shinai complies with all that was said in the description. Due to it's balance, it somehow feels a lot lighter than the normal training Shinai. My personal wish would be to add another 5mm to the circumference in order to accommodate even larger hands and call it an Extra Large Grip ;-)

Andre P. 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *3*

Very good choice Very good shinai, well balanced and good quality materials. The dobari features and thicker grip (28 mm) make it comfortable to handle if you have large hands, and striking feels easier and more precise. I've just started using this shinai, and I think I will use it regularly.

Flavio 5/5

*SPECIAL OFFER* - Large Grip Dobari Shinai ‘KOUREN’ - Set of *3*