"I have created this Shinai last year, and since then I have been using it everyday. The handle is Tsukatan (short Tsuka) but the grip is quite thick. It has an Oval/Octagonal shape, which gives the feel of holding a real katana. For the Tsuka, a top quality thin GIN leather has been used, so the response of the bamboo is directly transmitted to the fingers. The short Tsuka enhances your straight strike, especially when you strike a DEBANA Men. The balance is ideal, and although it is a KOTO Style Shinai, the weight feels closer to your hand, due to the Tsuka being thick. I felt confident using this Shinai at my last 8 dan exam." (Taro Ariga, CEO E-BOGU.COM, Inc. Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan) -- Spring 2025


ARIGA HAKKAKU was the Shinai used by our CEO Taro Ariga, Kendo Kyoshi 8th Dan at his successful 8th Dan Exam in Kyoto, May 2, 2025.

Photo of Taro Ariga waiting for his turn at the Kyoto exam.

Master Quality MADAKE Shinai - "ARIGA HAKKAKU" Size 39 is a OCTAGONAL, OVAL, KOTO GATA, TSUKATAN Shinai.
Weight (Available in two different weights):
Regular Adult Men: Approximately 460 - 480 g (510 - 530 g assembled)
Light Weight (K-Model): Approximately 410 - 430 g (460 - 480 g assembled)
Left Grip: 30 x 26 mm Diameter
Right Grip: 32 x 29 mm Diameter
Tsuka: Top Quality GIN Leather Simple Traditional Tsuka for 37 Shinai (Approximate length: 30 cm). Exclusively Hand made for ARIGA BEKKAKU Shinais.

"ARIGA HAKKAKU is an evolution from the ARIGA BESSAKU No22. It has the similar concepts of TSUKATAN (Short Grip), but in a Oval-Octagonal version. Because it has a short Tsuka, it is designed so that the knot of the bamboo is about 1 inch closer to your right hand, compared to regular Shinais. I always preferred shorter Tsukas, so I used to place Short Tsukas on a 39 Shinai, but that would leave a large gap between the end of the Tsuka and the Knot of the bamboo, which made the Shinai look unbalanced and tip heavy. By selecting a bamboo with the Knot (where the weight is concentrated) closer to your right hand, it provides the Dobari effect, by bringing the center of gravity closer to your hands. Also, the Oval-Octagonal Tsuka adjusts better to the hand, with a more real-sword feel, when doing the Kamae and striking. Available in two different weight, Adult Men, Adult Women "K-Model". This is one of the best Shinai I have designed, and I just used at my last 8 Dan exam." (Taro Ariga, CEO E-BOGU.COM, Inc. Kendo Kyoshi 7 Dan) -- Fall 2024