Master Quality MADAKE Shinai - "ARIGA BESSAKU No88" Size 39 is a KOTO GATA TSUKATAN Shinai.
Weight: Approximately 460 - 480 g (510 - 540 g assembled)
Left Grip: 30 - 32 mm Diameter
Right Grip: 30 - 32 mm Diameter
Tsuka: Tsuka for 37 Shinai (Approximate length: 30 cm)

"This is the newest variation of Ariga Bessaku, the "No.88". The previous Ariga Bessaku No.22 had a thinner Tsuka, but this one has a thicker Tsuka. Being on Motodachi all the time, I do Keiko for the entire practice. I found that using a Shinai with a thicker Tsuka to be less tiring. This is a Kotogata Shinai and it has an excellent balance, with a Tsukatan (short Tsuka) handle. It has a short Tsuka (the knot of the bamboo is about 1 inch closer to your right hand, compared to regular Shinais). I always preferred short Tsukas, so I used to place Short Tsukas on a 39 Shinai, but that would leave a large gap between 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 close to the hands. Shinai No.22 and No.88 Shinais have all the characteristics of a Kotogata shinai, but it has the weight balance of a Dobari Shinai. if you like a thicker handle Shinai this is a must-try Shinai!" (Taro Ariga, CEO E-BOGU.COM, Inc. Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan)