2016/09/09 – Introducing the “Men-nari”

The Men-Nari, is a training tool shaped like a short Shinai that will allow you to do Suburi practice where ever you go.

The product was produced by Hiromitsu Yoshida Sensei, a kyōshi 8-dan Kendoka. As a teacher for Children in Japan, Yoshida Sensei made the Men-nari to have a tool that would make Suburi more fun and easy to understand, not to mention something that could easily be used in your home to improve your Kendo skills. Suburi is the most basic form of training in Kendo, which is all the more reason to do Suburi correctly from the beginning as it directly affects your growth as a Kendoka. Especially outside of Japan, where there might not always be access to high rank Sensei that can teach you, this item might come in handy as a supportive Suburi tool!

Being compact and portable, the Men-Nari makes a snapping sound when swung with the accurate form, helping your body memorize the right speed, form, balance, and weight shift for when striking an opponent. The sound is caused by a weight inside the “blade” that slides and hits the tip of the Men-Nari when swung correctly and provides feedback for when you are using the correct form.

The Men-Nari comes in L and S sizes. L size is 70cm long and weighs about 630 grams, while S Size is 62cm long and weighs about 582 grams. Meaning that they are both small enough to be used at home when you can’t head out to the dojo.

Please do try it out!

Have a look at the introduction video here: (Coming soon)