Potential injury from shinai strike

[Spartacus Maximus]

Some of the more traditional and defense orientated martial arts system have one form or another of conditioning the body and especially the limbs to withstand strikes for blocking or parrying.

One of the ways to do this is by gradually being hit with some sort of flexible stick. In Japan and in systems of Japanese origin it is common to use a shinai, which is the type of bamboo stick-sword used in kendo.

Is anyone familiar with what being struck full force with one of these feels like or the kinds of possible injuries one could sustain if one attempted to block or take a strike?

Shinai or kendo sticks are not solid pieces and are made up of several flat strips of bamboo strapped together with string. The potential damage is probably much less serious than a solid stick such as a bat, no?

[Wastelander]

Some of the more traditional and defense orientated martial arts system have one form or another of conditioning the body and especially the limbs to withstand strikes for blocking or parrying.

One of the ways to do this is by gradually being hit with some sort of flexible stick. In Japan and in systems of Japanese origin it is common to use a shinai, which is the type of bamboo stick-sword used in kendo.

Is anyone familiar with what being struck full force with one of these feels like or the kinds of possible injuries one could sustain if one attempted to block or take a strike?

Shinai or kendo sticks are not solid pieces and are made up of several flat strips of bamboo strapped together with string. The potential damage is probably much less serious than a solid stick such as a bat, no?

You might break fingers or toes with a shinai, but it has enough flex that you shouldn't break any other bones. It'll leave you with a heck of a welt and bruise, and the edges of the slats can cut you. Additionally, you can cause ligament and tendon damage that takes a long time to heal.

[sensei8]

Yeah, I've been beat with a Shinai for my entire MA career. It makes a great sound...it also make a great visual. For an occasional hit from a Shinai, it's no real big deal. However, hits with intent and long duration, can get your attention.

For ME, I love to be hit with a Shinai, intentionally or not, it's no big deal!!

But, that's me, I love the pain that a Shinai can bring; I'm sadistic that way. Besides, I WILL GET A TURN...TRUST ME!!

Both Soke and Dai-Soke walked around the floor with a Shinai, more for the visual than for the intent. Sure, they'd use it to correct us, but it would be more like a loving light tap to an arm or stomach or back or leg or wherever necessary. Neither of them ever struck us with anger!!

But Greg and I, and many others, would beat each other during drills and the like, however, we'd get carried away from time to time to all of the time!!

Again, I'm twisted that way!!