The Shinai is a bamboo sports equipment simulating a sword. It is used for training in kendo and other martial arts. Usually imitates the Japanese katana sword. In kendo, both the "cutting" part of the shinai and its tip are used for striking. When used for practice, the shinai minimizes the danger of killing and injuring oneself or an opponent, compared to a sword.

Shinai consists of four specially profiled bamboo strips, made up of a square or vertical rectangle and fastened with two pieces of leather, as well as ropes, a handle and a tie, a protective device and its rubber or leather fastener. The bamboo strips are held together on both sides by leather handles and a tip, which in turn are secured with a rope. A tie is used to mark the striking part of the shinai and to ensure a good tension on the rope. Nowadays, variants of carbon fiber are also used instead of bamboo.