HOW TO MAKE A DO for our kendo training dummy

How to make a Kendo Do for our wood kendo training dummy**

I designed this removable Do to use with OUR NON-ADJUSTABLE wood kendo training dummy. Nicely designed and easy to make. The total cost should be under $25. This addition to our wood kendo training dummy adds many more possible strikes that can be practiced. This kendo dummy Do is easy to easy to setup and easy to remove.

**We have posted instructions for making this FREE kendo "Do" designed for your personal or dojo use only, It is not to be used for commercial purposes. We make no warranty as far as making it, suitability, or safety in its design or use. Always wear kendo bogu when using this dummy.

Design by
David Aguero
BestKendo

Template PDF 476kb

Instructions PDF 2.4MB

KENDO Do INSTRUCTIONS

Tools List

Materials List - 6' dummy

Electric Drill
1/2" drill bit
Philips screw bit
Saber saw
Hand saw, Japanese type or
fine finishing hand saw

Scissors
Pencil
Tape measure
Ruler

IMPORTANT NOTE: purchase of wood measurements, are for STOCK WOOD which tends to be narrower (actual measurements) than what the store says they are! If you are a carpenter please purchase stock wood or measure for stock wood.

Purchase:
1 length of 1 1/2" board 8 feet long
1 length of 3 1/2" board 6 feet long
1 length of 5 1/2" board 6 feet long
1 small box 2" wood screws
1 small box 1 1/4" wood screws
Wood Glue
1 small box 1/2" wide head screws
1 Adjustable bungie cord
1 Eye screw for bungie cord
1 black duct tape
1 length of thick carpet padding or other type of padding (26"x7")

Important Note: The wood being used for this kendo dummy is very soft and splits easily, so pilot holes must be drilled first before inserting the wood screws. Apply wood glue on all the pieces being assembled.

MAIN SECTION VIEW

STEP 1		Cutting the strips of wood
		Cut all the wood pieces for the do

STEP 2

Cutting the do brace

Download, print and cut out this template:
Template PDF 240kb
Use a fine hand saw for cutting the wood.

Using the template provided, print and cut out the template, mark both left sides and right sides of the two 15"x5 1/2" boards (turn paper template over to mark the right side) .

measure the distance of the wood dummies two center post braces and mark the center of the 15"x5 1/2" boards with two 3 1/2 boards, tracing an outline of where the center posts will sit.

cut the two top and bottom supports, using a Japanese style saw, or a similar fine finishing hand saw

drill a 1/2 hole and finish cutting out the center post notch with a saber saw.

STEP 3

Shinai holder adjustment


Raise the position of the dummy arm/shinai holder by attaching an extra eye screw lower down from the first eye screw on the center post, extending the existing bungie cord and making it easier to strike 'do' on the kendo dummy.

STEP 4

Attaching Post Do Brace


Place top post brace 4 3/4" down and level from the bolt that secures the shinai holder.	Mark both left and right side of the post panels with an angle and a pencil.	Position and attach both post do braces - 5 1/4 x 3 1/2 boards aligning the wood with the pencil markings.

STEP 5

Assemble Do


Do post brace with shinai holder adjusted.	Position the top and bottom Do braces on the center 3 1/2" x 5 1/4" board. For the sides alignment, use the two 3 1/2 x 7" boards along each side of 5 1/4" board, making sure the sides and center align (use for alignment only). Use duct tape to keep the boards from shifting. Apply two 2" screws in the center board, turn over and apply two more 2" screws on the oposite side.	Attach the two 3 1/2 x 7" boards on the front of the do, aligning each board with the outside edges. Start attaching the 1 1/2" x 7" boards, align the first 1 1/2" board with the wider 3 1/2 x 7" boards, working outwards, continue until both sides are completed. Drill pilot holes and apply wood glue to each piece of wood.	Position the completed do on the post do brace. Check for any alignment problems, making corrections for tightness using a wood file.

STEP 6

Secure Do on post


Cut the a bungie cord to a length that will secure the Do, keeping it from moving. (about 18")

STEP 7

Apply padding


Measure and cut a 26"x 7" piece of carpet padding or other type of padding.	Attach the padding on back of both right and left side of the do with 1/2" flat head wood screws	Secure the middle of the padding with 1/2" wide head screws.

STEP 8

Apply duct tape

Apply two layers of duct tape on the surface of the (carpet) padding to protect the wood and shinai from damage.