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WABUKAN Arsenal · Training tools · Japan

Bokken

A wooden sword with the shape and weight of a katana, used for paired kata. By tradition, Miyamoto Musashi won his famous duel of 1612 with a bokken carved from an oar.

Bokken
Bokken WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

木剣 · bokutō; suburitō (heavy version)

Origin and history

Wooden swords have been used to train swordsmanship in Japan for centuries, because paired forms with live blades were too dangerous. Miyamoto Musashi is said to have fought his duel with Sasaki Kojirō (1612) using a bokken carved from an oar.

Martial arts that use it

Kenjutsu Aikido Jodo Kendo Iaido

Construction

Usually red or white oak, about 100 cm long, shaped like a katana with or without a removable plastic guard. Each school (ryūha) may have its own profile and weight.

Basic techniques

Training

Training tools are used in short, regular sessions: correct technique first, then gradual increases in load or contact so that joints, skin and tendons adapt.

Safety

Increase load and contact gradually, stop if joints hurt (as opposed to normal muscle fatigue), and check the equipment and its fixings before each use.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

In kendo, the Nippon Kendo Kata are performed with a bokutō, not with the bamboo shinai used for sparring.

More weapons

Shinai Makiwara Chi ishi and nigiri game Wooden dummy Gada Feder

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Bokken
  2. Wikipedia — Suburito