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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · Japan

Wakizashi

The short companion sword, with a blade of 30 to 60 cm. Worn together with the katana it formed the daisho, the pair that only samurai could carry.

Wakizashi
Wakizashi WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

脇差 · shōtō; kodachi (related)

Origin and history

The wakizashi became common in the 15th–16th centuries as the short partner of the long sword. In the Edo period (1603–1868) wearing the pair, the daishō, was a privilege of the samurai class, while townspeople could carry only a short sword.

Martial arts that use it

Kenjutsu Iaido

Construction

Blade between 1 and 2 shaku (about 30–60 cm), made and mounted like a katana, often by the same smith and with matching fittings when part of a daishō.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

It was the sword a samurai kept on when entering a house, leaving the long sword at the door.

More weapons

Jian Dao Hook swords Krabi / daab Dha Talwar

Sources

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

  1. Wikipedia — Wakizashi
  2. Wikipedia — Daishō