Wooden practice sword - Bokken / Bokuto

bokken (木剣, bok(u) , "wood", and ken , "sword") (or a bokutō (Sunday )

Wooden practice sword (Bokken).

✔️ Made of red/white oak
✔️ Plastic guard ( tsuba ) to protect your hands from impacts
✔️ Perfect for practicing Iaido, Iaijutsu, Aikido, Kendo, Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu,...

A wooden sword, known as a "bokken" in Japanese, is a training weapon used in martial arts, particularly Japanese sword arts such as Kendo and Iaido. It is designed to replicate the weight, balance and feel of a real katana (Japanese sword) while providing a safer training alternative.

Here are some key points about the wooden sword, or bokken : The purpose of the bokken is to allow martial artists to practice various sword techniques and forms without the risk associated with using an actual blade. It helps students develop proper technique, posture and control.

Material and construction : Bokken are made from wood, with the most common types being made from Japanese white oak (shiro kashi), red oak (akagashi). The choice of wood affects the weight and durability of the bokken.

Design : A bokken is shaped like a katana, with a blade, a hilt, and a guard. The blade is usually straight and has a chisel-shaped point. The handle is designed to mimic the grip of a katana, and the guard (tsuba) is often a simple round piece. Weight and centering: Bokken are designed to closely match the weight and balance of a real sword. This ensures that practitioners can develop the strength and muscle memory needed to manipulate a live blade.

Training techniques : Practitioners use the bokken for a variety of training exercises, including kata (pre-arranged forms), suburi, shizan (solo cutting exercises), and tachi uchi (partner exercises). The Bokken helps students understand the principles of distance, timing, and cutting angles.

Security : Although bokken are safer than sharp blades, safety precautions are still necessary. Practitioners use protective equipment and some training exercises are performed with controlled movements to minimize the risk of injury.

Cultural significance : The bokken holds cultural significance in Japanese martial arts, representing a tool of physical and mental discipline. Respectful handling of the bokken is often emphasized, reflecting the broader principles of martial arts.

In short, a bokken is a wooden training sword used in Japanese martial arts to simulate the weight and feel of a real katana while ensuring a safer training environment. It plays a crucial role in the development of sword techniques and is an integral part of the training program in various martial arts disciplines.