What is bokken in Aikido?

What is bokken in Aikido?

A bokken (木剣, bok(u), “wood”, and ken, “sword”) (or a bokutō 木刀, as they are called in Japan) is a Japanese wooden sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi (short sword) and tantō (knife or dagger).

What is the aikido stick called?


A jō (杖:じょう) is an approximately 1.27-metre (4.2 ft) wooden staff, used in some Japanese martial arts. The martial art of wielding the jō is called jōjutsu or jōdō. Also, aiki-jō is a set of techniques in aikido which uses the jō to illustrate aikido’s principles with a weapon.

What sword is used in aikido?

Aikido weapons include a wooden sword known as a bokken. Aikido weapons include a wooden sword, called a bokken; a short staff, called a jo; and a knife, called a tanto. The bokken, jo and tanto have been used in aikido training since it was founded in the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba.

How heavy is a heavy bokken?

2.5lb
Top quality Super Heavy Bokken, made of Red Oak. This Suburito is extra heavy. Great for building your muscles doing Suburi. Approximate weight 1.15 Kg (2.5lb) Red Oak Wood (45″).

What is an aikido staff called?

How thick should a Jo staff be?

15/16 and 1″
Two standard thicknesses are used: 15/16 and 1″. You should base the thickness of your Jo on its length and other characteristics that affect how the weapon feels in your hands. A taller person may want a staff diameter that matches the overall length, but ultimately, it should feel natural and balanced when using.

What does aikido stand for?

way of harmonizing energy
aikido, Japanese aikidō (“way of harmonizing energy”), martial art and self-defense system that resembles the fighting methods jujitsu and judo in its use of twisting and throwing techniques and in its aim of turning an attacker’s strength and momentum against himself.

What wood is best for bokken?

Hon Biwa (Japanese loquat): Eriobotrya japonica, or Japanese loquat, is an extremely strong and resilient wood. This is undoubtably the best wood species for making Bokken and wooden weapons used during full contact training.

How long is an Aikido Bokken?

Most beginners start their Budo journey with a “standard” Bokken, i.e. a red or white oak, 101.5 cm long weapon that weighs about 500 ~ 600g.

What are bokken used for?

A bokken (木剣, bok(u), “wood”, and ken, “sword”) (or commonly as bokutō 木刀 in Japan), is a Japanese wooden sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tantō.

  • October 27, 2022