Introduction
The bokken or bokuto is an essential tool in the Bujinkan martial art, which originated in Japan and combines elements of various disciplines such as Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Kenjutsu. The bokken is a replica of a traditional Japanese sword, but is made of wood instead of steel, allowing for safer and more controlled training. The word “bokken” is derived from “boku~moku” meaning “wood” and “ken” meaning “sword”.
Bujinkan practice involves the use of a variety of weapons, including bokken. Bokken training is essential to develop the technique, strength, speed and accuracy needed to wield a katana safely and effectively. In addition, bokken training also helps to improve coordination, concentration and reaction skills.
Parts of the Bokken
The bokken is made from a single piece of wood, to which other elements are then incorporated. The parts of the bokken are described here:
- The “tsuka” (柄) is the hilt of the bokken. It is the part that is held in the hand and is located at the bottom of the Bokken, it is delimited by an indentation in the carving, from which the carving changes. It is designed to provide a secure and comfortable grip for the user. It is often wrapped with a cord or cloth to improve grip, and may have a decorative covering such as leather or cloth.
- The blade or shinogi (鎬 or 鐃) is the part used for striking and cutting and is located at the top of the bokken, it is designed to provide great strength and durability.
- The tsuba (鍔 or 鐔) is a piece that is placed on the bokken between the blade and the tsuka. Its main function is to delimit this border area between tsuka and shinogi in order to understand the size ratios that will be very similar on the katana, where the tsuba has a more obvious role: to protect the user’s hands from injuries caused by accidentally hitting the blade. In addition, it is also used as a decorative and symbolic element in some cases. Some bokken come with a tsuba included, while others are sold without it and can be purchased separately. On the katana the tsuba is made of metal, while on the bokken it is almost always made of hard plastic.
- The tsubadome (鍔止め or 鐔止め) is the mechanism for attaching the tsuba to the bokken. It is made of semi-elastic hard rubber, which allows it to be removed for washing and maintenance of the weapon.
- The “saya” (鞘) is the sheath of the bokken. It is the sheath used to protect the blade and is usually held in Bujinkan with our “Obi” (帯) belt.
Of all these parts, the only essential parts are the Tsuka and the Shinogi.
Bokken in Bujinkan
In Bujinkan, the bokken is used to practice cutting and striking techniques, as well as to improve fencing technique. It is a key tool for developing coordination, accuracy and confidence in handling weapons. It is also used to practice self-defence techniques and to improve reaction and movement skills. In that sense, there is a group of advanced sword evasion techniques (Muto Dori Kata), which Hatsumi Sensei has emphasised for years, which are usually practised in front of bokken.
In Bujinkan training, students learn how to handle the bokken safely and effectively. Basic techniques such as horizontal and vertical cuts are taught, as well as advanced techniques such as blocks and counter-attacks and reverse guards. In addition, kata and bokken combat forms are practised, which are a form of training to improve technique and physical condition.
In that sense, it is worth talking about the suburi bokken, suburi bokuto or suburi to, which is a sturdy, wide and heavy variant of the traditional bokuto. It is used to practice basic strikes and cuts, such as suburi shomen, suburi yokomen and suburi sayu men. These strikes are executed with repetitive movements, increasing speed and accuracy over time, as well as stamina and strength. It is said that the legendary Miyamoto Musashi wore one in one of his most famous duels.
In addition to improving kenjutsu technique, suburi also helps develop physical fitness and is a very attractive element of Tanren Ho. By performing repetitive movements with the bokken, it works on arm, shoulder and back strength, as well as cardiovascular endurance.
Types of Bokken available online
In this first entry on bokken we will not go into great detail about establishing a guide to buying them. We will mention three popular websites where you can browse and choose yours. In a future post, we will make a comparison between the three sites. These sites are Amazon, Decathlon and Tozando. We have chosen these three because of their characteristics as retailers:
- Amazon is a global retailer of a generalist nature. This implies that it is potentially feasible to find any product, but that finding the right one can be difficult.
- Decathlon is a generalist company within a specific niche: physical activity and sport. Budo is a specific sub-segment and many beginners wonder if they are doing the right thing by investing their money in buying equipment in shops like Decathlon.
- Tozando is possibly the best online shop for Martial Arts related products, especially weapons, and we will treat their products with all the justice they deserve. In fact, Tozando’s products are so good, that we will probably make several posts dedicated to some of the components of their products.
For all shops, let’s assume that you are purchasing a bokken for the first time. There are more advanced, aesthetically elegant or more durable variations on some of these products, but we want to keep it simple for the first experience. We hope you find it useful.
Amazon:
On Amazon it is easy to find products of all kinds, and Martial Arts is no exception. It is true that the variety is overwhelming and that there are a multitude of international sub-shops, which is why we have restricted the content of this post to the most essential examples.
Image 1: bokken white wood (Oak) with tsuba. Image 2: Saya. Image 3: bokken redwood (beech)
Tozando:
Nyumon Starter Set (white oak): 110 USD. Click the image to access the shop.
This set is designed to give you everything you need to start kenjutsu/iaido with a bokuto and all the important accessories. The quality is excellent, both in terms of durability and aesthetics, considering that this is a basic line.
Bokuto Deluxe Tsuwaki (for Kendo): 127.52 USD. Click the image to access the shop.
In this case, it is a bokuto without saya or tsuba but of higher quality than the previous one, both in terms of the sturdiness of the wood and its finish. If you are looking for a product that is superb in quality and extreme in its simplicity, we recommend this one.
Decathlon
The cheapest offer can be found at Decathlon. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the main limitation is the lack of variety and the basic nature of the product. Even so, the quality is sufficient to start training with this product.
Bokuto outshock: 28,99€. Click the image to access the shop.
Conclusion
We have cautiously delved into the deep world of Bujinkan Wooden Weapons and the premiere has necessarily been with the wooden version of the Budo queen. The bokuto or bokken is a versatile and complex weapon, we should not limit ourselves to seeing it as the wooden version of the katana (which in itself would be a lot). If you want to start training with bokuto, you have some interesting product offers on our website. Good luck with your bokuto