A bokken (木剣; hiragana: ぼっけん; boku, 'wood'; ken, 'sword') or bokutō (木刀; hiragana: ぼくとう; tō, 'saber') is a wooden sword used in various classical martial arts originating from Japan, primarily in traditional Japanese fencing or kenjutsu, modern traditional fencing or kendō, the art of drawing and cutting with a sword or iaidō, and the art of stick fencing or jōdō.
It is also used by several traditional Japanese martial arts that are primarily unarmed, such as jiu-jitsu, Aikido, ninjutsu, judo, and Japanese kobudo. It is primarily used as a replacement or representation of a real sword or katana.
Bokken Parts
The bokken consists of two main parts:
- Tsuka (hilt or handle).
- Monouchi (the third part of the sword from the top).
Other parts:
- Kissaki (tip). T
- suba (decorative guard that separates the tsuka from the blade for protection).
- Tsuba dome (plastic collar placed under the tsuba to keep it fixed to the tsuka).
- Mune (the back or spine of the sword).
- Shinogi (commonly referred to as the blood groove, it is the line found on the middle face of the blade).
Bokken Characteristics
Bokken generally measure between 100 and 105 cm in length, with approximately 28 cm for the handle and the rest for the blade. They can be made from various types of wood, with oak being the most common and providing different properties.
Differences between Bokken and Shinai (a bamboo sword used in kendō): The main difference between the bokken and shinai is that the bokken can cause bone fractures due to its hardness and wedge-shaped design that imitates the edge of a katana.
Since the bokken has a similar shape to a katana, it is very useful for practicing sword movements and footwork. Another difference is the weight; there are bokken models that are heavier than shinai but lighter than a katana, making it a good way to get accustomed to the weight of a metal sword.
Bokken Care
Caring for a bokken includes treating it with oils, such as linseed oil, which gradually penetrates the wood, increasing its weight and making it more challenging to handle, bringing it closer to the weight of a katana.
It should also be protected from weather conditions in a dry place because like any type of wood, excessive moisture can cause warping and rot. It is best to store it horizontally rather than vertically for extended periods.
It is not recommended to varnish the bokken as it can become either too slippery, not absorbing perspiration, or sticky, causing blisters. Some bokken come with a protective coating, but if not, it should be oiled at least a couple of times a year to prevent the wood from drying out. Boiled linseed oil can be used for this purpose, as it prevents an excess of oil on the surface.
History of Bokken
During the Muromachi period (1336-1600), the use of the bokken, also called bokuto (when used with the tsuba), became popular as warriors started practicing duels against opponents rather than fighting on the battlefield. Different styles or schools "Ryu" or "Ryuha" specializing in various techniques and strategies emerged from this concept of combat.
As the dojos of these different Ryu began teaching the art of swordsmanship, it became evident that steel swords needed to be replaced for safety reasons. The edge of a katana is fragile and sharp, and while the lateral ridge was designed to absorb the force used during cutting, thrusting, and blocking, it could break or chip upon contact with another hard object or sword. Inexperienced handling could also be detrimental.
Over the centuries, hundreds of different Ryu specialized in kenjutsu, and almost all of them used the bokken for training. As students became masters of sword handling using the bokken, they also became dangerous with the training tool itself.
There are various Japanese chronicles that recount stories of warriors who, for various reasons, used the bokken against an enemy wielding a steel blade and defeated them. Sometimes, these victories were attributed to the warrior's skill in using the bokken (see "Biography of Miyamoto Musashi").
Woods
The bokken is typically made from a single piece of wood, although there are some made in different parts of the world. The most popular ones come from Japan and are made from Japanese red or white oak.
These woods made Japanese bokken popular because their compact grain makes them wonderfully smooth, refined, and impactful. Some experts argue that white oak is superior to red oak as it warps less and has fewer knots.
Other woods that can be used include maple, walnut, incense, ebony, guayubira, depending on the intended use, considering factors such as weight, balance, and durability.
If it is intended for combat against other weapons, it should not be made of lightweight and soft wood as it would easily break. Conversely, if the goal is to strengthen the arms and shoulders, there are heavier versions called suburi-to.
Additional Note: Although bokken are safer than real swords, they should still be treated as weapons. After use against another bokken, jō, etc., make sure there are no splinters or damages. If it is damaged, it could cause injuries to the opponent during practice.