Bokken (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! A bokken (bok(u), "wood," and ken, "sword") (or commonly as bokut in Japan), is a Japanese wooden sword used for training, usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tant . Some ornamental bokken are decorated with mother-of-pearl work and elaborate carvings. Bokut should not be confused with shinai, a sword made of bamboo that is used for practice in kendo. The bokken is used as an inexpensive and safe substitute for a real sword in several martial arts such as kendo, aikido and kenjutsu. In 2003, the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) introduced a type of practice using bokken. Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho is a set of basic exercises using a bokuto. This form of practice, is intended primarily for kendoka up to ni-dan (2), but is very useful for all kendo students.