Bokken
A bokken is a hard wood sword (made usually from oak) used for kata. They are usually the size and shape of a japanese longsword, but sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the shotsword and dagger. They are also known as bokutō, which is the usual term in Japan.
The following is a list of the styles of bokken used at Kearsley:
- daitō (katana-sized) = long sword
- shoto or kodachi (wakizashi-sized) = short sword
Colour of the bokken can vary (normally red or white). This can be due to personal taste, or preference for a type of wood grain. A better grain of wood is generally not stained red.
Another type of bokken you may see at Kearsley is the Suburito. The Suburito (Suburi bokken) can be made in daito and shoto sizes but are meant for solo training. They are much heavier and harder to use, developing greater muscles. Some would say the use of these bokkens increases skills with 'normal' sized bokken, however this is not agreed on by everyone.
