Iwama Bokken Japan bent

This is a Japanese white oak practice sword. The Japanese Bokken is 102cm long and and weighs approximately 750 grams. This Bokken is available in a straight and a slightly curved version, both with a blunt point. The choice for a straight or curved Bokken depends on the gym where training takes place and the style that is practiced.

Origin

Bokkens are designed to restrict damage and injuries that occur when fighting with real swords. In addition they were used for training Samurai worriors in feudal Japan. In the end the Bokken itself has become a deadly weapon in the hands of well trained experts.

Current use

Nowadays Bokkens are still being used when practicing different martial arts. For example, think of: kobudo, ninjitsu, kenjitsu, kendo and aikido. A Bokken is very personal, the point of balance and stability are two important matters to take into account when selecting a Bokken.

The Iwama Bokkens are wider and a little heavier than the standard Bokkens. The Iwama Bokkens are, beside the Japanese, also available in Pro-Shugyo version. The standard Bokkens are available in various types of wood, (Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese)