Bokken (木剣) has two kanji that translates to bok(u), "wood", and ken, "sword". In Japan they are also called bokutō (木刀). They are a Japanese wooden sword used for training in kenjutsu. It is usually the size and shape of a katana and are traditionally composed of red oak or white oak, although any hard wood can be used. In comparison, practice swords made of flexible, soft wood such as bamboo are referred to as a shinai and those weapon types are used in the sport of Kendo. Typically bokken training is not related to sport but traditional swordsmanship for combat.

It seems bokken first emerged during the Muromachi Period (1336–1600) for the training of samurai warriors in the various ryūs (schools of martial arts and swordsmanship) of the era. If a steel katana is repeatedly used, it can easily become nicked and the edge flawed, eventually leading to a broken expensive sword. Bokken are safer than fighting with real swords, and are considerably more durable; training allows for contact of swords with little fear of damage.

However, it can still be deadly, and any training with a bokken should be done with due care. In fact, the most famous of samurai, Musashi, is reported to have had many kills using a bokken rather than a katana.

Component Names of the Bokken

• Tsuka – the handle.

• Ha – the edge.

• Kissaki – the tip.

• Monouchi – the cutting portion of the edge, the 1/3 closest to the kissaki.

• Mune – the back of the blade.

• Chu-o – the middle third of the blade.

• Tsuba moto – the third of the blade closest the handle