The training tool and "soul" of practicing Iaido is the Katana, the famous traditional Japanese Sword. However this is more of a popular knowledge term than the actual name of this weapon in Japan, especially when practicing Budo, Japanese martial arts.
With this article I'll try to give some explanations and shed some more light on a sometimes difficult to access topic. Bokuto or Bokken: These two terms, which are basically synonimous, mean "wooden sword". They are reproductions of a Japanese Katana made in wood. They come in many different styles, in many materials (but most often either Red or White Japanese Oak) and finishings. They are used either as a pure training tool, but they are in and of themselves a proper weapon in their own right! The famous Swordsman Miyamoto Musashi notoriously won several duels to the death while using "only" a wooden sword. Iaito: This term indicates as well a reproduction of a Japanese Katana used for training purposes; it uses the very same fittings, scabbard, tsuba, etc. etc., but the blade itself is NOT made of folded steel, it is not sharp, and cannot be sharpened. It is made generally of a metal called Zamal, a mixture of Zync and Aluminum, and it generally weighs less than a true Katana, even if nowadays they exist in every weight, lenght and customization option. The tip is relatively sharp and it is possible to injure oneself or someone else with it, if used carelessly. On a strong impact against an hard object, it will generally bend or dent. Many if not most Iaido practitioners today use a Iaito only, progressing from lighter blades to heavier ones as their experience increases. Shinken: This is actually the name with which a Japanese martial artist will refer to a real Katana. What it means is that it's a true "live" sword and sharpened almost to a razor edge. It is traditionally made by special artisans over the course of 6 or more months, and it tends to be very, very expensive, roughly from 6.000 to 20.000 USD for a modern made one destined to martial arts practice. It is made with folded steel and it is generally way heavier than a Iaito of the same size. Many high-ranked Iaidokas will train with a Shinken, even if not everyday, to hone their focus and attention level, as with a simple and small mistake it will be easy to open small wounds, especially if in contact with the tip area of the sword. It also requires constant manteinance as the steel used is not rustproof at all, so a special cleaning is performed after each Iaido session to guarantee the safekeeping of such a precious and expensive item. Next week we will examine more differences and venture into the legal aspects in Singapore of owning these training tools/weapons and transporting them from home to your training venue.
3 Comments
Shakeel
3/11/2018 09:33:58 pm
I am an expat living in singapore, interested in learnng katana.
Reply
Mr. Kyaw Thu Win
1/3/2019 11:59:34 am
Hello,
Reply
Jack
1/3/2019 12:13:34 pm
Hi Kyaw,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
The Blog and news of Shuhari Dojo, Iaido in SingaporeAuthorAll the latest info about our courses and events. For anything else, please contact us by email.
Archives
October 2022
Categories |