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Knowledge Base

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.” ― Terry Goodkind

What is a practice wooden katana called?

practice wooden katana is commonly referred to as a "bokken" in Japanese martial arts. The term "bokken" translates to "wooden sword" or "wooden blade." Bokkens are used for training and practicing sword techniques without the risk of using a sharp metal blade.


Bokkens are typically made from solid hardwood, such as white oak or hickory. They are crafted to replicate the shape, weight, and balance of a real katana, allowing practitioners to train in swordsmanship techniques, forms, and sparring in a safe and controlled manner. Bokkens are widely used in various Japanese martial arts disciplines, including Kenjutsu, Kendo, and Aikido, among others.


The use of bokkens allows practitioners to develop proper technique, timing, distancing, and the fundamentals of sword handling before progressing to training with live blades. They provide a valuable tool for beginners to learn and refine their skills while minimizing the risk of injury.


In addition to bokkens, other practice swords used in different martial arts styles include "shinai" in Kendo, which are bamboo swords, and "suburito" in some Kenjutsu practices, which are heavy wooden swords used for strength training.