A wooden sword is commonly referred to as a "bokken" in Japanese martial arts. The term "bokken" translates to "wooden sword" or "wood sword" in English. Bokken is widely used in various Japanese martial arts disciplines, such as kendo, aikido, kenjutsu, and iaido, for training and practice purposes.
Bokken is typically designed to mimic the weight, feel, and handling characteristics of a real sword while providing a safer alternative for training, sparring, and developing technique. They are typically made from hardwoods like oak or hickory and are shaped and balanced to simulate the proportions of a katana or other traditional Japanese swords.
The use of bokken allows practitioners to practice sword techniques, forms, and partner drills without the risk of injury associated with sharp-edged swords. Bokken is also useful for developing proper body mechanics, footwork, and timing in martial arts training.
The term "bokken" is commonly used in the context of Japanese martial arts, but similar wooden training swords exist in other cultures as well, each with their own name and design.