Training Weapons

Although we have some club bokuto (wooden swords, bokken) and staves, we would like you to get your own so that there will always be plenty to go around. The more expensive Japanese Oak ones are better if you can afford, or find them, but the cheaper ones are better than nothing. Try and choose a bokken where the grain follows the curvature of the wood. It is usually said that the slightly cheaper Japanese Red Oak are as good as the White Oak, but the wood is a little less dense, and the White Oak is probably worth the extra cost. Macassar Ebony bokuto are also recommended.

A saya (scabbard) for your bokuto is recommended. There is a plastic saya available though Samurai Arts (see the links page) which will fit the 'standard' size bokuto, but if you have a better quality bokuto that is thicker it will not fit, and you will need to make a scabbard yourself, using pipe, papier-mâché, or fiberglass. The Samurai Arts saya is identical to the Saya available from Bokkenshop or Tozando.

If you are doing Iaijutsu you will need a sword – although you can start training with a bokuto. Local suppliers of iaito (alloy training swords) tend to be expensive and low quality, so it is recommended that you purchase an iaito through one or several Japanese stores on the web. We have had good dealings in the past with Tozando and Nishijin Sword.

In our style of Iaijutsu we use a sword that is slightly longer than most. Although it is proportional to your individual build, a person around 180 centimeters should be looking at a sword of around 2.8 shaku. You should ask your instructor and try the swords of your classmates to decide on the right size for you.

Geng swords, often available on TradeMe, are not suitable.