2021 Bokuto
I finished making two bokuto for myself out of spotted gum. The larger one is only intended for suburi. I wanted it to resemble an oar, but still have the curve and balance of a sword. I have used other … Continue reading
Category Archives: weapons
Sounds of Swords
It is an annoying convention for any sword depicted on television or movies to make a metallic schwing sound as it is drawn. Particularly irritating when it is meant to be a katana, given they have a wooden scabbard, so … Continue reading
The Zen of Suburi
Under the current restrictions we have been limited to weapons classes only, so suburi is a primary focus. Actually, suburi has always been a primary focus, irrespective of the plague. The main difference now, is that students are having to … Continue reading
Thoughts on Drawing the Sword
When I teach a senior battojutsu class, I rarely need to draw my sword. Sometimes, I can go the whole class without unsheathing the blade even once. Recently, it was necessary for me to take the general class. … Continue reading
Broken Bokuto
In a recent, advanced, sword class one of the bokuto broke. It struck me that this happens a lot less now days than it did in the olden times when we were first introduced to the practice of kiri kaeshi. … Continue reading
Kirikaeshi
Kirikaeshi is a regular part of sword practice. Within our School it is means of practicing set counters for set strikes in rapid succession, in a controlled manner. Recently, when teaching an advanced sword class, I introduced an exercise that … Continue reading
On Making Weapons
I have been making my own bokuto for training since 2015 and I usually make two each year. The process is similar for the other wooden weapons I have made, whether it is a tanto or naginata. The first one … Continue reading
Jo Beginners
As a rare treat, I taught a couple of sword taking techniques this week using the jo. I had forgotten how amusing it was to watch students deal with this weapon for the first time. It is just a stick … Continue reading
Back in my day . . . . .
Circumstances had me teach another beginners’ sword class recently, which seems to inspire one towards ranting in disbelief. My impression of relatively new students is that they lose focus very quickly. After as little as five minutes doing one form … Continue reading
Teaching Beginners the Sword
I love battojutsu. It is a simple, elegant art. Aiki battojutsu adds another dimension of the sublime to this. This is why I try to avoid teaching beginners at all cost. Image an exquisite sumi e piece. Just a few … Continue reading