Wooden Training Weapons

Below are practical guidelines for choosing your own aikido weapon set (bokken, jo and tanto). The dojo normally provides equipment for training, so purchasing personal weapons is optional. Many practitioners still prefer their own set for consistency and hygiene.

There are countless shapes, woods and price levels available, and opinions differ widely about what is “best”. The recommendations below focus on reliable, widely accepted standards rather than niche preferences.

 

Bokken (wooden sword / bokuto)

Typical aikido bokken are roughly 102 cm long.
The grip (tsuka) should measure about 27 cm and never be shorter than 25 cm, otherwise the balance becomes poor — especially for practitioners with larger hands.

Weight
    •    Ideal: 450–650 g
    •    Heavier models are unsuitable for partner practice (kumitachi)

Materials
    •    Most common: red oak or white oak
    •    White oak: denser and longer lasting
    •    Beech: durable and less likely to splinter
    •    Exotic hardwoods: stronger and moisture-resistant but significantly more expensive

Important:
The wood must be untreated. Oil is acceptable — lacquer or varnish is not.

Shape & Finish
    •    Smooth surface without carvings or decoration
    •    Only the transition between blade and handle is normally defined
    •    Available with flat or pointed tip (Iwama/Takemusu style)
→ The pointed tip is generally preferable for contact practice
    •    If specified, a flat-top “Hiramine” profile is recommended

Accessories
    •    Tsuba (guard) often included but not used in aikido
    •    Saya (scabbard) also not used

Price expectations
    •    Basic: ~40 EUR
    •    Good quality: 60–80 EUR
    •    Higher price: selected wood, straight grain, better stability

Ensure the seller provides clear specs: wood type, finish, handle length and weight.

 

Jo (wooden staff)

Standard jo dimensions:
    •    Length: approx. 128 cm
    •    Diameter: 22–25 mm

Shorter practitioners may use a reduced length — a common guideline is floor to armpit.

Weight
    •    Ideal: 450–650 g
    •    Heavier staves are unsuitable for partner work (kumijo)

Materials
    •    Red oak / white oak (most common)
    •    White oak: stronger and denser
    •    Beech: tough and splinter-resistant
    •    Rattan: flexible and environmentally neutral
    •    Exotic woods: harder and moisture resistant but costly

Again: untreated wood only — oil allowed, no varnish.

Quality indicators
    •    Perfectly straight
    •    Very smooth surface
    •    No cracks or dents (important since it slides through the hands)

Price expectations
    •    Entry level: ~40 EUR
    •    Recommended: 60–80 EUR
    •    Higher range: hand-selected wood with better stability

Seller should specify material, finish, length, diameter and weight.

 

Tanto (wooden knife)

Typical length: about 28 cm

Material choice is mainly personal preference — matching the bokken wood is a safe option.

Approximate price: from 10 EUR
There is little risk of choosing incorrectly here.

 

Preparation and Maintenance

After purchase, lightly sand the weapons with fine sandpaper to improve feel.
The jo especially should slide effortlessly through the hands.

Then apply:
    •    quality wood oil, or
    •    carnauba wax

This protects against moisture and increases durability.

 

Marking Your Weapons

Label them immediately. At seminars, identical bokken and jo are easily mixed up.

Marking options:
    •    paint or permanent marker on the flat ends
    •    engraving

(Oval ends for bokken/tanto, round ends for jo)

 

Transport

Weapon bags are available in most budo stores.
A practical alternative is a padded fishing-rod transport tube — it protects better and can even be checked as oversized luggage. A few fishing stickers help avoid awkward airport questions.