Japanese Swords and Daggers
Part 4
Bokken: A large wooden Japanese sword that is often used for training and practice. The Bokken is approximately the size and shape of a Katana, but sometimes shaped like the Wakizashi or Tanto.
Iaito: A mock or imitation sword. Most commonly, it is an imitation Katana that is used for practice and training.
Shinai: A weapon often used for practice and competition in Knedo, it is intended to represent a Japanese sword. Sometimes used in other of the martial arts.
Suburito: A wooden practice sword that is of much heavier weight and greater size than a typical Bokken. Due to its increased size and weight, it is used for practicing Suburi, which is sword swinging, and solo Kata only, and is never used in contact training or practice. There is a legend about the Suburito: Supposedly, Legend has it that Miyamoto Musashi, a famous Japanese swordsman, carved a Suburito out of a boat's oar as he was on his way to his famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro, whom he then killed by striking him on the skull, and smashing one of his left ribs, which punctured a lung.
Tanren bo: A wooden bat used in Aikido for strength and Suburi training.
Since it is designed solely toward aikido and strength training, to become accustomed to the weight of a heavy handled object, the Tanren bo does not resemble a sword in any way.
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