How to Choose the Right Japanese Training Sword [Practical Tips]

What Are Japanese Training Swords Used For?

Training swords are ideal for beginners. They allow you to practice proper technique without unnecessary risk of injury.

Traditional sharpened swords are usually handled by expert practitioners only, while training swords give beginners a safe and accessible way to learn the fundamentals.

How Do Training Swords Differ – and Does It Matter?

Today’s range of Japanese training swords is surprisingly broad. You’ll find everything from wooden swords and bamboo models to steel replicas that closely resemble real katanas.

Each type of sword plays a specific role in various martial arts disciplines such as Kendō,Kenjutsu, Iaidō, or Aikido.

So what kinds of Japanese training swords are out there, and which one should you choose for your (first) training session?

1. Wooden Swords – Bokken

Bokken are classic Japanese training swords made of wood, and they’re perfect for mastering the basics of Aikido, Kenjutsu, and Iaido.

A classic bokken is ideal for beginners who need to get used to the length, weight, and balance of a sword. Bokken swords are also available with an optional scabbard (Saya), which is especially helpful for practicing drawing techniques.

There are several types of Bokken, each designed for a specific purpose:

Suburitō – Designed to build strength

This long, heavier wooden training sword has a broader blade and greater weight. It’s commonly used for Suburi practice, focusing on basic swings that improve power, stamina, and overall stability.

Daishō set – The traditional two-sword set

This training set includes two wooden swords: a long katana-style sword (Daitō) and a shorter wakizashi (Shōtō).

This combination lets you alternate between different Japanese swords, mirroring the traditional Samurai gear.

Bokken Shōtō

This short wooden sword is designed for practicing close-range techniques. It’s used in Kenjutsu and often paired with longer training swords.

Tanren Bokken – For physical training

Heavier than a standard Bokken, this wooden sword is used in Aikido and Kenjutsu to develop strength and endurance. It targets the core while improving arm, wrist, and grip power.

Ideal for advanced students who want to push beyond basic technique and focus on physical development.

Koryū Bokken – Shaped by tradition

Traditional Japanese martial arts schools ( koryū) developed Bokken in various forms, differing in width, curvature, and overall profile.

These swords are mainly used for practicing traditional techniques unique to each school.

How to choose the right wooden training sword (Bokken):

When choosing a  bokken, consider both your experience level and your training goals:

• Basic technique practice – classic Bokken
• Strength and endurance training – Suburitō or Tanren Bokken
• Close-combat training – Bokken Shōtō
• Traditional kata practice – Koryū Bokken

2. Bamboo Swords – Shinai

A Shinai is made of four slats of bamboo, held together by leather fittings and string.

Thanks to its flexible design, it absorbs impact effectively and is ideal for safe contact training and Kendo sparring.

Shinai come in different sizes and styles:

• Daitō – long version (for most adult practitioners)
• Chūtō – mid-length option
• Shoto – shorter version, comparable to a wakizashi

Fukurō-Shinai – For safer training

A Fukurō-Shinai is partially wrapped in a leather cover, making it gentler on impact. It’s a great choice for training without protective gear or for those who prefer less intense training.

Shinai in practice

The Shinai is the fundamental training weapon in Kendo. It allows fast movements, full-contact training, and better control over strike impact.

How to choose the right Shinai based on the wielder’s height

The most common Shinai sizes by height are shown in the table below:

Things to know when choosing a Shinai:

• Shinai sizes (37, 38, 39, etc.) do not represent standard units of measurement. They are conventional Kendo size categories that refer to adult Shinai categories that meet officially defined limits for length and weight.
• The correct Shinai size is determined by official rules, which also take the wielder’s age and gender into account. Height is a helpful extra reference when deciding between two similar sizes.

3. Metal Replicas – Iaitō, Mogitō, and Habiki

Iaitō – Unsharpened training katana

The Iaitō is a replica of a traditional Japanese katana. It retains the design and weight of a real sword but has a blunt blade. It’s used for practicing drawing and cutting techniques that cannot be safely performed with wooden swords.

Mogitō – Demonstration replica

Mogitō is the standard model for teaching and demonstrations of techniques. It imitates the shape of a real katana, but has a blunt blade, which makes it safer and more affordable.

Habiki – Blunt-edged training sword

Habiki closely mimics the weight and balance of a real Japanese sword but has a blunt edge. It’s ideal for training precise kata techniques with a partner (without full contact) or for solo training.

4. Soft swords – Gomu-tō / soft Bokken

Plastic training swords with a soft foam or rubber surface are perfect for beginners or children who don’t worry too much about safety. They’re commonly used for contact drills, sparring, and teaching younger swordsmen.

5. Sharp swords – Shinken

Shinken is a sharpened Japanese sword and is not intended for regular training. It is mainly used for tameshigiri (test cutting).

Training with a  Shinken must always be supervised by an authorized master. It is intended only for experienced practitioners.

How to choose the right training sword – A practical guide

When choosing a Japanese training sword, consider three key criteria:

1. Discipline

• Kendo: Shinai
• Aikido: Bokken
• Kenjutsu: Bokken, Koryū Bokken, Habiki, Fukurō-Shinai
• Iaido: Iaitō, Bokken with scabbard

2. Experience Level

• Beginner: Bokken or soft Bokken
• Intermediate/Advanced: quality Bokken, Shinai, Iaitō
• Master: Habiki or Shinken

3. Purpose

• Sparring: Shinai, Fukurō-Shinai
• Kata: Iaitō, Bokken
• Strength training: Suburitō, Tanren-Bokken
• Demonstration of techniques: Mogitō or other metal replicas

Ready to take your Japanese sword training to the next level? Outfit4Events is here to help!

Víš, co praví známé pořekadlo: cvičení dělá mistra. Máš už první nácviky techniky za sebou a chceš své šermířské dovednosti posunout na další úroveň?

We all know the saying: Practice makes perfect. If you’ve already started learning the basics and want to improve your swordsmanship skills, explore our range of Japanese training swords. Enjoy safe and effective training, and move one step closer to your goal!