Wakizashi Bokken Shoto training sword

Short Wooden Training Sword Wakizashi Bokken Shoto in Red Wood

History and Purpose of the Shoto Training Sword

In Japanese martial arts terminology, the term shoto refers to a short sword, which physically corresponds to the steel wakizashi sword. Samurai wore the wakizashi alongside the long katana (this paired set is called a daisho). While the katana was the primary weapon for combat in open spaces, the short wakizashi was absolutely crucial for fighting in confined areas, indoors, or when a warrior was knocked to the ground. Training with a wooden bokken shoto thus teaches you a different dynamic of movement, working within closer distances, and lightning-fast reactions, which are absolutely essential for mastering Japanese swordsmanship.

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

Mounting the Handguard and Safe Usage

We supply the sword complete with a plastic handguard (tsuba) and a rubber retaining ring (tsuba-dome). Installation is very straightforward: slide the plastic handguard onto the blade from the front all the way down to the handle, and then secure it by sliding on the rubber ring, which presses the handguard firmly against the transition between the blade and the handle. Although this is a wooden training weapon, remember that hardwood can cause fractures and serious injuries. When training with a partner, ensure absolute control over your strikes. The weapon is not built for full-force, full-contact strikes against steel weapons, posts, or hard shields – doing so could cause the weapon to break.

Maintenance of Your Wooden Training Weapon

Wood is a living material that deserves regular care. If the wood gets dented or develops minor splinters during training, we recommend gently smoothing these areas with very fine sandpaper. To ensure the wood retains its flexibility and does not dry out, it is ideal to treat the bokken every few months with boiled linseed oil or a special oil for wooden weapons. Never store the weapon right next to a radiator or in a damp basement; severe changes in temperature and humidity could cause the sword to warp or bend.

Recommended Accessories

If you wish to train the complete dual-sword combat techniques (the Niten Ichi-ryu style made famous by the legendary Miyamoto Musashi), we highly recommend purchasing a long bokken (daito) made of the same red wood to complete your set. For safely carrying your weapons to the dojo, a sturdy sword bag for bokkens will also be incredibly useful.

Technical Specifications of the Training Weapon