Bokuto
木刀
Formal Japanese term for the wooden sword utilized in official Nihon Kendo Kata.
Quick Facts
CategoryEquipment
Pronunciation/[boh-koo-toh]/
Alternative NamesFormal wooden sword, Kendo kata wooden sword
Definition
While 'Bokken' is popular internationally, 'Bokuto' ('wooden sword') is the strict official term in Japan used by the All Japan Kendo Federation (ZNKR) for formal kata demonstrations.
Related Terms
Shinai竹刀
Bamboo sword constructed of four slats used for full-contact sparring in Kendo.
Bokken / Bokuto木剣 / 木刀Traditional wooden sword shaped like a katana for safe practice in Kenjutsu, Aikido, and Iaido.
Kata型 / 形Codified sequence of martial movements representing defense and attack against imaginary foes.