Aiki-kobudo
Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969)
advocated unarmed combat. However, he still
understood the wisdom of being skilled in the
use of weapons. Ueshiba was unique in his
ability to manipulate Ki force, and he realized
that proper training in using Aikido weapons
will allow you extend your Ki power even
further.
Aikido training incorporates a strong weapons
foundation and any training with Aikido weapons
will simply enhance the basic techniques of the
martial art. The circular motions of sword
strikes share the same fundamental moves as many
open handed Aikido techniques.
Consistent with its focus on defence over
offense, Aikido weapons training does not
concentrate on teaching students the way to
attack with particular weapons, but on how to
protect themselves in the event of being
assaulted by someone carrying one.
Aikido weapons training ordinarily consists of
learning the traditional Japanese weapons of the
bokken sword, jo staff and tanto knife. These
three serve as the primary Aikido weapons being
taught today, and have been included in Aikido
weapons training since it was founded in the
1920s by Morihei Ueshiba.
Bokken |
The Bokken
sword is
basically a
wooden version
of the Katana
and is used
primarily for
the practice of
aikido sword
techniques (aka
aiki-ken).
Nonetheless, do
not
underestimate
what a good
Bokken can do in
the hands of a
well trained
user. The bokken
sword is
considerably
more than a
practice sword
and is to be
considered a
weapon in it’s
own right. |
Jo |
Known as "The Wooden Staff of Japan" the Jo
staff is usually created from hardwood and is
cylindrical or octagonal in shape with a length
ranging from 50" to 56" and a diameter of about
1".
The Jo staff is used alone in kata or paired
with other Jo in practice sessions and has
historical links with the Japanese katana.
Staves are preferred by many martial artists
above all other weapons due to their elegance,
simplicity and speed. |
|
Bo |
The bō (棒:
ぼう) or is a
Japanese long
staff weapon
which is
typically around
6 ft (1.8 m)
long, used in
Japanese martial
arts, in
particular
bōjutsu. |
Tanto |
The Tanto is
a wooden knife
used for
training. The
length of the
blade is around
13 inches (33
centimeters). A
live Tanto knife
is a powerful
weapon,
therefore wooden
versions are
used for
training. |
Hanbo |
The hanbo is
an extremely
practical and
versatile
martial arts
weapon. This
three-foot long
staff is the
perfect size to
be used as a
self-defence
weapon in
today's urban
environment. Any
medium-sized,
stick-like
object, such as
a cane,
umbrella, or
golf club, can
be used as a
hanbo, making it
an unobtrusive
as well as a
practical
weapon. |
|
Ko Tanjo |
The Ko Tanjo
is a short stick
easily concealed
in the palm of
the hand. It is
used for
striking and for
amplifying
Aikido joint
lock techniques.
"Kubotan" is a
popular brand of
Ko Tanjo. |
|
Kwaiken |
The Kwaiken is a
Tanto with a
short handle and
a relatively
long blade. It
has its origins
in ancient
feudal Japan
where it was
often carried by
men and ladies
of the nobility
and the Samurai
class. |
http://www.aikidoweapons.org/
|
