Aikido Weapons and Tactics

First let's take a look at the tanto knife or short sword.

The tanto is a Japanese short sword or dagger with a blade of varying length, anywhere from 5" to 12", with the traditional length being just under 12" (about 30cm). Blades that were bigger (13" to 14") are known by ko-wakizashi, or "small short sword".

The tanto weapon was originally designed with a single-edged blade and a curved shape. The angled grind from the edge to the tip is heavier and stronger than with other blades. It can be used on soft targets as well as armor, and it was thought to be a favorite weapon of the samurai as it is extremely effective when used in close quarter fighting. Samurai carried them as a secondary weapon kept on him at all times.

Tanto styles and uses differ by blade shape. The best known are listed:

* Hira-zukuri - designed for slashing and piercing as it has a flat, narrow, thick blade
* Shobu-zukuri - with a blood groove and ridge line
* Moroha - the infamous double edged tanto; Quite rare
* Kissaki-moroha-zukuri - having a very long and sharp point (o-kissaki)
* Kaikan - short tanto with small guards; favored by women

When used on the battlefield, the main advantage of the tanto was its ability to penetrate the armor of an opponent in close quarter combat. Tantos with long, narrow blades and thick spines were best for this. The point was directed under or up through the armor.

Tantos were traditionally carried in a wide cloth belt (obi) with the edge pointing up and the handle turned to the right to facilitate a quick draw. In Samurai homes, the tanto was often placed alongside the wakizashi (short sword). Women were taught how to use the tanto to defend themselves or, if violated, to take their own lives.

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Sometimes known as "The Wooden Staff of Japan" the Jo is made of hardwood and is cylindrical or octagonal in shape with a length ranging from about 50" to 56" and a diameter of about 1". It can be used alone in kata or with other Jo and has historical links with the Japanese sword. Staves are preferred by many martial artists above all other weapons due to their elegance and simplicity.

The Jo is called the four-foot staff or short staff to distinguish it from the long or Bo staff (six-foot stick), and the hanbo or half (three-foot) stick.

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, adapted the Jo to teach the principles of Aikido. His use of the Jo is called aikijo. Aikijo is like jodo because both involve fencing to a degree. Jodo techniques are faster and sharper because angular attacks and defenses are used. Aikijo techniques are slower and softer using circular movements to blend attacks and defenses to reduce or negate an encounter.

Overall dimensions of the Jo are not terribly critical to techniques, but to practice with a partner, a staff long enough to pass just underneath your armpit when standing is best.

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A bokken (bok/wood and ken/ sword), is an inexpensive Japanese wooden sword used as a safe substitute for a real sword in several martial arts training classes such as kendo, aikido and kenjutsu. It is usually shaped like a katana, but sometimes like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tanto. Bokken is synonymous with bokuto in Japan, but bokken is more widely used in the west.

Historically, bokken have been around as long as Japanese swords, and were mainly used for training of warriors and samurai. In Japan, the sword and its artistry goes back before the times of written history.

In Japan, swords began to be shorter with a curve in addition to the longer, two-handed hilt. As Japanese warfare turned to the use of cavalry, these types of swords were better suited for slashing from atop a horse.

In early history, Japanese swords were copied from the Chinese but as Japanese arts changed, their swords did as well. The Chinese swords were long and straight, used more for thrusting into an opponent.

You'll find quite a few Japanese legends that tell of warriors for one particular reason or another utilizing the bokken against a steel blade-carrying opponent. There are just as many legends of those exact same warriors beating their opponents. Occasionally these types of victories were simply because of the talent of the warrior using the bokken, other occasions it was due to the fragility of the katana.

The bokken is created from a single piece of wood whereas the katana has its edge connected to the handle by two metal pins. Throughout a fight, there can be tremendous strain placed on any part of the katana and the blades or pins can split, the pins may well suffer rust even while using the best of care. The was made of wood, which at times may rot. Japan is an island and the effects of dampness might reach any sword, armor or other type of weapon and lay unseen right until the crucial moment of a battle. Any damage to the wood of the bokken on the other hand could be seen and attended to.

The price of a bokken will normally range from $40 - $70. Although a bit pricey to some, keep in mind that if the average bokken is taken care of properly, it is good for several years of use.

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