Bokkens were, and still are, used in the early stages of a Martial Artist's training within their sword school. When the student reaches an efficient and safe level of training they move onto a live blade (Iaito).

As practitioners of Aikido, we use Bokkens to gain an understanding of timing, to develop confidence, an understanding of distance, and, fundamentally, an understanding of movement.

You will find most of the techniques, katas, motions and drills in Aikido represent the cut of a sword in one form or other

During training and matches, Bokkens of quality were, and are, highly desirable, so much so that the creation of one even became an art form in itself in the Japan of past,

Bokkens becoming valued both upon practicality and aesthetic values. The quality of a Bokken is often determined by the type of wood used; a high quality grained wood being more favorable to the wood craftsman wishing to craft a strong and durable Bokken

Bokkens made from Japanese white oak are often durable and hardwearing, and always look for a Bokken of high grain wood.

Those with lower will shatter faster. Hickory wooden weapons are also long lasting. When in doubt, or if knowingly using a cheaper Bokken,

stick to kata and form work, rather than heavy contact exercises. If you want to find out the quality of your wood, strip back the varnish; cheap weapons often have signs of wood fillerin them to cover holes left by more porous wood.