Bokuto or Bokken: The Difference and Historical Significance of “To” and “Ken” in Japanese Martial Arts

Bokuto 木刀 and bokken 木剣 are often used interchangeably (both being translated as “wooden sword”). However, “To” 刀 and “Ken” 剣 are different. First of all, the two kanji characters are not native Japanese words, but came from China. Therefore, the difference between them is better understood from the Chinese perspective. A 刀 is a single-edged weapon with a blade on only one side, primarily used for cutting, and often has a curved shape. On the other hand, a 剣 is a straight, double-edged weapon with blades on both sides and primarily used for piercing.

Historically speaking, the use of 刀剣 (as a comprehensive term) in China can be traced back to the Bronze Age when it became possible to thin metal. Initially, both 刀 and 剣 were straight swords, and 刀 later evolved into a curved shape. As time passed, 刀剣, especially 刀, evolved into all sorts of sizes and shapes. In ancient China, 剣 was commonly worn by the higher classes to show their positions. 剣 was called the gentleman of all weapons. Some of the most famous swords in Chinese history are 剣.

The Three Sacred Treasures 三種の神器 of Japan

As a weapon, 刀 has long been mainstream, and there is an ideology in Japan that values it as a precious item. Samurai carried all sorts of 刀 instead of 剣, from the longer tachi 太刀 and uchigatana 打刀 to the shorter Wakizashi 脇差 and kodachi 小太刀, and the shortest Tantō 短刀. On the other hand, 剣 has been revered in the world of faith and religion in Japan from the beginning. One example is the Kusanagi no Tsurugi 草薙劍, one of the Three Sacred Treasures 三種の神器 of Japan, which is a 劍 . Over history, 劍 gradually disappeared as a practical weapon but became offerings in Shinto shrines and temples.

In Japan, the use of a wooden sword can be dated back to the Muromachi period 室町時代 (1336-1573). During this time, the use of real swords for training was deemed too dangerous, so wooden swords were created as a safer alternative. They were used to develop technique, speed, and accuracy in swordsmanship, as well as to reduce the risk of injury during training.

A traditional Japanese katana

Today, the Japanese sword most people refer to is called a katana, which is also a kind of 刀. Bokken used in Aikido, mimicking a katana, should be technically called a bokuto instead. However, in modern martial arts, such as Aikido and Kendo, the purpose of practicing with a wooden sword is no longer simply to acquire the skill of cutting people with a sword. Apart from physical and mental strength, the practice focuses more on the cultivation of character and self-improvement. In that sense, perhaps the symbolic use of the word 剣 better reflects the ideology of 刀剣.

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