what type of bokken?

[gUnDaL]

I have a question.. i see alot of bokuto and bokken and i wanted to know which type is the best suited for suburi and grip/speed training. alot of them look like they are for show. I was on e-bogu.com and found this http://www.e-bogu.com/High_Quality_Oak_Bokuto_1_m_White_p/yut-ken-bok-hq1-white-.htm would this be good? if you have used any that you liked and have shown results, could u please post? thanks alot :)

[Lunchboxiswrong]

I may self am just getting in to Iaido, I was told that white oak is best due to the fact that the red oak (some times its not ever oak) can break. I am getting one with a saya for mine, if you buy a saya and a bokken with it its like $80. I haven't used that one be for so I am sorry if I am not much help

[gUnDaL]

hey.. thanks for reply, but for strengthening forearms/wrists speed etc etc and the one that would benefit me MOST for kendo would be a regular bokken like this one? http://www.bokkenshop.com/eng/204.html or would the oar shaped musashi ones work too?

[Lunchboxiswrong]

Well, I guess or you can get a shinai (http://www.e-bogu.com/Nitoryu_Shinai_Size_Long_p/hay-ken-shi-nito--long.htm) and get that rubber thing that goes on the end of it that (http://www.e-bogu.com/Suburiko_p/hir-ken-shi-suburiko--.htm) the thing that made me fast and strong was Poi, Yo-yoing, and other juggling but if any thing go for poi (http://www.homeofpoi.com/teach.htm#Poi) hope that helps

[Hai_hai]

I have a question.. i see alot of bokuto and bokken and i wanted to know which type is the best suited for suburi and grip/speed training. alot of them look like they are for show. I was on e-bogu.com and found this http://www.e-bogu.com/High_Quality_Oak_Bokuto_1_m_White_p/yut-ken-bok-hq1-white-.htm would this be good? if you have used any that you liked and have shown results, could u please post? thanks alot :)

You can do suburi training with a plain shinai. It is enough resistance.

[Ralutin]

I may self am just getting in to Iaido, I was told that white oak is best due to the fact that the red oak (some times its not ever oak) can break. I am getting one with a saya for mine, if you buy a saya and a bokken with it its like $80. I haven't used that one be for so I am sorry if I am not much help

Hi,

Sorry for going a bit off-thread...

Unless your sensei says otherwise, I would recommend buying an entry-level iaito for about $40-$45 more instead of that bokken/saya combination. Reason being is that a bokken doesn't come close to the weight and feel of a katana. An iaito will have much better feel and heavier in weight, but lighter than a real Japanese sword.

Where in California are you and who is your sensei?

[Ralutin]

hey.. thanks for reply, but for strengthening forearms/wrists speed etc etc and the one that would benefit me MOST for kendo would be a regular bokken like this one? http://www.bokkenshop.com/eng/204.html or would the oar shaped musashi ones work too?

Hi,

Either a subarito (suburi bokken) or a shinai wieght on your shinai will help you strengthen your forearms/wrists, provided you grip and swing them correctly. Be sure to consult with your sensei in this matter (you goto to Norwalk, right? If you do, ask Yoshimura sensei). Of course, you could always go old school and work out your forearms and wrists with free weights in the gym.

[gUnDaL]

thanks for reply, im already lifting, but i wanted to practice by doing suburis =)

[shimonishi]

Hi,
I thought I would put in my two cents. I have tried a lot of different type of weights and suburitos(bokkens make for suburi). The weights for shinais work well enough. Suburitos can come in different weights and balances I am currently using a paddle shaped one made from Ipe wood from Bu Jin it's very heavy. But in both cases the balance will be different than a shinai. It's hard to give a good answer to the question as it depends on your experience and your strength and of course as Ralutin said that your basic grip and and form is corrent. Another tool to consider if you are serious and ready is a suburi shinai(bigger shinai with more pieces) I believe that they are available from E-bogu in light and heavy weight. The balance for those are closer to a heavy shinai.

Hi,

Either a subarito (suburi bokken) or a shinai wieght on your shinai will help you strengthen your forearms/wrists, provided you grip and swing them correctly. Be sure to consult with your sensei in this matter (you goto to Norwalk, right? If you do, ask Yoshimura sensei). Of course, you could always go old school and work out your forearms and wrists with free weights in the gym.

[stuartwilson]

I am hardly an expert, but let me relate what I've learned from my short experience.

When you're starting out, stick to something light. Probably you're shinai is best, until you have learned how to use your left and right arms, and have the proper grip technique in place. Using something heavier beforehand can make some bad habits worse. When I was getting started, I wanted one of those eight section suburi shinais. One of my sensei said, "that's the last thing you need." At the time, I was still using too much right hand, and strengtheing that was, in fact, the last thing I needed.

Having said that, let me point out that a shinai weight can be a great tool. It makes you focus on the tip, and you can't come to a complete stop without great grip control.

An iato can also be a great tool for another reason. It will magnify errors and show you problems in your swing and grip. But I would hold off on that until you know you're in for the long term, then buy a decent one.

[Sithlord]

I ordered a set of bokuto from bokkenshop.com ...they have very high quality woods etc. I went for the Senuke wood deluxe..with custome engraving. I don't recommend ebony..for practice purposes..better for displaying. White oak is a good starting one...wood is very rigid.