super-light bokken

[Cypher]

A few years ago, when attending the Mumeishi 3s Tournament, I came across a bokken which was very light, and although of a yellow/white colour, it was certainly not made of oak, it more closely resembles bamboo. It was labelled as a certain type of bokken, like '(insert name here) Ryu Bokken' but for the life of me I cant recall what it was...I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what type of bokken this is (Standard Bokken length, slightly 'thinner', light enough to wield one handed, standard blade shape, sori, etc.) I own the bokken, having paid £25.00 for it, and as it is my most commonly used for practising actual movements I wanted to know what it was. It was sold, I imagine, by Nine Circles as they have a stall there, but I don't see it on their website now. Thanks for your input.

[Odachi]

I have a bokken that fits that profile, very light colour, light as a feather. I've had it for about fifteen years and never used it ( too light to train with, I'm even afraid to hit anything with it) It looks like a Japanese white oak but lighter colour and weight. It came from Japan as a gift and I understand it a bit expensive when bought.

[R A Sosnowski]

A few years ago, when attending the Mumeishi 3s Tournament, I came across a bokken which was very light, and although of a yellow/white colour, it was certainly not made of oak, it more closely resembles bamboo. It was labelled as a certain type of bokken, like '(insert name here) Ryu Bokken' but for the life of me I cant recall what it was...I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what type of bokken this is (Standard Bokken length, slightly 'thinner', light enough to wield one handed, standard blade shape, sori, etc.) I own the bokken, having paid £25.00 for it, and as it is my most commonly used for practising actual movements I wanted to know what it was. It was sold, I imagine, by Nine Circles as they have a stall there, but I don't see it on their website now. Thanks for your input.

I saw one last Fall. I was told it was laminated bamboo. Interesting idea. However, my preference is for Bokuto/Bokken that have the weight and balance of Iaito/Shinken.

[chidokan]

i have two that match the description, one is laminated bamboo (look at the end oif the tsuka to see the laminates), the other is a lightweight one I was given as a gift from my teacher, however I have seen similar ones sold as part of a niten ichi ryu set. It is a very light thin japanese white oak bokken, so you should see the grain of the wood if it is this type....

[Paul Kerr]

I don't think I've ever seen, let alone held, a bamboo bokken. Anyone got any pics or links to share?

At first I thought Cypher was describing a light Yagyu bokken. My old TSKSR teacher was given one of those as a gift - very thin, beautifully balanced and LIGHT.

[chidokan]

theres a photo here but it doesnt show very well...

http://kendoshop.com/eshop/upfiles/M2-2.jpg

[luckyb]

A few years ago, when attending the Mumeishi 3s Tournament, I came across a bokken which was very light, and although of a yellow/white colour, it was certainly not made of oak, it more closely resembles bamboo. It was labelled as a certain type of bokken, like '(insert name here) Ryu Bokken' but for the life of me I cant recall what it was...

From the description and what I've read, I think you mean Niten Ichi Ryu, they're advertised as thinner bokken (about 3/4's the thikness of a normal bokken).

I've never seen them and I've only been doing Kendo for a bit, so take my word lightly.

[Musha]

luckyb,

I thought that at first but that photo is not of a Niten ichi ryu bokken. I have a Tacchi and shoto they are made of White oak with no Tsuba. Here is a photo. When you swing one it travels extremely fast and I noticed when doing it Nitou style if you swing it a certain way it goes Shooosh!! very strange lol..

You can do Kata with them but I would not like to try against a Kendo bokken..

http://www.hakudoh.com/musasi/index02_01.html

[R A Sosnowski]

From the description and what I've read, I think you mean Niten Ichi Ryu, they're advertised as thinner bokken (about 3/4's the thikness of a normal bokken).

I've never seen them and I've only been doing Kendo for a bit, so take my word lightly.

No. We are talking about different styles of Bokuto here. I own several pair of NIR Bokuto, and I have also handled the super light-weight laminated-bamboo Bokken. I would not recommend NIR Bokuto for Kendo no Kata as they are too light.

The former, as you have correctedly stated, are thinner (with the other dimensions being about the same) than what we would normally handle for, say Kendo no Kata.

The super light-weight laminated-bamboo Bokken has the same (or similar) dimensions as those that we would normally handle for, say Kendo no Kata, except that the bamboo is much less dense than any wood, resulting in a much lighter feel. The one I handled was a pale yellow hue, somewhat different from any wood I have ever seen.

HTH.

[Cypher]

Chidokan's link is definitely the right one....I even checked the base of the tsuka and the construction of the bamboo is the same as the pictures on the main site. (by the way, for more pictures and information on this check the kendoshop.com main page under bokkens, then bamboo bokken in the second section) I happened to notice that ninecircles.co.uk is an affiliate/ subsidiary company, so that explains how I got it. Thanks for the information- it's always interesting to hear about the types of bokken people use for different aspects of their training. I would like to know what in particular this type of bokken is designed for....