| 'Tanto' is the name for the smallest weapon in the
Samurai's armoury. In modern society this equates to a knife,
broken glass or other stabbing weapon. Aikidoka are trained
to disarm an opponent armed with a tanto, and how to use it
effectively against an opponent. This training weapon is made
of rubber so as to encourage pupils to really attack, without
fear of receiving an injury from falling onto or being hit
with the weapon. |
Wooden Tanto and Rubber training knife
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| The 'Jo' is a four foot strike staff, made from solid
oak, it is very tough and yet flexible. The weapon originated
in early feudal Japan and came originally from the 'Bo', a
six foot staff. This weapon was found to be too slow and cumbersom
against true masters of KenJutsu (sword martial art)and so
it was shortened and new techniques were then available to
be used. The Jo is the primary weapon of the Japanese Riot
Police. In modern society this weapon equates to a pool cue
or broom handle sized weapon. |
Jo (4ft oak staff) |
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| The 'Bokken' is a standard length (just over 3ft)
wooden training sword. The modern day equivelent would be
a baseball bat or length of wood/scaffolding pole. The techniques
used to disarm an opponent armed with a bokken can readily
be adapted to these modern street fighting weapons. It is
with this training weapon that sword techniques are first
learned. |
Bokken (wooden training sword)
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| The Katana is generally only used by Dan grades.
The practice of Iaido (sword drawing and fighting) helps to
focus on ones centre and at Nidan and above techniques must
be demonstrated against live blades. Where as below this level
the bokken is used. It is a sad reflection on modern society
that these weapons are still being used on the streets of
Britain to inflict injury. Aikido is the only martial art
that teaches 'sword taking' techniques. |
Katana (the Samurai sword)
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