Koryu Bokken (Stylized)

About our Koryu Bokken (stylized)

The wooden weapons proposed by Seido are manufactured by one of the last traditional workshops in the south of Japan, in the region of Miyakonojo (Kyushu), Nidome, Matsuzaki, and Aramaki. Seido is the only company in the world (including Japan) working with these workshops simultaneously. Our weapons are selected according to the specialties of each workshop, the time of manufacture as well as the pricing. If you have got a preference for a particular workshop, please contact us for a quotation.

The "Koryu Bokken" are stylized Bokken used in particular in Budo, Kobudo, Kenjutsu, and Iaido schools. These specific Bokken are very diverse in terms of length, thickness, or curvature. With the exception of the Takemusu Aiki, Sasaki Kojiro, and Miyamoto Musashi models that are not used in any specific school, all other models are still in use today. In the Aikido practice, Bokken used in the Niten Ichi Ryu, Jiki Shinkage Ryu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, and Katori Shinto Ryu are less popular than other models, however, for historical reasons related to the founder himself or other famous teachers, these models have, some success in certain groups. Similarly, Bokken used by schools from which Kendo originates have great success with Kendo practitioners.

The lightweight models are used for fine work, and such Bokken were used by Morihei Ueshiba, particularly for his Kata practice and his "divine dance". Practice with a thin and light Bokken helps work on speed and precision.

Heavy models are used for Tanren work (reinforcement). The Iwama Ryu model is particularly heavy and very suitable for the practice of Suburi. The Keishi Ryu model is also well suited for that with its classic shape and curvature. The Sasaki Kojiro Bokken is the only Nodachi/Odachi in the catalog, with a very classic shape and curvature, it will please all practitioners wishing to train with a Nodachi. Heavy models, because of their thickness, cannot be made of ​​Camellia, Sunuke, Musaraki Kokutan, and Shima Kokutan because of the scarcity of these woods.

All Bokken can be engraved directly in our facilities within a few days.
In 2021, with concerns for the workers, all workshops greatly reduced the number of urethane-varnished weapons and replaced the finish by a "Candle Wax". Seido is now transitioning to a new finish offer for the majority of its weapons, which consists of either camellia oil treatment (standard finish) or camellia oil with extra polishing + bee wax finish (Seido special finish). Until all stocks for varnish weapons run out, varnish finish is still offered on some weapons.