The Enhanced Iwama Bokken is specific to Iwama Style Aikido. The practice was taught by the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, and passed through Morihiro Saito, a close disciple who was given responsibility over the Iwama dojo.
The associated bokken is quite heavy and forward balanced with a blunt tip. It doesn't accommodate a tsuba as user learns body positioning as the main defensive method rather than reliance on a guard.The defining feature of this weapon is its simple lines but the Kingfisher enhanced version is ultra hard, heavy, dent resistant, strong and stable due to the enhancement process whereby acrylic resin is drawn completely through the structure of the wood. The weight is approximately 27 oz (765gm). Like other enhanced weapons, its properties are achieved in the enhancement process and not through over sizing traditional weapon proportions. Since acrylic has replaced the interstitial spaces within the wood, no finish is required or recommended other than simple buffing or a light coat of paste wax.
Hi Brad I received the bokken and OH MY GOD, it is beautiful I almost don't want to use it, it looks so good. The jo and tanto are awesome too. One question on the bamboo tsuba, when I try to fit it, it got to 3/4 of the length of where it's supposed to be at the beginning of the tsuka. I didn't want to jam it in there forcefully, so is there a proper technique to install the tsuba? I'm assuming that I put an o-ring on each side of the tsuba. Makers response-Thanks so much! Tsuba are custom fit to individual bokken. They are intended to be a little snug at first however, they will seat into the transition ramp after a bit of use.
Hello, I'm mailing you to let you know i received the 42" aikiken i ordered near the beginning of the month. it is of the best quality i've ever seen. awesome, awesome sword, thank you! the grain on the chisel top is wild, changing color from light to dark with movement and the patterns within the wood make me feel like i'm handling a much more expensive piece of art. i hope to take care of it well enough to hand it down to my children! i can't wait to order another one of your wooden weapons. hopefully soon! - Andrew