TheEnhanced 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.
