Edo-Samurai-Düsseldorf

Iwama Ryū Bokken – Model 1 - Handmade in Ipé

This bokken is rooted in the historical weapons practice of the Iwama Ryū tradition, a lineage of Aikidō that took shape in Iwama, Japan, during the later years of Morihei Ueshiba’s life. In this period, the Founder placed strong emphasis on the integration of taijutsu and bukiwaza, developing a precise and structured relationship between body movement and the sword. The bokken used at the Iwama dōjō became a central tool in that transmission.

This model is based on the traditional bokken used in Iwama — a classic, historic form immediately recognisable by its powerful presence and functional clarity. Its distinctive configuration, with a long tsuka, assertive silhouette, and carefully defined curvature, reflects a weapon conceived not for abstraction, but for rigorous daily practice. Balance, distance, and intent are all embedded in its form.

I build two versions of this model, both entirely handmade and faithful to the spirit and structure of the lineage. My work is grounded in direct access to an original historical piece, which I was able to study closely — its proportions, weight, geometry, and, above all, its feeling in the hands. This experience informs every stage of my construction.

The bokken I now craft are not superficial replicas. They are living reconstructions: faithful in detail, made to be used, and built to endure years of practice. This is a complex model, defined by multiple subtle features that shape both its function and its martial character — details that only reveal themselves through close study and careful making.

To the best of my knowledge, this specific bokutō is not currently being built by anyone else — not even in Japan.

Rooted in the Iwama Ryū tradition, known for its precision, structural clarity, and deep integration of weapons with body movement, this bokken is intended for practitioners who value form, presence, and technical depth. It is my way of honouring that lineage — and of carrying forward, through craft, a transmission that deserves care and fidelity.

Specifications:

- Length – 106 cm
- Tsuka – 30 cm
- Tsukagashira – 34 × 29 mm
- Weight – 800 g
- Wood – Ipé
- Finish – Oil Polish

Each piece carries its own character — hand-crafted, unrepeatable, and shaped to accompany a serious path of practice.

Thank you for supporting authentic craftsmanship.

👉 For inquiries, feel free to contact me directly
[email protected]

#Samouraïs #japon #katana

Check this fight from the movie 'Last Samurai' #samurai

Kata... Part 8: The Point of Learning to Fight with a Stick So, what is the point of learning how to fight with sticks? Is it really worth spending years of practice bringing our “stick skills” to the level where we could, in theory, defeat a swordsman? This question harks back to a deeper one: what changes during the years of practice? Through this training, it is not simply our technique that should evolve. Our mind, our awareness, and our spirit are meant to change as well. After spending time in the Ryu and observing the progress of many practitioners, you will probably notice that this endeavour does not have a 100% success rate. But what is “success”? Mastery of a weapon, or mastery of your mind?

#samurai #katana