Baltimore Aikido

We're back to our full schedule: https://www.baltimoreaikido.com/class-schedule
😎

PARTS OF A BOKKEN AND DETAILED KATANA NOMENCLATURE

Understanding the anatomy of a bokken and katana is one of the foundations of traditional Japanese martial arts. Whether you practice Aikido, Kenjutsu, Iaido, Kendo, or simply appreciate Japanese sword craftsmanship, learning the proper names of each component helps build respect for the weapon and the traditions behind it.

The Tsuka is the handle of the sword. It provides grip, control, and balance during cutting and training. Wrapped carefully with braided cord over ray skin, the tsuka is designed to maximize comfort and prevent slipping.

The Tsuba is the hand guard positioned between the handle and the blade. Besides protecting the hand from sliding onto the blade, it often serves as a beautiful artistic element featuring intricate Japanese designs.

The Ha is the sharpened cutting edge. It is the functional side of the blade responsible for precise and efficient cutting. A properly maintained ha reflects the skill of both the swordsmith and the swordsman.

The Mune is the back or spine of the blade. Although not sharpened, it contributes to the blade's structural strength and balance.

The Shinogi is the raised ridge running along the blade. This important feature increases rigidity while keeping the sword relatively lightweight, making it ideal for both cutting performance and durability.

Near the tip lies the Monouchi, traditionally considered the most effective striking portion of the blade. Most cutting techniques aim to make contact with this section because it delivers optimal power and precision.

The Kissaki is the sword's point. It requires exceptional craftsmanship and polishing, playing an important role in thrusting techniques and precise targeting.

Beyond these primary components, a katana contains many specialized parts including the Saya (scabbard), Koiguchi (scabbard mouth), Sageo (cord), Kurikata, Fuchi, Kashira, Menuki, Mekugi, Hamon, Nakago, and Mei. Every component serves a specific purpose, combining beauty, functionality, and centuries of Japanese sword-making tradition.

Japanese sword terminology is more than vocabulary—it represents a deep understanding of craftsmanship, discipline, and martial philosophy. Every name reflects generations of refinement and respect for precision.

For martial artists, studying these terms improves communication during training and strengthens appreciation for traditional techniques. For collectors and history enthusiasts, knowing each part allows a deeper understanding of authentic Japanese swords and their construction.

A sword is more than a weapon; it is a symbol of discipline, responsibility, and continuous self-improvement. By learning its anatomy, we also learn the values of patience, precision, and respect that define the spirit of Bushidō.

Vacation Time !

Class Schedule updates:
July 19th 3:00 PM Aikido Class Canceled
July 21st 5:45 PM Aikido Class Canceled
July 25th Weapons Workshop @ 12:15 Canceled
July 26th 3:00PM Aikido Class Canceled
July 28th 5:45 PM Aikido Class Canceled

July 1st opens the hiking season for Mt. Fuji - here's a famous drawing of a dragon rising over Mt. Fuji by Morihei Ueshiba's teacher Onisaburo Deguchi.

Morihei Ueshiba believed the Dragon King to be the patron god of Aikido, of which he, himself was an incarnation or avatar, and had a famous portrait made of himself as the “Dragon King”, which he said represented the unification of stillness and motion, In and Yo (Yin and Yang).

He often summarized this as 天之叢雲九鬼さむはら竜王 Ama-no-Mura-Kumo Kuki Samuhara Ryu-oo, which was yet another allegorical representation of his essential technical model of Heaven, Earth, Man and the unification of In and Yo, resulting in internal power within oneself, A. K. A. the Dragon King, who was, in this case, Morihei Ueshiba himself.

Another method of representing this model were references to Fudo-myoo, the Immovable Mystery, in the form of the Kurikara Ryu-oo, the Dragon Sword of Fudo-myoo, whose edges, Morihei Ueshiba said, "united Heaven and Earth". Using this model he described his art as "Ten-Chi-Jin Aiki no Mitsurugi" - "The Divine Sword of Heaven Earth Man Aiki" (天地人合気の御剣l) .

Here he would link back to his teacher Sokaku Takeda, who was deeply involved in Esoteric Buddist traditions which venerated Fudo-myoo, and attempted to bridge to the Shinto mythology of Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the Grass Cutting Sword that represents the Imperial Line. This sword was originally called Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, the Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds.

This was typical of Morihei Ueshiba's language, which was often a "translation" of Chinese internal training language from classical literature and Esoteric Buddhist terminology lifted from Sokaku Takeda into his own version of Omoto language.

Stay cool! Stay safe! 🙂

Baltimore Aikido will cancel it's Friday, July 3rd and Saturday July 4th Aikido classes.

The Aiki bokken is an art unto itself.
It serves as a tool that helps condition the body because bokken movement is initiated by the body first and not vice versa.

Movement of the hips and center drive the bokken. Since the bokken keeps the hands together and restricts the movement of the arms we remain centered and integrated. This gives movement priority to the lower body and helps us develop an awareness in tune with the body’s centerline.

Efficiency with the Aiki Ken informs and reveals flaws in our basic empty handed technique.
In Taijutsu we move as if holding the Aiki Ken. Centered and integrated, grounded and aligned, extended and expanded. Timing and space is highlighted. Movement becomes more decisive and substantial.
We create and maintain a solid, stable and balanced posture/structure.

We can easily observe the influence of the Aiki Ken in correct basic (kihon) aikido technique.

Observe it.
Utilize it.

G. Breeland, 6th dan

Happy Juneteenth from Baltimore Aikido!

Baltimore Aikido is a membership-based non-profit located in the Woodberry neighborhood of north-central Baltimore. Learn more about our community and membership: https://www.baltimoreaikido.com/joining