Shinai Bokken

Japanese manga and animation loved their historical figures and would often incorporate real life characters into their fictional works. One of their favorite historical figure was the legendary Okita Soji.

Okita Soji was the captain of the first unit of the Shinsengumi. The Shinsengumi was a special police force in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu (also known as the Late Tokugawa Shogunate), the final years of the Edo period where the Tokugawa shogunate ended and the Meiji government started. He was popularly known as a great swordsman along with Saito Hajime, captain of the Shinsengumi third unit, and Nagakura Shinpachi who was the captain of the second unit.

Okita was a prodigy. He was famous for his skills in shinai, the bokken and the katana. His signature technique was named Mumyo-ken (no light blade or unenlightened blade). His technique can attack an enemy's neck, left and right shoulder in one attack. It was said that this is his own invention. Although he was a genius in military combat, Okita died at an early age from tuberculosis.

Because of stories of his prowess, manga artists and animators alike would often base some of their characters from him. But some creators would create fictional and non-fictional stories around him in their works. Indeed, Okita has made several appearances in these works:

• Peacemaker Kurogane

A manga about a boy who wants to join the Shinsengumi. Okita makes an appearance as a member of the Shinsengumi

• Rurouni Kenshin

This is a manga about a wandering swordsman named Kenshin. Soji makes an appearance also as a member of the Shinsengumi. Seta Sojiro, one of the villains in the manga and anime was also based from a darker Okita.

• Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

A supernatural sword adventure where the protagonist, Akizuki Yojiro, is friends with Okita.

• Ghost Sweeper Mikami

Okita makes a short appearance in one of Mikami Reiko's adventures as a ghost hunter. He is portrayed as a crazy guy who only wants to kill people.

• Kaze Hikaru

This is a manga about the Shinsengumi and focuses on a young girl disguised as a boy. She is training under the tutelage of Okita.

There are still a few more kinds of media where Okita was portrayed or the characters were loosely based on him. But so far, these are the most famous works featuring the legendary swordsman. Japanese children can easily become familiar with their history because of the depiction of their historical figures in their written media.

Dondon has been writing articles for nearly 5 years. His newest interest is in collaborative online encyclopedias. So come and visit his latest website Webyr that is full of helpful information.

Bokken $19.39 Author Dave Lowry of the ancient sword school Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu teaches the basics of Japanese swordsmanship using the bokken, the wooden training sword. Lowry covers stances, body movement, striking, combination techniques and techniques with a partner.

Sekai Ha Soredemo Kawariha Shinai (Japan) $20.99 Sekai Ha Soredemo Kawariha Shinai (Japan)

Cold Steel / Bokken, Polypropylene Handle / 92BK $34.45 Cold Steel - Bokken, Polypropylene Handle - 92BK

Nobunaga Natural Wood Practical Tokugawa Bokken Sword $14.99 *Overall length 38 inches long *Blade made from wooden bokken and features nobunaga flower print *Black cord wrapped handle *Includes securing plastic guard *For use with stage combat,practicing,cosplay or pretend *Brand new Oda Nobunaga, he was revered as one of the most craziest Japanese ruler. He was also known as a complicated man who changes the face of Japans history, the man who also brought end to the Medieval Age. This bokken is made to remind everyone about the history of such a person. It is an all natural wooden bokken with a black cord wrapped handle and the Nobunaga flower imprinted on the two sides of the blade. Remember, the wielder of this bokken will fell the power of such a ruler.

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Dark Wooden Practice Samurai Bokken Sword $27.05 This classic hardwood sword is perfect for the martial art trainee to the professional. Sword is made of Solid Dark Wood and is 40 in length. Bokken is a training sword used as a relatively safe and inexpensive substitute for a real blade in several martial arts. They are used in the early stages of iaido when a practitioner has not yet reached the level where use of a iaito would be safe. The exception would be when a certain kata involving two people is performed. Then the veteran iaidoka will use a bokken for safety reasons.

Bokken Lasson: Sensibel Sukses $18.99 Pro Musica:PPC9040

Bokken : Art of the Japanese Sword $15.55 No Synopsis Available

Introduction to Bokken and Kobudo $31.15 No Synopsis Available

Aikido Bokken Aikido Jr. Spaghetti Tank by CafePress $22.5 Cute bokken tank top is great for under the gi or out and about. Aikido Jr. Spaghetti Tank Our spaghetti tank from American Apparel will keep you in style year round. Made of soft 100% superfine combed cotton baby rib, this tank provides the perfect silhouette.5.8 oz. 100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton. Size up

Trademark Poker 201806B Dark Wooden Practice Samurai Bokken Sword $27.42 This classic hardwood sword is perfect for the martial art trainee to the professional. Sword is made of Solid Dark Wood and is 40 in length. Bokken is a training sword used as a relatively safe and inexpensive substitute for a real blade in several martial arts. They are used in the early stages of iaido when a practitioner has not yet reached the level where use of a iaito would be safe. The exception would be when a certain kata involving two people is performed. Then the veteran iaidoka will use a bokken for safety reasons.

Poker 201802 Solid Wood Practice Samurai Bokken Sword $54.38 This classic hardwood sword is perfect for the martial art trainee to the professional. Sword is made of Red Oak and is 40 in length. Bokken is a training sword used as a relatively safe and inexpensive substitute for a real blade in several martial arts. They are used in the early stages of iaido when a practitioner has not yet reached the level where use of a iaito would be safe. The exception would be when a certain kata involving two people is performed. Then the veteran iaidoka will use a bokken for safety reasons.

This Is Kendo DVD Alexander Shinai Iaido samurai sword Iai swordsmanship #M25 $14.99 Finally an instructional video on Kendo, Japanese Swordsmanship. This exciting video fully explains the techniques of modern Kendo. Kendo is both an art, and an exciting sport, and its roots lie deep in the culture of Japan and the spirit of the samurai. This is Kendo features Sensei George Alexander, a world renown martial arts teacher and author. He fully explains how to wear the dogu (protective Armour), the use of the shinai (bamboo sword), and dojo etiquette. This video explains fighting postures, stances, footwork, basic strikes, warm up drills (Kiri Kaeishi) prearranged sparring drills (Yakusoku Renshu) combination strikes (Nidan/Sandan Waza) and Sword Point Control. Also included are many never before seen on video advanced sparring (Keiko) techniques, and an explanation of Zen concepts used in swordsmanship and much more! This is the Kendo Video you have been waiting for! Approx. 30 minutes Full Color. M-0025 Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Trademark Poker 201802 Solid Wood Practice Samurai Bokken $54.38 This classic hardwood sword is perfect for the martial art trainee to the professional. Sword is made of Red Oak and is 40 in length.Bokken is a training sword used as a relatively safe and inexpensive substitute for a real blade in several martial arts. They are used in the early stages of iaido when a practitioner has not yet reached the level where use of a iaito would be safe. The exception would be when a certain kata involving two people is performed. Then the veteran iaidoka will use a bokken for safety reasons.

Beginner Guide Japanese Samurai Sword Bokken Wood Training DVD Dana Abbott RS183 $14.99 Beginner's Guide to Bokken Wooden Sword by Sword Master Dana Abbott. You will learn: Gripping & Handling Basic 8 Stances Basic 8 Cuts Transitioning Basic 8 Forms Formalities Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Rubber Padded Practice Daito Bokken Katana 40 Samurai Sword karate taekwondo martial arts $11.95 Brand new, never used. Retails for $24.95! An excellent training aid, this daito bokken has a solid hardwood core covered with ¼ inch of dense, black foam rubber and includes a two piece tsuba (handguard) and tip protector. Good balance and feel. Excellent for safely practicing your katana combat forms by greatly reducing the risk of injury from a sharp or metal blade. Full size, measures 40 inches overall. Type: Practice Sword Color: Black Color Mapping: Black

Samurai Katana Sword Training DVD Anthony Gallo daito bokken kata iai iaido #RS-0513 $14.99 Anthony Gallo will take you through the way of the Sword, the code of the Samurai. You will learn the proper names for the different parts of the Katana, also the proper way to hold and draw your Katana. You will learn how to Morote Giri, front thrust one and two handed, the Suchyoken, vertical overhead cut along with others. To draw and cut properly you must know how to move with your Katana. Anthony will teach you 6 different Setas. An entire Bokken Kata is included on this video. Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Beginner's Kendo Iaido #1 DVD J Wilson Japanese Samurai Sword Shinai Katana iai #55 $14.99 This DVD is aimed at the novice who wants to attain a solid foundation of the practice of both kendo and iaido. World renowned martial arts expert Jim Wilson (member of former Champion team of Kendoists) teaches correct basic skills which will lead you to becoming a quality kendo and or iaido practitioner. He shows basics, cuts, blocks, & footwork, as well as all decorum & etiquette associated with the way of the sword. Approx. 50 min. Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Beginner Guide Kendo Iaido #2 DVD Wilson RS-0202S Samurai Sword Shinai Katana $14.99 This DVD is a follow up to Sensei Jim Wilson's best selling DVD, Beginners Guide To Kendo and Iaido. You will learn so much more in this DVD it will totally amaze you. He teaches take aways of a sword that are rarely taught any longer which he has learned over many years of training under some of Japan's very best masters. Master Instructor Jim Wilson is one of the world's top instructor's, having taught in many countries around the world. He now will show you his favorite techniques of Kendo and Iaido that will take you to an all new level of ability. You will also learn several new combinations and techniques, considered by many as the showy techniques, but once studied and perfected you will see how practical these techniques can be. Key words: Shotokan, Karate, Weapons, Kendo, Iaido, Martial arts(member of former Champion team of Kendoists) teaches correct basic skills which will lead you to becoming a quality kendo and or iaido practitioner. This followup DVD has new techniques and combinations not show Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Advanced Aikido #2 Wooden Weapons DVD Koryu Dai San wood knife sword staff bokken Dr Ah Loi Lee #M-0187 $14.99 Advanced Level Aikido #2, featuring Dr. Ah Loi Lee. Dr. Lee demonstrates Koryu Dai San, comprising 50 techniques. Kata includes the use of wooden knife, sword, and stick. Suwari-Waza, Tachi-Waza, Tanto-Dori, Tachi-Dori, Jo-No-Bu, Jo-Dori, and more. Approx. 47 minutes. Type: Books & Videos Gender: Unisex

Samurai Bokken Katana Heavy 42 Sword Suburito Wood Wooden Trainer hardwood martial arts karate taekwondo training sword weapon $16.5 Auction is for ONE, brand new, never used Suburito! Retails for up to $20. Traditional Japanese wooden training sword. Extra heavy design used to build strength & speed, and to develop endurance. Constructed of red oak with a light clear protective finish. Perfect for any martial arts training. There is no sharp blade to cause serious injury. 42" long, red oak. 24 oz. Type: Wood Training Sword Material: Wood Color: Brown Gender: Unisex

Poker 007X34 41.25Deluxe Disguised Bamboo Stick Sword $40.9 The Shinai Bamboo Sword / Kendo Stick is designed for balance and reliability. This bamboo sword is recommended for all who want to learn sword fighting. Two piece hand guard included. Great for practice this Kendo sword is made of real bamboo and the handle is covered in leather. Shinai Bamboo Swords are constructed of 4 pieces of split bamboo. The tip of the shinai is covered in leather; the four staves are held apart by a tshaped piece of rubber. The staves are held together at the opposite end by a long leather handle. The handle is round rather than oval like a real katana. A leather lace tied in a complicated knot about a third of the way from the tip keeps the staves from spreading too far apart. A string runs down one stave it signifies the dull edge or back of the sword. Overall length 42 . The blade is made of steel.

Bamboo face clock Hobbies Wall Clock by CafePress $15 The background of this clock is the bamboo pieces of a jukdo shinai, the sparring sword used in kumdo kendo. Hobbies Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

Cold Medieval Training Sword Waister $45.5 Authentic Kashi wood Bokkens are still used today but are becoming quite costly. They also have the disadvantages being made of wood that they may rot crack split or splinter. Cold Steel's solution to these dilemmas was to design a synthetic substitute low in price and impervious to the elements.Our Bokken and our new Wakazashi Bokken are made of the heaviest grade polypropylene available and closely duplicate a real Katana and Wakazashi in length size weight and feel. While they're not quite as rigid as wood they have the advantages of being virtually unbreakable and remarkably stiff and cut resistant. Overall Length: 39.5 . Blade Length: 32.25 . Material: Polypropylene.

Bamboo Blade, Volume 3 $11.59 The girls' kendo meet continues with one victory on the board for Muroe High. Despite her inexperience, Miya's ferocious shinai is a force to be reckoned with, and Captain Kirino is no pushover either. It's a tight race until Tamaki reemerges as the bespectacled "Bureiba" to battle in the fifth and final match. But is Tamaki's weak disguise enough to mask her superior abilities?

Samurai Iai Aikido Kendo Japanese Short Hardwood Wooden Sword Wakizashi Shoto karate martial arts taekwondo $6.99 Brand new, never used. Retails for up to $14.95. Complimentary training aid for our Daito Bokken (#WJ0540A). Traditional Japanese wooden training sword. Used to represent the 'Shoto' or short Samurai sword in Iaido and Kenjutsu training. Constructed of Red Oak with a light clear finish and comes with a two-piece guard. 22 inch long. Approx. 10 oz. Imported. Type: Practice Sword Material: Hardwood Color: Brown Color Mapping: Brown

Musashi Japanese Large Mug by CafePress $18 A quote from Musashi's Book of Five Rings that describes the way of the Samurai. The detail from a painting of Musashi practicing with two bokken wooden swords illustrates the point. Japanese Large Mug Super-size your favorite beverage or just size-up to avoid spills with our hefty, 15 oz. ceramic Large Mug. Large easy-grip handle. When you need more, mug it up. Measures 4.5 tall, 3.25 diameter. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Musashi Sports Mousepad by CafePress $13 A quote from Musashi's Book of Five Rings that describes the way of the Samurai. The detail from a painting of Musashi practicing with two bokken wooden swords illustrates the point. Sports Mousepad Keep your mouse rolling in style on our durable cloth top mousepad. A great gift for geeks, gamers, or anyone with a computer. Rubber backing prevents the mousepad from sliding. Machine washable.

Musashi Japanese Hoodie dark by CafePress $45 A quote from Musashi's Book of Five Rings that describes the way of the Samurai. The detail from a painting of Musashi practicing with two bokken wooden swords illustrates the point. Japanese Hoodie dark Stay warm on the inside. Look oh-so-cool on the outside. Don this comfortable fleece sweatshirt for that dress-down BBQ -- or your next dress-to-impress trip to the mall.10 oz. fleece blend 90% cotton/10% polyester. Fleece-lined hoo

Musashi Japanese Dark T-Shirt by CafePress $26 A quote from Musashi's Book of Five Rings that describes the way of the Samurai. The detail from a painting of Musashi practicing with two bokken wooden swords illustrates the point. Japanese Dark T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Don't waste time deciding on which shirt to put on each morning. This dark shirt t-shirt will never go out of style and hides stains better too. This high-quality t-shirt is pre-shrunk and 100% cotton, which makes it both comfortable and durable.

Musashi Japanese Light T-Shirt by CafePress $22 A quote from Musashi's Book of Five Rings that describes the way of the Samurai. The detail from a painting of Musashi practicing with two bokken wooden swords illustrates the point. Japanese Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt This light t-shirt will be fashionable even after the zombie Apocalypse. In fact, this shirt might be the very reason you'll survive said Apocalypse. The light color shows you aren't worried about getting stains - and even if you were, those stains show t

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Cold Steel 91E Escrima Stick $37.05 Our Cold Steel Escrima Stick resembles a traditional rattan stick in length weight and cross section it is however much more durable because it is injection molded from super tough black polypropylene. It measures 32 long and is 1 in diameter and weighs approximately 12 ounces. Unlike rattan it resists mildew and wont dry out warp crack splinter or shrink and with the use of a saw it can easily be modified to any length. Plus like our baseball bats Bokken and African Walking Stick it is easy to clean and is so resistant to impact stresses and the elements that it is virtually unbreakable and practically indestructible. Specifications Weight: 12 oz Thick: 1 Diameter Material: Polypropylene Overall: 32

Cold 91e 32Escrima PolyPropylene Unbreakable Bamboo Stick $35.88 The Cold Steel Escrima Stick resembles a traditional rattan stick in length weight and cross section it is however much more durable because it is injection molded from super tough black polypropylene. It measures 32rdquo; long and is 1rdquo; in diameter and weighs approximately 12 ounces. Unlike rattan it resists mildew and wonrsquo;t dry out warp crack splinter or shrink and with the use of a saw it can easily be modified to any length. Plus like our baseball bats Bokken and African Walking Stick it is easy to clean and is so resistant to impact stresses and the elements that it is virtually unbreakable and practically indestructible. Wersquo;re confident that stick fighting enthusiasts and the Filipino Martial Arts Community will want to add one or more of these sticks to their training arsenal.

Bayview BBM7979 Black Belt Magazine Presents AikiDo Vol. 5 $36.45 Considered by many to be the most humane of all fighting arts aikido was founded by Japanese grandmaster Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba spent his lifetime devoted to the ancient jujutsu arts. His art consists of highly effective joint locks pressure points leverage balance and throwing techniques that require minimum effort to yield the maximum results. The fact that police agencies around the world have since adopted and incorporated aikido in their training curriculum is testimony to the efficacy of this art s apprehension and restraining techniques. In this fivevolume DVD series presented by the experts at Black Belt Magazine Sam Combes sensei a retired police officer who holds a 6thdegree black belt from the Yoshinkai Aikido Institute in Japan teaches the kata selfdefense and weapons techniques which form the cornerstone of this art. In the fifth volume of the DVD collection Combes teaches bokken stances and drills weapons defense advanced selfdefense and advanced aikido techniques. Rating: NR

Cold 92Bkaxg Axe Gang Hatchet Trainer $29.98 The best of the world s sword fighters have known a simple truth for ages... if you want to become a reasonably good sword fighter you should endeavor to learn sword fighting techniques footwork and the basic stances. However if you want to be a master at sword fighting you have to eventually start fighting with a live blade . If your ultimate goal is to wield a razor sharp sword safely and effectively you need to train with a sword that approximates the size feel and heft of a live blade yet minimizes the possibility of causing grievous permanent or lifethreatening injury to yourself or your training partner.This concept was implemented by the ancient Romans who used dull wooden swords to train their Gladiators and soldiers. And Japanese Samurai used a wooden training sword that was called a Bokken. It s an elegant solution to a vexing problem and effective enough to still be used today. The only problem is that a wooden sword can rot crack chip or splinter and eventually become useless.Cold Steel s solution to these dilemmas was to design a synthetic substitute low in price and impervious to the elements. The Cold Steel line of Training Swords are made of heaviest grade polypropylene available and closely duplicate a real sword in length size weight and feel. While they re not quite as rigid as wood they have the winning advantages of being virtually unbreakable remarkably stiff and cut resistant.

Black Belt Aikido Volume 5 $18.78 Rated: NRSynopsis: Considered by many to be the most humane of all fighting arts, aiki-do was founded by Japanese grandmaster Morihei Ueshiba. Ueshiba spent his lifetime devoted to the ancient jujutsu arts. His art consists of highly effective joint locks, pressure points, leverage, balance and throwing techniques that require minimum effort to yield the maximum results. The fact that police agencies around the world have since adopted and incorporated aiki-do in their training curriculum is testimony to the efficacy of this art's apprehension and restraining techniques. In this five-volume DVD series presented by the experts at Black Belt Magazine, Sam Combes sensei - a retired police officer who holds a 6th-degree black belt from the Yoshinkai Aiki-do Institute in Japan - teaches the kata, self-defense and weapons techniques which form the cornerstone of this art. In the fifth volume of the DVD collection, Combes teaches bokken stances and drills, weapons defense, advanced self-defense and advanced aiki-do techniques.

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