Weapons training guide: bo, jo, bokken, sai, tonfa and nunchaku

The bo is a long staff, traditionally around 180 cm (roughly six feet), though shorter versions exist for smaller practitioners or younger students. Common woods include oak, which is heavy and very durable, and rattan or hickory, which are lighter and have some flex, absorbing shock better on contact. Diameter is typically around 2.5 to 3 cm. Beginners often start with a lighter wood or a padded practice bo before progressing to a heavier hardwood staff as their technique and strength develop.

A bokken is a wooden practice sword, generally modelled on the length and curve of a Japanese long sword, used widely in aikido, iaido and kenjutsu. Bokken are typically carved from a single piece of hardwood such as oak or Japanese white oak, and their weight and balance are meant to closely mirror a real blade so that cutting angles, distance and timing translate to live sword work. A bokken is not sharp, but it is solid and unforgiving on impact, so full speed partner drills with a bokken require careful supervision and progressive training. This differs from an iaito, a blunt metal practice sword used mainly for solo forms, which our glossary entry on the iaito explains in more detail.

Nunchaku consist of two sticks connected by a cord or chain, and they are among the most demanding traditional weapons to control safely because of how easily momentum can carry them back toward the user. For this reason, foam padded or lightweight plastic training nunchaku are strongly recommended for beginners, with solid wood versions reserved for experienced practitioners under direct supervision. Even experienced users generally train nunchaku technique slowly at first when learning a new pattern, only building up speed once the movement is consistent.

A few safety habits apply across all traditional weapons training.

• Always check wooden weapons for cracks, splinters or loose fittings before use, and retire any weapon that shows damage.
• Maintain clear distance from training partners and spectators when swinging any weapon, especially during the first repetitions of a new technique.
• Progress from slow, controlled solo practice to partner drills only once basic control is consistent.
• Use padded or foam versions for children's classes or early stage partner work.
• Follow your instructor's guidance on grip, since an incorrect grip is a common cause of a weapon slipping during a technique.

Rules on owning, carrying and transporting training weapons vary considerably between countries and even between regions within a country, and some jurisdictions treat certain weapons, particularly nunchaku, more strictly than others. Because these rules change and differ locally, always check current regulations in your own country or region before purchasing or transporting a weapon, and ask your dojo how they expect weapons to be carried to and from class. Travelling with a training weapon, whether by car or public transport, may also be treated differently to keeping it at home or at the dojo, so it is worth confirming what is expected before your first class if you are unsure.

At home, store training weapons out of reach of children, ideally in a dedicated bag, rack or cabinet, and keep them away from damp conditions that can warp wood or promote rust on any metal fittings. A wall mounted rack keeps weapons visible and easy to inspect for damage, while a padded bag is more practical for anyone regularly transporting weapons to and from a dojo. For general storage ideas that also apply to mats and other training equipment, see our home dojo setup guide.

What is the difference between a bo and a jo?

The bo is the longer of the two, around 180 cm, while the jo is shorter, around 127 cm, which gives it a different range and a distinct set of techniques, often practised alongside empty hand aikido movement.

Is a bokken sharp?

No, a bokken has no edge, but it is a solid piece of hardwood and can cause injury on hard contact, so it should always be handled and used under proper supervision.

Are foam training weapons a good option for beginners?

Yes, foam or padded versions of bo, jo, nunchaku and similar weapons are widely used for beginners and children, since they allow technique to be learned with a much lower risk of injury.

Can I legally own a training weapon such as nunchaku where I live?

This depends entirely on local law, which varies widely and changes over time, so it is important to check current rules in your own country or region rather than assume what applies elsewhere.

How should I store wooden weapons at home?

Keep them somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children, ideally in a rack or padded bag, and check them periodically for cracks or warping.