Aikido and Sword Training

Why is Sword Practice Necessary?

As a rule, aikido practice comprises numerous sword exercises and techniques. The training with swords that are usually represented by wooden bokkens is really useful for aikido students as it allows them to feel better the proper trajectory of their movements, work out the intuitive perception of every aikido technique.

Consequently, the series of partner exercises with the sword are perceived by aikidoka as a special beneficial system for learning the basics of the sword, while maintaining the spirit of Aikiken, where students move from the basic to the more complicated techniques, yet using the suburi forms to realize how to move the sword.

In general, there are no certain standards of sword practice set by Aikikai. Instead, well-known aikido teachers usually base their lessons upon their own systems of practicing with bokkens. Some teachers also include practicing with jo, a long wooden pole. The necessity of sword practice may be supported by the fact that O-sensei (Great teacher), Morihei Ueshiba, regularly practiced with the bokken, as proved by many photos and movies.

What is Suburi?

Suburi represents the basic training required for mastering the skills in handling the bokken. Suburi usually consists of such solo exercises that help the students work out the techniques of cutting, thrusting, parrying, etc. This way aikidoka get prepared for more complicated swordplay with a partner. When the student is ready for the partner exercises, the teacher finds a basic system of introducing techniques from the rather simple ones to the most advanced, having applied the suburi basics. Suburi training loosens the wrists and improves heart rate. It is also used in iaido, kendo and kenjutsu practices.

Aikiken and Iaido Union

Aikiken is the special term usually used to describe bokken exercises practiced in aikido. The word meaning implies that the techniques should correspond to the major aikido principle. The vital energy ki of the defender (tori) should be blended with ki of the attacker (uke). On the simpler level, this principle is demonstrated by the taisabaki movements when the defender moves away to avoid the attacking sword, keeping to the certain rhythm of performing the counter moves. It is very important for the attacker not to stop his force, and avoid blocking his sword moving.

Iaido, however, practiced without a partner, does not always use the aiki principles in the same way aikido does. Still, there are some really significant things to be perceived through iaido training. For example, the iaido students have a chance to experience the feeling of holding the real blade in their hands, as an advantage in comparison to using the wooden bokken in aikido. The students feel the right rhythm in a series of moves, while carrying through the blows and the thrusts.


To make the conclusion, some experienced martial arts teachers advise their students to practice both Aikiken and iaido series of techniques and discover compatibility between the two. This way aikido or other martial arts students will gradually develop their sword mastering style that would lead to better understanding and performing of the martial arts techniques they have been practicing.