Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken - Classic Woods

Name: Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken - Classic Woods
Brand: Seido
SKU: ICHI,SHIRA
Price: 11000.0 JPY
Availability: PreOrder
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

Average rating: 4.0/5 View/write review(s)

The Horinouchi workshop closed permanently in September 2019 (see the detailed article on our blog). Solutions are being implemented and we are confident about the possibility of offering this product again soon. Therefore, orders for 'Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken - Classic Woods' are temporarily suspended until we transfer the technology to the other workshops. Note that it is possible that the cost of this product increase significantly, depending on how new artisans will implement its manufacturing process.

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¥11,000

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Choosing your Bokken & Jo
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Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken - Red/White Oak

Made in Japan (Kyushu)
Flat Spine | Flat Butt | Beveled Kissaki
Red Oak, White Oak

This Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken is made from a single piece of Japanese oak (red or white) from the southern islands of Kyushu (Japan).
With a length of 109 cm, this is the longest Koryu Bokken of our catalog. Although close in shape to the Katori Shinto Ryu Bokken, it is much longer, slightly thicker and significantly more curved. As it is very specific, this model is rather hard to recommend outside of the Shindo Yoshin Ryu school.

Long and heavily curved Bokken are charactereistic of ancient style Katana, at the time of the transition between the old Tachi and the Uchigatana (the actual Katana).

This model is the official model of the US based main branch of the Shindo Yoshin Ryu, the Takamura-ha Shindo Yoshin Kai.

About the engraving: We offer to engrave the school Kamon (Maru ni Kenkatabami) on the Tsuka directly through the product options. If you wish to add the school's Kanji "新道楊心流", please order from the the engraving modules below the product pictures and options (the Kamon will be at the top of the Kanji and the whole engraving will be properly centered)

Choice of wood species: red oak, white oak
Available finish: Urethane varnish or camellia oil polish
Manufacturing workshop: Horinouchi

Non varnished - Oil polish option:

All our high-end weapons are available either varnished with urethane or polished with camellia oil. The latter is more pleasant to the touch and these unvarnished weapons are also more ecologically-friendly, but they require regular (monthly) maintenance with oil (camellia or wood maintenance oil). Further, they can only be made from the finest timber of Japanese quality. Given the need for maintenance, our stocks are limited. Also, since the craftsmen must select the best wood possible to manufacture these Bokken and Jo, the processing time is longer than for varnished weapons. Please note that the oil polish can darken the wood significantly.

**Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken Specifications**
Wood	Akagashi (Red Oak)	Shirakashi (White Oak)
Weight	650 ~ 700 g	700 ~ 800 g
Full length	109 cm
Blade length	75 cm
Tsuka length	34 cm
Tsuka diameter	40 x 29 mm
Mine	Hiramine (flat spine)
Tsuka shape	Taira (flat butt)
Kissaki	Beveled (original Kissaki)

*Due to the hand-made manufacturing, color and weight may vary from one weapon to another

About Shindo Yoshin Ryu:

The Shindo Yoshin Ryu is quite a recent school, founded at the very end of the Edo period, in 1864 by Katsunosuke Matsuoka, a Samurai of the Kuroda clan. Matsuoka was trained in Totsuka Ha Yoshin Ryu, Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, Hokushin Itto Ryu and Kashima Shinden Jiki Shinkage Ryu, which were the roots of his Jujutsu and Kenjutsu combined style, the Shindo Yoshin Ryu. One of Matsuoka's best student left to create his own branch (Shigeta Obata Ha) in 1895, and Matsuoka died 3 years later in 1898. Matsuoka's grandson, Tasuo, who was also an accomplished Judoka (7th Dan) took over a few years later, until he passed at the age of 95 in 1989, without successor. The main line is now officially extinct, despite the fact that some of his late students still practice in their new organization, the Shindo Yoshin Ryu Domonkai.
Obata's lineage is still alive today, renamed "Takamura Ha" by Obata's grandson, Yukiyoshi Takamura. Takamura moved to the US, more precisely to California during the 60', and lived until the age of 72. After his death in 2000, the school was passed to Tobin E. Threadgill. The Shindo Yoshin Ryu has almost disappeared in Japan and his main branch is now based in Evergreen (Colorado) under the name: Takamura Ha Shindo Yoshin Kai.

Information on How to Choose Your Bokken & Jo - Shape & Wood

As an expert in the manufacture of Aikido equipment, Seido is able to provide you with the technical details and measurements of all its models. You will find our elaborate advice on which model to choose.

The wooden weapons proposed by Seido are manufactured by one of the last four traditional workshop in the south of Japan, in the region of Miyakonojo (Kyushu), Horinouchi, Nidome, Matsuzaki and Aramaki. Seido is the only company in the world (including Japan) working with these 4 workshops simultaneously. Our weapons are selected according to the specialties of each workshop, the time of manufacture as well as the pricing. If you have got a preference for a particular workshop, please contact us for quotation.

Unlike for Dogi, Hakama, or Obi, the use of poor quality material to manufacture weapons can be dangerous and cause serious injury. Seido is very attentive to this and our weapons are not selected for the look of the wood, but on its quality.

The first thing to determine is your "type of practice". Will you seldom use your weapons? Do you practice weapons at each class? What type of Aikido do you practice?

Beginners and casual weapons practitioners will opt for a cheap and reliable material such as red oak, and a "classic" shape Bokken. If your practice involves important clashes between weapons, then you will turn instead to the more durable white oak. If you are looking for an original wood, then Isu no Ki is for you.

Sunuke, Camelia, and Ebony woods are recommended for experienced practitioners wishing to acquire deluxe weapons, or for gifts.

Contents

The Weight of the Weapon - It depends on the shape and type of wood

Standard: Weapons

The classic Bokken or 24 mm Jo (8 BU) are the most widely used, both in Aikido, Kendo, and Iaido. The weapons have an average but reasonable weight, and are primarily intended for beginners and casual practitioners.

Light Weapons

Small weapons including "Yagyu Ryu" bokken, bokken made in buna, and jo made in Isu no Ki are specifically designed for working on accuracy and speed. This type of weapons is used in aikido schools who follow the teachings of Hirokazu Kobayashi Sensei, Nobuyoshi Tamura Sensei, or in schools close to the Yagyu style of kenjutsu. These weapons are also often recommended to women, children, as well as to practitioners who suffer from shoulder pain.

Heavy Weapons

Heavy weapons including Iwama Ryu and Keishi Ryu Bokken, 27 and 30 mm Jo, or weapons made of sunuke and ebony are used for "tanren" (reinforcement) work. These bokken may also be used to practice suburi. They allow work to develop power and enhance grip. It is not recommended to start with this type of weapon given the physical constraints that they imposed.

The Varnished Finish or Oil Polish

Almost all weapons available on the market, including Japanese-made weapons, are coated with urethane. This protects the wood from changes in temperature and humidity and allows them to be kept for a long time without maintenance.

SeidoShop proposes unvarnished weapons because they are much more pleasant to the touch as well as use. An unvarnished Jo will tend to be more slippery with sweating hands, and hence easier to use than its varnished counterpart.
Unvarnished weapons are more ecologically-friendly, but they require regular (monthly) maintenance with oil (camellia or wood maintenance oil) and they can only be made from the finest woods that are only found in Japan.
Wood is a living material and therefore, each weapon can react very differently to the oil polishing process, resulting in significant color variations.
Given the maintenance needs of these weapons, our stocks are limited. Also, since the craftsmen must select the best wood possible to manufacture these weapons, the processing time is longer than for varnished weapons. If engraved, out of stock, or made to order, the shipping time can take up to 6 weeks.

More Information on Available Woods

Click on the "open" buttons to compare different woods.

Ichii Kashi (Standard Red Oak)

Ichii Kashi is a term used to refer to a red wood with characteristics that are so close to red oak that they are often confused, even in Japan. The Ichii Kashi remains an excellent wood since it is the choice for the "standard" Bokken used by the Japanese army (also manufactured by our craftsman). A little lighter than the Hon Akagashi, and almost as solid, this wood makes this Bokken / Jo perfect for beginners or for the Dojo. The standard model of our catalog is Ichii Kashi.

Hon Akagashi (Deluxe Red Oak)

Akagashi, the Japanese Red Oak (Quercus acutissima) is a tree that grows in southern Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku...). It requires moist soil and plenty of sunshine, since in addition to the tree species, the environment is a key factor in determining the quality of the wood. Unlike European oak, Japan oak floats in water, it is moderately hard and therefore, more resilient to shocks, making it an ideal wood for manufacturing Bokken. The red oak is also a bit lighter than the white. "Hon Akagashi" is called true red oak, as opposed to the standard akagashi (Ichii Kashi). Its color is darker than the Ichigashi (standard) and it is slightly stronger. It is also a rare wood that undergoes stricter selection.

Shirakashi (White Oak)

Shirakashi, the white Oak of Japan (Quercus acutissima), is a tree that grows in southern Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku). It requires moist soil and plenty of sunshine, since in addition to the tree species, the environment is a key factor in determining the quality of the wood. Unlike European oaks, Japan oak floats in water, it is moderately hard, and therefore, more resilient to shocks, making it an ideal wood for manufacturing Bokken. White oak is slightly heavier than red oak, slightly denser and therefore more resistant, it is the wood essence of choice for manufacturing excellence Bokken made for contacts. White oak used for the manufacture of our Bokken is rigorously selected for the position of the nodes and the quality of its fibers.

Isu No Ki (Distilium racemocum)

"Isu no ki" literally means "wood chair" and it takes its name from the fact that it has long been used in the manufacture of quality furniture. This wood is also traditionally used in the manufacture of talismans since legend ascribes it the power to bind people and things (musubi). It is a harder wood, and therefore slightly less resilient than oak, but more beautiful (near sunuke), softer, and therefore more pleasant to touch. The isu no ki is from the same tree as the sunuke but younger, or taken from other parts than the trunk. Isu no Ki color can vary significantly depending on the tree age from light pink to brown (Bokken, Jo & Tanto can present different colors, even when ordered as a set). Isu no Ki wood may present imperfections and is not suitable for heavy contact practice.

Sunuke (heart of Distilium racemocum)

The Sunuke (Hamamelidaceae) comes from 250 and 400 years old "Isu no ki" trees. Logging quotas established by the government of the archipelago on this tree make it a rare and precious wood. With its dark brown color, Sunuke is a very dense and heavy wood, it sustains shocks relatively poorly. The "cheap" Sunuke Bokken are usually dyed. Our weapons are all guaranteed 100% natural Sunuke. The Sunuke weapons are particularly heavy and are not suitable for full contact practice. They are excellent however for practice Suburi or to practice Kata for the development of Tenouchi and Tanren work. Note that Sunuke made weapons weight can significantly vary depending on available material.

Tsubaki (Camelia Japonica)

The Tsubaki (Camelia Japonica) is a tree that is found throughout the southern part of Japan and it can reach over 500 years of age. This tree is used since immemorial times in Japanese crafts to make various objects of everyday life such as dishes and furnitures. Its uniform color makes it an ideal wood for making decorative Bokken, though they are also ideal for practice. In recent years, the camellia has been used to replace the legendary Biwa wooden Bokken. Indeed, the Biwa is extremely rare and expensive (regular price for a Bokken in real Biwa is approximately 100,000 JPY, the Bokken sold at cheap rate under the "Biwa" label are in reality made of Tsubaki). Camellia is very close to the Biwa, both by its appearance and by its characteristics, both impact resistant, lightweight, and very pleasant to the touch. Unlike Sunuke, Tsubaki is more flexible, resilient, and therefore stronger. However, it is lighter, making it an excellent practice Bokken for flexibility and precision, especially for women. Certainly less strong than white oak, we do not recommend it for full contact practice, but it will sustain shocks relatively well.

Tagayasan (Senna Siamea)

Tagayasan, officially called Senna Siamea or Siamese cassia is a medium-size tree, that mainly grows in Southern Asia. The timber combines characteristics of Sunuke and Asian Ebony (Shima Kokutan). In Japanese it is also called "Tettoboku", which means "Iron sword wood", because it is considered as one of the hardest wood possible, so hard that it does sometimes break the metal tools used to carve it.
Its weight is close to Sunuke, but it is as dark brown and resistant as Shima Kokutan, (Asian Ebony). Because Tagayasan wood is rigid and does not absorb shocks very well, we advise against using it for intense contact practice. However, as a piece of display, light partner work, solo practice and of course, , it is an exquisite product.

Hon Biwa (Japanese Loquat)

The term of Loquat (also called Japanese Medlar), or "Eriobotrya Japonica" in scientific terms, includes several subspecies, and the type of wood used for the production of this particular model is the one that has been used for hundreds of years in Japan for the manufacture of exceptional Bkken. Mainly grown for it's yellow fruit, is a small tree (average of 3 to 4 m) that needs an extensive amount of time to reach 5 to 10 m, the minimum height required to harvest long enough node free material to produce a Bokken. If the tree itself is widely spread around the world, old and massive enough trunks are very rare and Loquat tree of more than 5 m are subject to drastic cutting quotas which explain the massive increasing in price over the past decades.
Well selected high quality Biwa makes the best wood possible for Bokken manufacture. Bokken made from biwa are incredibly resilient, solid, well balanced, and very pleasant to touch.

Buna (Fagus crenata)

Buna (Fagus crenata) is a wood that grows throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. It is very popular in the art of Bonsai for the beauty of its barks and leaves. This wood has a very clear yellow color with darker shades, it is pleasant to the touch, strong and very light. This wood is used in the manufacturing of Bokken for its lightness and its original appearance. We recommend this model for practitioners seeking a light weight but who still need a Bokken that can sustain accidental impacts. It is particularly suited for children and practitioners suffering from shoulder pain.

Kiri (Paulownia)

Kiri (Scrophulariaceae) is a wood that grows in northern Japan, but originates from China and Korea. This tree produces a wood that absorbs very little moisture, does not conduct heat, and does not burn at high temperatures. Due to its qualities, this wood has long been used to make furniture and chests. It is also reputed to be the lightest wood in Japan, this is why it is used to make ultra-light Bokken for practitioners suffering from shoulder pain, or for use during Kata or prayer.

Murasaki Kokutan (Purple Ebony)

Also called Tetsuboku (ironwood), purple ebony has a very pleasant smell and a very characteristic amber color, the wood is slightly rough to the touch. It fits between Asian Sunuke and ebony. Its density makes it a heavy wood, perfectly suited for practicing of suburi, ideal for practitioners who like to practice with a heavy bokken. It is however necessary to keep it away from humidity and temperature changes that could have an adverse effect on the quality of the wood. Murasaki Kokutan is a hard wood and can cause severe damage upon contact, but on the other hand, it is less resilient and break more easily than oak. Therefore this exotic timber is not recommended for contact practice.

Shima Kokutan (Asian Ebony)

Shima Kokutan (Ebenaceae diospyros) is a broad leaf evergreen that grows mainly in South Asia and throughout Indonesia. It is a very slow growing tree, and only trees over 200 years old can be used in the manufacture of Bokken. Shima in Japanese means "striped", it is so named because this wood is characterized by clearer (brown) lines inside its black ebony. This tree produces a very heavy and very hard wood commonly used for furniture and luxury items. It will be suited to the practice of Suburi or for decoration. Very hard, very dense, it absorbs shocks relatively poorly and is not advised for practice with contact. Note that Kokutan made weapons weight can significantly vary depending on available material.

Hon Kokutan (African Ebony)

African Ebony has been used for thousands of years for many purposes, but unsustainable harvesting the past decades resulted on drastic cutting quotas and therefore in a massive price increase. Due to its hardness, African ebony is very difficult to work, which is also one of the main reasons for ebony item expensive price. The ebony used by our craftsmen is legally imported in Japan in small quantities.
The wood is exceptionally dense (one of the heaviest wood on earth), strong, and stiff, and makes wonderful Suburi Bokken but is not meant for heavy contact practice.

Comparison of Different Wood (for Classic Shape Bokken)

Wood	Origin	Bokken Weight	Toughness	Utilization	Price
Ichii Kashi (standard red oak)	South Japan - Kyushu	450 ~ 500 g	***	Beginner	5,000JPY~
Hon Akagashi (deluxe red oak)	South Japan - Kyushu	480 ~ 580 g	****	Contact	5,500JPY~
Shirakashi White Oak	South Japan - Kyushu	500 ~ 600 g	****	Contact	5,500JPY~
Isu no Ki	South Japan - Kyushu	480 ~ 580 g	***	Kata - Women	6,000JPY~
Sunuke	South Japan - Kyushu	600 ~ 700 g	**	Suburi - Present	16,000JPY~
Tsubaki (Camellia japonica)	South Japan - Kyushu	450 ~ 500 g	***	Women - Present	16,000JPY~
Hon Biwa Japanese Loquat	South Japan - Kyushu	520 ~ 580 g	*****	Everything !	97,000JPY~
Kiri	Hokkaido - North Japan	150 ~ 200 g	*	Kata	6,000JPY~
Buna	South Japan - Kyushu	350 ~ 400 g	**	Children - Women	5,000JPY~
Murasaki Kokutan Purple Ebony	South Japan or East Asia	550 ~ 650 g	**	Suburi - Present	11,000JPY~
Tagayasan	Southern Asia	600 ~ 700 g	**	Suburi - Present	18,000JPY~
Shima Kokutan Asia Ebony	East Asia	700 ~ 750 g	**	Suburi - Present	45,000JPY~
Hon Kokutan African Ebony	African (Gaboon or Cameroon)	750 ~ 800 g	**	Suburi - Present	120,000JPY~

* Since wood is a living material, the weight is variable and this table is for reference only.
* As a living material, wood color may vary significantly from one weapon to another.
* The price is for the classic bokken shape.

Engraving

With the exception of Kiri, our wooden weapons can be engraved. Simply add the customization to the product before adding it to the cart.
Please note that engravings are made at our workshop once to twice weekly, and that it extends shipping time usually only from 3 to 5 days.

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Shindo Yoshin Ryu Bokken - Classic Woods: ¥11,000

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