The Bokken is a practice weapon for the Japanese sword arts. This weapon was used primarily for sparring and kata training. However, a boken itself is quite an effective weapon on it own. In the hands of an experienced kendo master a bokken can be just as exact and devastating as an actual sword. In either case a boken is essential for training in most Japanese sword arts. This is the newest style of bokken. The earlier problem of the bokken slipping when the hands became sweaty (as they will when practicing) has been solved by adding a cotton wrap around the handle of the bokken. This addition, although small, has changed many aspects of the bokken. This allows for practice of drawing techniques and a closer realism to a live blade.
