Editing Bokken (section)

==Usage==
[[File:Several bokken.jpg|thumb|Various styles of ''bokken'']]
The ''bokken'' is used as an inexpensive and relatively safe substitute for a real sword in several [[martial arts]] such as ''[[aikido]]'', ''[[kendo]]'',  ''[[iaido]]'', ''[[kenjutsu]]'', and ''[[jodo]]''. Its simple wooden construction demands less care and maintenance than a katana. Training with a ''bokken'' does not carry the same mortal risk associated with that of a sharp metal sword, both for the user and other practitioners nearby.

While its use has several advantages over use of a live edged weapon, it can still be deadly, and any training with a ''bokken'' should be done with due care. Injuries occurring from ''bokken'' are very similar to those caused by clubs and similar battering weapons, and include compound fractures, ruptured organs, and other such blunt force injuries. In some ways, a ''bokken'' can be more dangerous, as the injuries caused are often unseen and inexperienced practitioners may underestimate the risk of harm.

It is not a sparring weapon, but is intended to be used in [[kata]], and to acclimate the student to the feel of a real sword. For sparring, a bamboo [[shinai]] is typically used instead, for obvious safety reasons.

In 2003, the [[All Japan Kendo Federation]] (AJKF) introduced a set of basic exercises using a ''bokutō'' called ''Bokutō Ni Yoru Kendō Kihon-waza Keiko-hō''. This form of practice is intended primarily for kendo practitioners up to [[Dan (rank)#Ranks in Japanese|Nidan]] ranking, but can be beneficial for all kendo students.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://zenkenren-shop.com/kendo/books/|title=全日本剣道連盟オンライン・ショップ：剣道書籍|publisher=Zenkenren-shop.com|access-date=2015-11-12}}</ref>

''[[Suburitō]]'' (素振り刀) are ''bokken'' designed for use in ''[[suburi]]''. ''Suburi'' (素振り), literally "bare swinging," are solo cutting exercises. Suburitō are thicker and heavier than normal ''bokken'' and users of suburitō must therefore develop both strength and technique. Their weight makes them unsuitable for paired practice and solo forms. [[Miyamoto Musashi]]'s ''bokken'' made of an oar in his legendary duel with Sasaki Kojiro was presumably a suburitō-sized ''bokken''.

As late as 2015, ''bokken'' were issued to the Los Angeles Police Mounted Unit for use as batons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_equipment |title=LAPD Equipment - Los Angeles Police Department |publisher=Lapdonline.org |access-date=2015-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Holly|title=Mounted Patrols Train for Handling Unrest at Convention|page=N3|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|date=August 6, 2000}}</ref><!-- April 8, 2011 - The August 6, 2000 Daily News cite is only for that the bokken were issued. It does not confirm that they are for use as batons. The Daily News article itself only has "The officers are also trained to use a bokken, a long wooden sword used only by mounted police." The LAPD's Mounted Unit is currently overseen by Captain Incontro (see http://www.lapdonline.org/metropolitan_division). I contacted him via e-mail and asked if the Wikipedia article claim "Bokken are currently issued to the Los Angeles Police Mounted Unit for use as batons" was true. He replied back with "We do use the bokken." -->