This is about aikido weapon and techniques. Most Aikido uses the weapon of the jo (staff) tanto (knife) and the bokken (sword). It’s a part of aikido techniques. These are the main weapons used in Aikido. In Aikido weapons training, you will also be taught to handle, hold, fight and defend using the tanto which in actuality is a knife or a short blade. The tanto was also extremely popular amongst the men and women who lived by the samurai code during their time. There are a couple of reasons why aikido weapons are used in Aikido classes and training sessions. Aikido has a strong weapon martial arts foundation and any training with weapons will only reinforce the basic techniques of the martial art. Mr Morihei Ueshiba was particularly skilled with the staff. He was able to integrate weapon techniques with basic Aikido movements. But among the multitude of weapons out there the sword has the most influence on the development stages of Aikido techniques. It is the ninja-to, another weapon in aikido techniques. The ninja-to are swords used by those mysterious ninjas. Samurais back then also have wakizashi swords at their disposal. Wakizashi are usually two feet long and are paired with the katana.

What about measuring the distance of attacks? An Aikido practitioner will be able to measure the distance between attacks through aikido weapons training. The proper distancing is very important in timing an attack and defense. Weapons training is also necessary since advanced Aikido techniques involve defending against people bearing all sorts of weapons. To practice each advanced move safely, Aikido practitioners needed to be familiar with each weapons' capabilities. Therefore, with Aikido weapons training, one will be able to develop his skills, intuitiveness and reflexes in both attacking and defending movements.