Weapons
'Tanto' is the name for the smallest weapon in the Samurai's armoury. In modern society this equates to a knife, broken glass or other stabbing weapon. Aikidoka are trained to disarm an opponent armed with a tanto, and how to use it effectively against an opponent. This training weapon is made of rubber so as to encourage pupils to really attack, without fear of receiving an injury from falling onto or being hit with the weapon.

Wooden Tanto and Rubber training knife
   
The 'Jo' is a four foot strike staff, made from solid oak, it is very tough and yet flexible. The weapon originated in early feudal Japan and came originally from the 'Bo', a six foot staff. This weapon was found to be too slow and cumbersom against true masters of KenJutsu (sword martial art)and so it was shortened and new techniques were then available to be used. The Jo is the primary weapon of the Japanese Riot Police. In modern society this weapon equates to a pool cue or broom handle sized weapon.

Jo (4ft oak staff)
   
The 'Bokken' is a standard length (just over 3ft) wooden training sword. The modern day equivelent would be a baseball bat or length of wood/scaffolding pole. The techniques used to disarm an opponent armed with a bokken can readily be adapted to these modern street fighting weapons. It is with this training weapon that sword techniques are first learned.

Bokken (wooden training sword)
   
The Katana is generally only used by Dan grades. The practice of Iaido (sword drawing and fighting) helps to focus on ones centre and at Nidan and above techniques must be demonstrated against live blades. Where as below this level the bokken is used. It is a sad reflection on modern society that these weapons are still being used on the streets of Britain to inflict injury. Aikido is the only martial art that teaches 'sword taking' techniques.

Katana (the Samurai sword)