Aiki-ken

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Aiki ken （合気件）is a set of sword techniques practiced according to the principles of aikido. Much of the Aiki ken syllabus was developed by Morihei Ueshiba at his dojo in Iwama, at the same time as Aiki jo.

Much of aiki-ken bears little similarity to modern sword arts. Rather than learning to "fight" with swords aiki-ken is used to magnify errors in one's technique, and to give the opportunity to apply the principles of aikido in different situations. In most aikido styles aiki-ken and Aiki jo are considered important tools for learning correct ma-ai (timing, combative distance).

Aiki ken is practiced using bokken and has a wide variety of techniques. Most aikidoka are familiar with both suburi (cutting exercises) and partnered kata, and some dojo incorporate the bokken into jiyu waza (freestyle technique, similar to randori). While most styles of aikido use a generic oak bokken, the Iwama ryu style of aikido uses a bokken that has a rounded point, very little curvature and no definition between the "blade" and "handle".

It is alleged that Ueshiba used some of the teachings of Kashima Shinto Ryu school to create Aiki ken. Most of this art however, was codified by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba's most dedicated students and the person who took over the Iwama dojo after Ueshiba died. In order to preserve the art and to teach an increasing number of students, Saito gathered the teachings of Ueshiba and presented the world with Aiki ken.

Morihiro Saito codified the suburi or basic learning movements, the awase exercises (synchronized exercises with the swords) and the kumitachi or advanced combat type techniques. The overall Aiki ken curriculum include hundreds of exercises and movements which, in turn, have relationships with taijutsu and Aiki jo. The first Aiki ken techniques were published in "Traditional Aikido", Vol I, II by Morihiro Saito, 1973. Before his death, Saito and his son Hitohiro Saito, revived and refined this art.

Some aikido schools have also included the use of the sword in their style but were influenced by sword schools other than Ueshiba's.