A suburitō (素振り刀) is a heavier than normal wooden practice sword. In general suburitō are heavier than a standard wooden sword(bokken) or an actual Japanese sword.
The suburitō is used for practicing suburi (sword swinging exercises) and kata (prearanged exercises). The weight of the suburitō is used for strengthening and conditioning in addition to development of spirit. The suburitō is used to perfect individual technique as well.
A suburitō is commonly around 115 cm (45 in) in length, with a mass of 1 kg (2.2 lb). However, these bokuto can vary widely in size and weight. Suburitō generally do not include a guard.
Legend has it that Miyamoto Musashi carved a suburitō out of a boat oar as he traveled to his famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro, whom he supposedly killed.
|
|||||||||||||||||
reference (http://www.aikiweb.com/wiki/Suburito)
reference (http://www.usjjf.org/articles/kenjutsu.htm)
resource (http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/bokken/)
external source http://www.japaneseswordsltd.com/suburido