Aikido Ken Suburi – Basic Bokken Techniques

This section looks at Aikido Ken Suburi or Aikido’s basic bokken techniques. Bokken are wooden swords primarily used for martial arts weapons training. They are used in Japanese martial arts such as KendoKenjutsuNinjutsu and Aikido. For other Aikido techniques (i.e. wrist locks or elbow locks), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Aikido Techniques section.

These techniques teach Aikido students a series of bokken cuts and are used for solo practice. Aikido Ken Suburi uses seven basic techniques ranging from Ichi-No to Shichi-No. Similar partnered bokken techniques are as Aikido Kumitachi.

This information is meant to supplement what is taught at Aikido schools. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a certified Aikido instructor who can give an in-depth explanation of the technique, correct your mistakes and detail how the technique should be utilized. All martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.

Aikido Ken Suburi – Techniques 1-7

  • Ichi-No – Downward vertical cut.
  • Ni-No – Step back into Jodan-No-Kamae then execute a downward vertical cut.
  • San-No – Step back into Waki-Gamae then execute a downward vertical cut.
  • Yon-No – Step forward with a downward vertical cut; repeat.
  • Go-No – Step forward while guarding then execute a 70 degree downward cut; repeat.
  • Roku-No – Step forward with a downward vertical cut, then shuffle forward and thrust.
  • Shichi-No – Step forward while guarding, execute a 70 degree downward cut then step forward and thrust.

Demonstration of Aikido Ken Suburi (1-7)

Reference Sources

  1. Wikipedia, Aiki-Ken, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiki-ken