Jukendo

Jukendo – Martial Arts focused on the Bayonet

Jukendo is a Japanese martial arts focused on the bayonet. This martial arts style uses a wooden weapon (Mokuju or “Wooden Rifle”) in order to practice bayonet techniques. Jukendo was developed in the 1700s as a military martial arts. Currently, it is taught by the Japanese military and has spread to a limited number of clubs around the world.

According to Jukendo.co.uk, “Today the martial art is controlled by the Nihon (Japan) Jukendo Renmei (Federation). The majority of people taught in Japan are in the military, where it is part of the physical education regime. Jukenkakuto is taught to the Japanese military for a more realistic applicable method of training in bayonet”.

Elements of Jukendo

  • Kihon – Practice of basic offensive and defensive bayonet techniques
  • Kata – Practice of bayonet patterns and forms
  • Shiai Geiko – Practice with full Jukendo armor
  • Kumite/Sparring – Competitive sparring matches and tournaments

Jukendo Armor

According to the All Japan Jukendo Federation, Jukendo practice armor consists of the following items:

  • The Men (helmet) with wide throat protection
  • The Kote (glove) with extra-padding around the thumb area
  • The Dō (chest and abdomen protector) with an extra piece of leather designed to prevent the bayonet sliding up under the arm pit.
  • The Tare (hip protector) has a loop of leather used to attach kata, a special piece of equipment to protect the shoulder and heart.
  • The Urabuton is a padded rectangle of thick cotton which is slung under the left armpit to cover the left side of the torso.

Jukendo Techniques

Jukendo Sparring Tournament

References Sources

  1. Jukendo.co.uk, http://www.jukendo.co.uk/index.html
  2. All Japan Jukendo Federation, What is Jukendo, http://www.jukendo.info/what-is-jukendo