The bokken was a popular samurai training sword because it was safer and less expensive than a “live” blade.  When used in competition it could be fatal, and samurai would often keep a bokken nearby while they slept, so intruders could be captured without spilling blood within the house.

Traditional use

The bokken was primarily used to practice blocking and entering techniques.

Current use

The bokken is still used in place of the katana (sword) for training, competition, and demonstrations.

 KATANA (Traditional Japanese sword)

History

Developed after the bokken, the katana was the favored weapon of the samurai warriors and the most widely used Japanese sword. Drawn in a “sky-to-ground” manner, it was worn in the belt on the left side, edge upward.
Traditional use

Employed on foot or horseback as a thrusting weapon the katana was used in battle, competition and in ritual deaths.
Current use

The katana is now primarily a popular weapon for kata competition and demonstrations