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Kashima Shinto Ryu created by Kensei( Sword Saint )Tsukahara Bokuden is one of the oldest martial art (over 600 years) and it can be seen from the style's deep "Hanmi" or "half body" stance. Deep hanmi stance is required when fighting on uneven ground of battlefield as it allows a stable platform for handling long, heavy weapon such as spear while minimizing vulnerable,exposed area. The style includes wide range of weapons in its technical repertoire, typical characteristics of the Koryu Bujutsu developed in Sengoku ( battlefield) era and they are Kenjutsu, Naginatajutsu(glaive), Sojutsu (spear),and more. The reason Bokuden is called Kensei and considered by many as the best swordsman ever in Japanese martial arts history is based on the fact that he survived 37 battlefields with 212 confirmed kills(possible a lot more), with only minor wounds. It should also be noted that the style had a significant influence over development of "Aiki-Ken" or Aikido Sword techniques. Paired kata which involves exchange of multiple techniques/moves between partners are the major characteristics seen in both Aiki-Ken and Kashima Shinto Ryu. Kashima Shinto Ryu is one of the most linear or straight(pretty much no sori) bokken in our bokken lineup. It  places in the middle in term of weight, being significantly heavier than the standard bokken but not as heavy as heavyweight such as Tennen Rishin Ryu or Jikishin Kage Ryu bokken. It is suitable for both strenghtening suburi and paired Kenjutsu kata exercise. Available in Japanese red oak,urethane coated. Variety of wood selection and finish available upon request. Length: 106cm ( approx 41.5"), weight: 800grams ( approx 28.5oz).