Given the structure of most homes, in the bedroom (under the bed for example) is a good solution. It is therefore necessary to avoid cellars, garages, or humid place like the bathroom etc. It is imperative to store your weapons horizontally, in a ventilated room, not too wet nor too dry. This is what causes it to warp, so we recommend to be very careful when handling your weapons. Wood is subject to the exchange of atmospheric moisture, which contracts and expands the fiber. until the wood no longer absorbs the oil (allow the last layer to dry a few hours before wiping off the excess). At SeidoShop, we are selling camellia oil, the same oil that is used by our artisans, but any vegetable oil will do (even olive oil is ok, if you do not mind the smell!). We advise to oil the weapons once a month with vegetable oil (more nourishing for the wood than the mineral oil) of your preference. These weapons require very regular maintenance, especially to prevent them from warping, or the wood from deteriorating. Uncoated Weapons (crude, sometimes oil polished) Varnish and maintenance oil for Bokken and Jo In this case, it will be necessary to add a layer of varnish on top of it to avoid splinters, using a relatively thick varnish. Under this varnish it is very likely that the wood used is of poor quality and sanding/oiling these weapons may not be sufficient to make them usable again. Whether the Bokken is labeled "made in Taiwan / China" or "Japan Quality" (which does not mean that the Bokken is actually "made in Japan", but is an appellation used for weapons made in Taiwan that are of slightly higher quality), those weapons are varnished in general with a very thick and opaque varnish, sometimes even paint. It will be more difficult to sand the second and third time, a sign that indicates that the wood has densified and strengthened.īeware of wooden weapons manufactured in Taiwan and other countries specializing in low-end products. The sanding and oiling will remove the damaged fibers and nourish the wood. If the condition of the weapon looks really bad, you should repeat this step several times. When you feel the need (it depends on the frequency of use, but also the amount of blows received by the Bokken), it will be necessary to sand the weapon and oil polish it. The urethane varnish applied on Japanese weapons is a thin and relatively colorless varnish, of which the main purpose is to protect the weapon from moisture and prevent it from bending, by plugging the pores of the wood cells.Īfter a few years of use, the varnish will gradually fade / flake off, and its protective power is no longer guaranteed. If your weapon is varnished, it does not necessarily require regular maintenance. If the weapon were to break during practice, this would be particularly dangerous, and probably the practitioner's fault who used neglected equipment. However, if you practice with full contact, it is absolutely imperative to not use a cracked weapon. Of course, if you practice without contact, there is little risk that your weapon will break during practice. A weapon that is not perfectly straight does not pose any particular safety problems, but should be inspected in detail as this may also indicate a bad aging of the wood. The examination must be fairly thorough, the varnish or drying problems are hardly visible and often inside the wood, so the external appearance of a weapon can be very deceptive concerning its strength. If the weapon appears to have a structural defect (cracks etc.) it has to be thrown away, as this can not be repaired guaranteeing safe practice. Yet, poorly maintained weapons are the cause of injuries every year, and although this can be attributed to a lack of instruction, in the end, it is always the practitioner's fault.Ī Bokken or Jo with splints must not be used, but must be sanded and oiled instead. Polishing wooden weapons before shipment, at SeidoĪlthough this topic is addressed very early in the practice of Kendo, especially in the case of the Shinai that must be maintained very regularly to avoid any defect or even safety risk, the need to control one's weapons may seem less obvious to a great number of Aikido practitioners and other Budoka.
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