Suburitō

A nihongo|suburitō|素振り刀 is a wooden practice sword possessing significantly greater size and weight than those of a typical "bokken". As such, it is used for practicing "suburi" (sword swinging) and solo "kata" only, and is not intended for use in contact drills. Its main purpose is to perfect "hasuji" (edge-angle) and "tomei" (ability to stop the sword).It is usually used to practice with "tanrenuchi", now typically a tyre stood upright in a concrete base.

A "suburitō" is commonly around 115 cm (45 in) in length, with a mass of 1 kg (2.2 lb), but it can be as long as 130 cm (50 in) and weigh 2 kg (4.5 lb). Its weight and balance are intended to simulate those of a "nodachi", while the "bokken" better simulates a "katana". Unlike a "bokken", a "suburitō" is not designed to be used with a guard.

A common misconception among persons unfamiliar with the "suburitō" is that it is connected to "nodachi" training, due to its being similar size and shape. Although its usefulness in that capacity could be argued, it was never intended for such training purposes.

Legend has it that Miyamoto Musashi carved a "suburitō" out of a boat's oar as he traveled to his famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro, whom he killed by striking him on the skull and smashing a left rib, puncturing his lungs.