Jūkendō (銃剣道)

***Jūkendō*** (銃剣道) means the “Way of the Bayonet” and is a modern budo that can be traced back to the traditional Japanese schools of *sōjutsu* (spearmanship). Jukendo was also influenced by French bayonet techniques as well.

Jukendo is in many respects similar to kendo in that practitioners:

* wear an indigo jacket and large, pleated trousers called *hakama* (the jacket appears to be *keikogi* in a traditional cut or a long-sleeved variety)
* wear *bōgu* during *keiko* and *shiai*
* study *kata* and engage in *shiai* (competitive matches)
* abide by Japanese etiquette, committing themselves to austere training in the pursuit of character-building

The *bōgu* looks similar to that which is used in kendo. However, each separate part has its own distinctive features that are required to practice safely.

* the *men* (helmet) has a wider *tsukidare* for throat protection
* the *kote* (glove) features the *urabuton*, or extra-padding around the thumb and wrist area
* the *dō* (torso protector) features 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* (not to be confused with forms), a special piece of equipment to protect the shoulder and heart.
* the *do futon*, or padded rectangle of thick cotton, which is slung under the left armpit to cover the left side of the torso.

The weapon in jukendo is called a *mokujū.* It is wooden weapon which imitates the form of a rifle with a fixed bayonet. An “*ippon*”(valid point), is achieved by thrusting with a strong spirit and a powerful forward leap (with *ki-ken-tai-itchi*), followed by a sharp withdrawal of the bayonet and a period of vigilance called *zanshin*. The targets in jukendo are the chest, throat, left shoulder, and left forearm.

The All Japan Jukendo Federation (AJJF) was formed in April 1956.

During the Meiji period, Japanese bayonet fighting techniques were consolidated into a system named *jukenjutsu*, and taught at the Toyama military academy in Tokyo. Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido, trained in *jukenjutsu* and incorporated some of it into his own art. Following World War II, the practice of *jukenjutsu* was banned by the Allies, but it later returned in the modern form of *jukendo*. The Japan Amateur Jukendo Federation was established in 1952. The All Japan Jukendo Federation was established in April 1956.

Modern jūkendō uses a *mokujū*, a wooden replica of a rifle with an attached and blunted bayonet at the end, in place of an actual rifle. The art is practised by both Japanese military personnel and civilians. Training incorporates *kata* (patterns), two-person drills, and competitive matches using *mokujū* and *bōgu*.The three main target areas are the heart, throat, and lower left side of the opponent.

See also

* Jōdō
* Kenshiro Abbe

## References

1. ↑ What is Jukendo? Jukendo Federation Website

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