Wheatbelt Aikido Links

Kingfisher WoodWorks of Wilder, Vermont manufactures handmade bokken, jo and related wooden weapons for the sword related martial arts of Aikido, Iaido, Kendo, Kenjutsu, Jodo and others. Since 1986 Kingfisher has produced wooden weapons precisely based on the historical shapes of the traditional martial sword schools. Weapon designs include Aikiken, Iwama bokken, Shinto bokken, Yanagi bokken, Katori bokken, Kashima bokken and Yagyu bokken.

While Kingfisher has been largely associated with the manufacture of standard and custom wooden swords, the company also produces the highest quality Jo and a series of other staff weapons including Hanbo and Yawara. In 2005 Kingfisher introduced a rugged hiking stick for outdoor enthusiasts and general trail use as well as specialized outdoor martial practice.

Karate Depot

A wide variety of martial arts supplies

Cultural & Historical

Samurai Archives

An excellent on-line source of information on the samurai and feudal Japan. This site is maintained by volunteer history enthusiasts. Donations appreciated.

Wikipedia's "Military History of Japan"

An excellent on-line source of information on the samurai and feudal Japan. This site is maintained by volunteer history enthusiasts. Donations appreciated.

Japan Guide's History of the Samurai"

Samurai history from a modern perspective. Good hyperlinks to related topics.

Japanese Embassy History Page

A brief official history of feudal Japan.

National Mesuem of Japanese History

On-line images of feudal period art works.

National Geographic's "Japan's Way of the Warrior"

Great old time pictures.

Osprey Publishing's "Samurai History"

Osprey published a number of books on samurai culture. A selection of on-line articles is available on their site.