"If you can imagine it, I can make it"

Go straight to the photos

So far as I know I am the only maker of custom wooden martial arts training weapons in Australia
I use only Australian hardwoods - our woods are as good if not better in strength, hardness and good looks
Aussie hardwoods also have the "feel" that you need for a good martial arts training weapon
Other woods are available upon request

My skill in making these weapons has come the only way it can...through time and experience
I have had over 15 years training in various martial arts, both Eastern and Western

These weapons are guaranteed There is a full replacement guarantee against breakage in case of hidden flaws in the wood and against breakage during "normal" use within the first six months Please discuss with me beforehand the expected usage of the weapon to best suit your needs - from purely decorative through to full contact training Replacement is at my discretion and weapons must be returned to me for inspection I recommend not using my weapons in contact training against mass produced weaponry

Quality weapons should last a lifetime - the gaurantee is limited as I cannot control what individual do with each piece however I fully expect my weapons to serve you as long as you train!
I am happy to discuss this with anyone wishing to purchase a weapon made by me
If you have an "old faithful" weapon that you want refurbished or incorporated into a new weapon...please ask!

I make wooden weapons for all Eastern and Western Martial Arts including but certainly not limited to:

Eastern Styles: Bokken, Bokuto, Suburito, Shoto, Tanto, Naginata, Tai Chi Swords, Kung Fu Broadswords and more
I am presently looking into handmaking quality traditional bamboo shinai slats

Western Styles: Longswords, Broadswords, Bastard Swords, One handed Swords, Rapiers, Quarter Staffs, Daggers and more

These weapons can be pieces of art for display or the ultimate weapon for the serious Martial Artist
Matching sets are a specialty - and they make brilliant gifts for a respected teacher

I can custom make a weapon to suit your training needs - whether you require strictly traditional weapons or have a personal preference for weapons of distinction
I can also make matching weaponry for use in schools/dojos
All you need to give me are your preferred dimensions, curves, balance and weight

Contact me to discuss your requirements

All weapons are made carefully and lovingly by hand for superior quality in appearance, feel and performance

Given time and availability of suitable wood, I will soon also be creating wooden bows for archery

I have recently been working with laminating various woods. Tantos are especially nice in laminated woods and the cost is not extreme.

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any injury / damage resulting from the use of my weaponry. Please train safely and responsibly.

Now here is what you really want...some pictures of my work...more to follow

These have been undergoing testing with a traditional Aiki - Jutsu Dojo
and believe me they have been going through "full contact" testing
I've seen it and the results on the weapons!
Even I'm impressed!

Click for larger image

	Matching pair of red iron bark daggers 16" long
	My new design for longswords - with tapered hilt and blade weighs just over a kilo approx 125 cm long...also available with fuller grooves
	The tanto from a matching set of bokken, wakizashi and tanto - made from blue gum with a blackbutt insert at the tip
	A close up of the kissakifrom the tanto
	Here are some pictures of a custom designed wooden naginata
	The overall length is over 2 metres
	Weight is around 3 kilos and blade is approx 50 cm
	Here are the tips (kissaki) of Tanto / Bokken / Suburito
	Here is the tanto This one is of spotted gum (matching the bokken) overall length is 30cm
	This is the same tanto The handle is 10 cm (I have found that mass produced tanto have very small handle length)
	Here are the two swords on stand - they make excellent gifts
	Here is a bokuto of Itto Ryu design Made of spotted gum 98 cm long with a slight Sori (curvature) weight approx 750g
	Here is the tip (kissaki) of the Itto Ryu bokuto
	Here is a Jiki Shin Kage Suburito It is 106cm and over a kilo in weight It is made of Red Iron Bark
	Here is the tip of the suburito - note that it is flat rather than sharp and rounded There is a wide variety for bokken kissaki
	Here is an aikidoka with Itto Ryu bokuto This image gives you an idea of how it looks in the hand
	A rose gum bokken for Aikido
	Tallow wood Tanto, Wakizashi and Bokken. A bit heavier and chunkier than normal
	Daggers made from Tasmanian Oak - its colour varies quite dramatically and so does its grain structure They are 15 inches long with 9 inch blade and have leather thong handle wrap One has a blue gum guard
	These are the first western style wooden swords that I made (not counting when I was a crazy child!!!) Made of Tasmanian Oak and a little bit to light (around 300 grams) Great for starting students...they have the right feel and balance without the weight so starters dont get completely annoyed when first learning the basics (and my kids love them!) 44.5 inch long, blade 32.5 inch, blade width 1.5 inches, crossguard 9 inches
	This is big (48.5 inches long and 3 inches wide )and heavy (2 kilos) and not really long enough for a 2 hander ...the balance is such that it can be wielded with one hand but its tiring Built as an overweight strength training toy.
	Tasmanian Oak, still too light (around 500 grams) with blue gum pommel Guard made by the sandwich method...three layers of wood pinned together It is 41 inches long, blade 31.5 inches, blade width 1.5 inches, crossguard 10 inches
	My weapons rack...these are just some of the items I use whilst teaching...keeps them off the floor and looks kinda cool too!
	A longsword blade of rose gum for a friend in WA...still didn't get pics of his baskethilts...!
	Some toys I havent finished yet...A celtic leaf blade and a falcata...both made from blue gum and quite heavy...
	My workshop space...a bit messy but a good sign of a creative mind...
	Padded weapons for being silly with...mind you these are PVC pipe with padding and wooden cores...so not too silly...still need fencing masks

All artwork on this site is creation, property and copyright of James Wran
Site design by James Wran