The sword and jyo are extensions of your body and must be handled as if they have your blood running through them. Unless you can make the weapons part of your body, you have not truly trained in aikido."

Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Aikido

Weapons training is an integral part of the curriculum at Brooklyn Aikikai. Training with weapons informs the unarmed body art movements, primarily because many aikido movements are derived from sword work. Working with a bokken and jyo (a wooden sword and staff) can help students grasp the timing, distance, and technique of a martial encounter. ​ After training at Brooklyn Aikikai for a minimum of six months, students may begin weapons training with the permission of the chief instructor.