Swords & knives
Kodachi
小太刀
The short sword.
Form and name
Kodachi is a term for a short sword. In Bujinkan, you may also encounter names such as shōtō. The terminology needs to be understood in relation to the tradition and the sword’s mounting.
Read more: terms and context
Jutsu · technique and art
Jutsu (術) can mean technique, skill or method. In weapon terminology, we distinguish the implement from the art practised with it.
Source for the word jutsu: Kanjipedia
Tradition and context
Shorter swords are discussed in the Kukishin-ryū syllabus. They are studied as part of the wider relationship between weapons, body technique and distance.
Sources and further reading
Further reading: Japanese Sword Fighting
Practitioner sources describe the tradition’s practice and terminology. They are not used alone as evidence for early historical claims.