Aiki-Ken is the practice of Bokken or Bokuto (wood sword). It was found that over his long martial arts' career, the founder of Aikido studied many different styles of swordsmanship. 

A famous student of the founder, Morihiro Saito, continued the development of Iwama Style-Aiki-ken based on Kashima Shinto-ryu.

Christian Tissier, 8th dan from France teaches the Kashima Shinto-ryu.

Kobayashi Hirokazu, disciple of Morihei Ueshiba, dedicated his studies to Yagyu Shinkage Ryu and Kendo.

A little anecdote about the school of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu. The founder, Yagyu Munetoshi (1571-1646) trained many shoguns and he was the chief of the shogun's secret services.

 

It is said that Morihei Ueshiba while serving in the 61st Regiment of the Japanese Army in Sakai near Osaka, he learnt this style between 1903 and 1908 from Nakai Masakatsu a famous teacher at the time.

Our training is originally based on Saito sensei, Iwama-style Aiki-ken and Aiki-Jo and it has provided an excellent foundation.

It is said that Aikido originates from the sword. I believe that the study of weapons helps us to improve our aikido and to strengthen our body as well.