Interest in unarmed fighting arts
increased during the 14th century when
King Sho Hashi of Chuzan established his
rule over Okinawa and banned all
weapons. A more rapid development of
tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma
Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa
and again banned the possession of
weapons. Thus Tode or Okinawan-Te, as
the Satsuma Samurai soon called it,
became the only means of protection left
to the Okinawans. Thus it was this
atmosphere that honed the early
Karate-like arts of Okinawa into a
weapon, enabling the island people to
conduct a guerrilla-type war with the
Japanese Samurai that later into the
late 1800's.
The okinawan people developed their
farming tools into weapons that were
very effective against the samurai. The
Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, Bo, and Tonfa are
the most common that were utilized. The
Oar and Okinawan Brass knuckles are just
a couple more.
The
Bo:
History The Bo is
one of the five weapons systematized by
the early Okinawan developers of the
style known as te (hand). In feudal
Japan it was part of the bugei (early
Japanese martial arts) and was used by
samurai, priests, and commoners alike.
Its six foot length made it an apt
weapon against swordsman, disarming the
opponent while allowing the user to
remain at a safe distance.
Traditional use: The
Bo evolved from a pole lanced across the
shoulders to carry water or other loads.
(fruits or vegetables) As a fighting
instrument, it allowed blocking and
striking against a range of weapons.
Current use: Now
part of the budo, the Bo is still used
in kata performance. Physical
conditioning with the Bo improves
balance and upper body strength.
Remember a Bo can be found anywhere; a
pool stick, a tree limb, a broom, a mop,
etc..
The
Sai:
History The Sai:
Present in Okinawan and other Asian
weapon arsenals, the Sai was used to
stab, block, trap and punch.
Practitioners often carried a Sai in
each hand, and a spare at the belt. The
Okinawans would also throw the weapon.
Traditional use: The
Sai is believed to have originated from
basically nothing more than a pitchfork.
As a weapon, it was used in conjunction
with various karate stances and
techniques, and in defense against sword
attacks.
Current use: With
sometimes dulled points, the Sai is now
a karate training weapon. It tests
accuracy in striking and quick counter
techniques. It also develops strong
shoulder, forearm and wrist strength
The Kama:
History In 1470,
when traditional weapons were
confiscated by the Japanese military,
Okinawan commoners utilized the Kama as
a fighting blade, often attaching a
chain to the base for greater reach.
This longer weapon was known as a
kusarigama.
Traditional use: The
Kama was originally used for cutting
grass or sugar cane. In close range
fighting, the sickle could be used to
trap an opponent's weapon, or for
striking.
Current use: The
Kama is most commonly used in Kata
competition and demonstrations although
It is also still used in Okinawa today
as a farming tool. The forms include
circular movements which improve
blocking and countering techniques. This
weapon will strengthen the wrist and
forearm.
The
Tonfa:
History The Tonfa was
developed as a weapon by the Okinawans,
specifically for use in conjunction with
karate. Two Tonfa were often used
simultaneously, and were very efficient
against armed assailants.
Traditional use:
Originally a bean or rice grinder
handle, the Tonfa's circular movements
as a farm implement evolved into its
rotating strikes as a weapon. The side
of the Tonfa was used for blocking, and
the ends for direct punches.
Current use: Now an
advanced karate training aid, the Tonfa
aids in development block-and-strike
strategies and upper-body strength. It
is also used on many police departments
throughout the United States.
The
Nunchaku:
History The
Nunchaku: Developed in the 17th century
by Okinawans after the Japanese gained
occupation of their land, the nunchaku
was one of many harmless looking weapons
implemented at the time. The two equal
sections were originally held together
by horse hair and could be used against
armed or unarmed assailants.
Traditional use: The
nunchaku was originally an agricultural
tool used for threshing grain. As a
weapon, it was used in conjunction with
various stances and techniques. The
sticks could be used for spearing or
striking, and the horse hair rope could
choke , block, or trap.
Current use: The
nunchaku is a popular weapon for
demonstrations. It is also used as a
weapon of self-defense by karate
stylists and some law enforcement
agencies.
The
Eku (Oar):
History The Eku: This
was and still is today used as nothing
more than a boat oar. Because the
Okinawans were fisherman this was a
common device that was found around the
beaches.
Traditional use: The
Eku was very effective against the
samurai warrior because of the distance
they would be able to keep the samurai
away from them. The techniques would
involve a lot of kicking the blade of
the eku while in the sand throwing the
sand into to eyes of their opponent
blinding them and then they would easily
be able to beat the samurai.
Current use: The Eku
is mainly used by high level Kobudo
practitioners and is not very often
seen. Training with the Eku develops
coordination, upper body strength, and
quickness. The same oar as we use in
Kenshin Kan is the same oar they still
use in the dragon boat races in Okinawa.
Tekko:
History The Tekko: Used
for easing the handling of horses
harnessed to carriages.
Traditional use: The
Tekko were developed from various
sources depending on the type used. The
tekko/metal knuckle-duster was used from
the stirrups of a horse while the wooden
tecchu is said to have come from the
Okinawan fisherman. The fisherman used
this instrument to assist with hauling
their nets in order so that the coral
would not tear the skin of their hands.
Current use: The
Tekko is mainly used by high level
Kobudo practitioners and is not very
often seen. Training with the Tekko
develops upper body strength, and
quickness.
