Weapons - Page 2

Nunti
 
Nunti is composed of a Bo with a manji-shaped sai attached to the end. It is thought that it was brought to Okinawa from China about 600 years ago, and was used as a fisherman’s tool. The use of a Nunti as a weapon has characteristics of the Bo, but has the ability to be used like the Japanese Yari (spear). It can be seen in the movie Karate Kid 2, whereby one of Mr Miyagi’s opponents was using the weapon.

Ueku
 
Iyeku is the Okinawan oar, although it is also used as a tiller, not only propelling a small boat but controlling the course as well. The reason for its shape, in comparison to the western oar, is mainly due to its ability to cut through the strong currents around Okinawan coastline.
The Okinawan fishermen, after tying up their boats on the beach, used to take the iyeku with them, both for self-defence and to discourage the theft of their boats.

This weapon is used very similar to that of the Bo, in blocking, parrying, striking and thrusting. However, the paddle of the oar offers a sharper striking surface than the Bo. The edges of this paddle were rough from constant exposure to salt water. The result was a devastating cutting surface, which was applied most often to the neck. Furthermore, the paddle was used to throw sand or water into the eyes of attackers.

The balance point of this weapon is where the paddle meets the handle. The heaviest part of this weapon is the paddle. Thus, this offset in weight increases the centrifugal force when it is used in swinging attacks. The downside to this is that this offset in weight and balance makes the iyeku a difficult weapon to master.

Kama
 
This is a bladed weapon and is indigenous to many farming countries of Asia. It is a sickle used in harvesting. Long and medium versions were used to cut fruit from papaya trees. The short version was used to harvest rice and cut grain.
Although kama practitioners in kobudo use them in pairs, they were used individually for farming, with a spare kept in the belt in case of breakage. In the time when metal was scarce, the kama has been know to be made from seashells for the cutting edge.
The handle is made of hardwood that is larger at the end to aid gripping. A curved blade, sharpened on the inside, extends from one end. This sharp cutting edge makes it dangerous for the practitioner, especially when handled in pairs.
It is sued as a close range weapon which includes stabbing, hooking, blocking, slicing and cutting. Sometimes the weapon in reversed in which the handle is laid along the arm so as the blade acts as an extension of the elbow. The handle of the kama is also used to block from this position.
In the west this is a unique weapon as there are not many instructors who know its use. However, it is slowly becoming more popular and through this popularity its use as a martial weapon will be preserved.

Tinbei & Rochin
 
The Tinbe and Rochin are a shield and short spear weapon combination. It was used in actual warfare in Okinawa and has a long history. The Tinbe (shield) can be made of various materials but is commonly found in vine or cane, metal, or turtle shell. The Rochin (short spear) is usually equivalent to the length of the forearm and can be found in many differing designs varying from spears to short swords and machete-style weapon (as used in our system).