Weapons
Bo (or Kon)
This is the first of the weapons that is taught in the system. Normally known as the rokushakubo, six foot staff, or there abouts as a shaku is not quite a foot. The practitioner grips the staff in thirds, whereby the front hand is holding the bo with palm up, while the back hand is palm down. Bo techniques include a variety of blocks, strikes, sweeps and entrapments. It may also be used to flick sand into the opponent’s face, a technique known as Sunakuke.
The origin is thought to have come from non-combative implements, such as walking staffs, or for carry baskets and buckets of milk, water, fish etc. This was a traditional farm worker’s implement that was adapted for self-defence. Out of all the Okinawan kobudo weapons, this one can be found in most of the world’s martial history. Even England has stories whereby men defended themselves with long staffs, e.g. as in the well known legend of Robin Hood and Little John’s first meeting.
Some of the ryu’s Bo kata are: Shushi no kun, Choun no kun, Sakugawa no kun, Chikin no kun and Shishi no kun.
Sai
This is a weapon made of metal and fall in the class of a truncheon with its length dependant on the length of the user’s forearm. The two shorter prongs on either side of the main shaft is used for trapping and close range stabbing. It is mistakenly believed to be a farming implement, used to create furrows in the ground. However, farmers were from the poor class of society and therefore would cost them many months’ wages to have this, when a stick would do the same job. It was given to the higher class that would need it to maintain order in society, such as enforcement officers. It is thought to be the badge of office as it takes on the human form.
Traditionally the Sai was carried in three’s one hidden behind the back, while the other two can be used in combat. So, if one is thrown, or knocked from the hand, the third Sai can be brought into use. Sai techniques involve striking, blocking, trapping and throwing.
Sai kata are: Nicho-Sai, Sancho-Sai and Shinbaru no Sai.
Tonfa
The Tonfa (more commonly known) can be pronounced many ways, such as “tunfa” and “Tunkua” (as preferred by our style). The word means, “handle” and has three theories as to its origin:
Most common is the handle, wedged into a hole in the side of a large milling stone, for grinding rice and grain. A hook for hanging pots over a fire or a table. A type of short hoe in which the handle was used to dig.Tonfa, usually made of red oak, measures around 15’’ to 20’’ in length with a handle at 90 degrees to the main body. Although the configuration of ancient tonfa remained constant in shape, the main body has differed in style from square to round, or half round.
This weapon is so versatile that the American police and some of the British forces have adopted the tonfa, i.e. the side handle batten or PR-24.
The weapon can be used to block, punch or strike. It is excellent for strengthening the practitioner’s wrists, forearms and grip. It is a very difficult weapon to control and used efficiently.
Nunchaku
Nunchaku is one of the most famous Okinawan weapons, popularised by the legendary martial artist actor, Bruce Lee. Its origin is again shrouded in the mists of time, and there are several theories as to its development.
The most credible version attributes its origin to a traditional Okinawan harness, or horse bridle, made of wood and rope. In fact the Okinawan language “Nunchiyaku” means “Horse Bridle”, whereas “Nunchaku” means “Identical Bamboo” or “Twin”.
More of the theory can be learnt as a student.
Other theories come from a thrashing tool (fail) used to pound Soya beans to remove the husks (see below). Although most people think of thrashing rice husks, which are a lot smaller and harder than Soya bean.
The nunchaku is thought of as a tool for removing the rice husk from the stalks, which is possibly more plausible than thrashing the rice.
Click here to link to page two about the Weapons of the system:
