| Kobudo Weapons |
BO - It would have to be, the earliest weapon used by the Okinawans, and although it may not necessarily be the first
weapon ever invented, needless to say, the Okinawans would have certainly put some flare, in the development of "it" as
a weapon of self-defence.
Some books refer to the use of the staff from as early as 1314, but its unclear how and when the staff altered its role from
that of an implement of protection and punishment, to the weapon of the jo-jutsu branch of the ancient Okinawan
martial arts.
The Bo its usually made of oak, and its 1.80m in length. Tapered at both ends, allows for the weapon to swirl faster, and
provides for a smaller point of "entry". The Bo is an excellent companion to the regular Karate student, since allows you
to establish a very close relationship between the thrusting and blocking techniques of Bojutsu, and your Karate blocking
and thrusting.
It will also help you develop, a good sense of balance and coordination. There are about twenty known Katas for this
weapon.
weapon ever invented, needless to say, the Okinawans would have certainly put some flare, in the development of "it" as
a weapon of self-defence.
Some books refer to the use of the staff from as early as 1314, but its unclear how and when the staff altered its role from
that of an implement of protection and punishment, to the weapon of the jo-jutsu branch of the ancient Okinawan
martial arts.
The Bo its usually made of oak, and its 1.80m in length. Tapered at both ends, allows for the weapon to swirl faster, and
provides for a smaller point of "entry". The Bo is an excellent companion to the regular Karate student, since allows you
to establish a very close relationship between the thrusting and blocking techniques of Bojutsu, and your Karate blocking
and thrusting.
It will also help you develop, a good sense of balance and coordination. There are about twenty known Katas for this
weapon.
SAI - Although metals were a rarity in Okinawa, it is believed that Chinese monks introduced this weapon to
the islands. The sai used to be a much rougher version than the one we use today, and consisted of a flat
metal part, with the yoku and the tsuka to suit the owner. The tips of the Sai were ussualy sharp, and
extremely dangerous.
Believed to have originated from a farming tool, the Sai, in the hands of an expert its a higly efficient short
range weapon, and you could probably be able to defend yourself against anything.
Because of the way the Sai is used, it will provide you with and excellent type of exercise for the wrists and
forearms, as well as an inspiring source of enjoyment in your Martial Arts. About 12 Kata exists for this
weapon.
the islands. The sai used to be a much rougher version than the one we use today, and consisted of a flat
metal part, with the yoku and the tsuka to suit the owner. The tips of the Sai were ussualy sharp, and
extremely dangerous.
Believed to have originated from a farming tool, the Sai, in the hands of an expert its a higly efficient short
range weapon, and you could probably be able to defend yourself against anything.
Because of the way the Sai is used, it will provide you with and excellent type of exercise for the wrists and
forearms, as well as an inspiring source of enjoyment in your Martial Arts. About 12 Kata exists for this
weapon.
TONFA - This baton like weapon could have developed from a farming tool, as it is very closely
related to a grinding device. It appears that the grain was placed on a rounded stone and
grinded to powder by circular pressing motions.
The Tonfa consists of a piece of hardwood about 50 cm long, and it is found in round and
rectangular shapes. A smaller handle like piece, is found close to one end and sits at 90 degrees,
measuring roughly 12 cm.
Because of its versatility, it is now used by Police Enforcement officers all over the world, and in
the hands of a well trained practitioner again, it is an awesome sight.
Depending on the School, there are about 8 Kata associated with this weapon.
related to a grinding device. It appears that the grain was placed on a rounded stone and
grinded to powder by circular pressing motions.
The Tonfa consists of a piece of hardwood about 50 cm long, and it is found in round and
rectangular shapes. A smaller handle like piece, is found close to one end and sits at 90 degrees,
measuring roughly 12 cm.
Because of its versatility, it is now used by Police Enforcement officers all over the world, and in
the hands of a well trained practitioner again, it is an awesome sight.
Depending on the School, there are about 8 Kata associated with this weapon.
KAMAS - There's no doubts about the origins of the Kama, since it is so easy to relate this weapon to rice
cutting sickles. It would have been very easy for the Okinawan peasants to adopt this formidable tool into their
arsenals.
There are a couple of variations, mainly in the way the Kama is handled. Some practitioners use the Kama as is,
and others have added a piece of string at the ends which wraps around the wrists, to make the weapon swing
around one's legs, neck etc. Extreme caution is necessary when practicing with sharp Kamas, as accidents
could be of a nasty nature.
Half a dozen Katas exists for this weapon.
cutting sickles. It would have been very easy for the Okinawan peasants to adopt this formidable tool into their
arsenals.
There are a couple of variations, mainly in the way the Kama is handled. Some practitioners use the Kama as is,
and others have added a piece of string at the ends which wraps around the wrists, to make the weapon swing
around one's legs, neck etc. Extreme caution is necessary when practicing with sharp Kamas, as accidents
could be of a nasty nature.
Half a dozen Katas exists for this weapon.
NUNCHAKU - One of the most popular Okinawan weapon of Self defence, it became its own mortal enemy,
due to abuse by minorities, who found in the Nunchaku an easy avenue for self gratifying violence.
As the weapon evolved in the 60's and 70's, more a more countries were forced to ban the use of the
Nunchaku in public places, and in some cities, the use, manufacture and carrying of the weapon will contitute
an offense punishable by Law.
The Nunchaku consists of two rods joined together by rope. The rods could be rounded or octogonal and
normally measure about 35 cm in length.
One rod is held by one hand, while the other is swang circularly around the body. You could find about 6 Katas
for this weapon.
due to abuse by minorities, who found in the Nunchaku an easy avenue for self gratifying violence.
As the weapon evolved in the 60's and 70's, more a more countries were forced to ban the use of the
Nunchaku in public places, and in some cities, the use, manufacture and carrying of the weapon will contitute
an offense punishable by Law.
The Nunchaku consists of two rods joined together by rope. The rods could be rounded or octogonal and
normally measure about 35 cm in length.
One rod is held by one hand, while the other is swang circularly around the body. You could find about 6 Katas
for this weapon.
