| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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from an oar, approximately 160 cm in length. According to myth, the oar was traditionally adapted
for use as a weapon of self-defense by fishermen against foes armed with more conventional
weapons. In fact the Japanese had already conquered Okinawa and put their old officers to work
teaching the commons some weaponry in order to put them first in line against a possible
Chinese invasion. However, since quality weapons were expensive, the civilians had to use what
equipment they had. The Ryuku oar, in Okinawa "Eku" or "Eiku", came to represent the naginata.
Naginata means "Blade on staff" which is exactly what it is. The Jo stick was used primarily
against swords and the Bo staff against spears.
Usually before learning eiku properly, one has to master the bo. The eiku has a displaced center
of gravity and is heavier than the bo, and is thus considered more difficult to master. Because of
its weight, eku techniques are also often capitalized on the momentum of large circular attacks.
The blade is also used for creating and manipulating air pressure, giving it a higher acceleration
and manouvering velocity. There are three or four known Katas for this weapon
for use as a weapon of self-defense by fishermen against foes armed with more conventional
weapons. In fact the Japanese had already conquered Okinawa and put their old officers to work
teaching the commons some weaponry in order to put them first in line against a possible
Chinese invasion. However, since quality weapons were expensive, the civilians had to use what
equipment they had. The Ryuku oar, in Okinawa "Eku" or "Eiku", came to represent the naginata.
Naginata means "Blade on staff" which is exactly what it is. The Jo stick was used primarily
against swords and the Bo staff against spears.
Usually before learning eiku properly, one has to master the bo. The eiku has a displaced center
of gravity and is heavier than the bo, and is thus considered more difficult to master. Because of
its weight, eku techniques are also often capitalized on the momentum of large circular attacks.
The blade is also used for creating and manipulating air pressure, giving it a higher acceleration
and manouvering velocity. There are three or four known Katas for this weapon
