Tonfa

The ownership of weapons was prohibited on the Okinawan Islands by

the Japanese invaders. And so an exploration of self-defence techniques

with new hidden weapons for self-defense began.

The Tonfa is a martial arts fighting stick from the kobudo discipline which is

the Okinawan art of fighting with weapons made or taken from everyday

objects. Because the poor people of Okinawa were forbidden to own or carry

weapons like swords, but they were also often attacked by others who did have

such weapons.

The tonfa was originally a wooden handle that fit into a hole on the side of a

millstone used to grind rice and other grains, dating back to 15th century

Okinawa. The handle, which was easily disengaged from the millstone,

became a very effective weapon of defense. Although data that conflicts with

this is that the weapons origins can clearly be traced back to China and be

found in Indonesia and surrounding locations.

The Tonfa consisting of two billets made of hardwood and the long handle

is set about six inches from one end of each billet. The length of the

weapon is also the same dimensions as the Sai, about three centimetres past

the elbow when gripped.

The weapon is used in pairs and is usually of wood, again red oak or white.

The weight is very important to the efficient usage of the weapon, if its too

light and it lacks power in Kumite, too heavy and the techniques lack speed.

The Tonfa's circular movements as a farm implement evolved into its

rotating strikes as a dangeous weapon. It can be used to block or parry

another weapon and can also be spun in a circular motion to thrust or strike

attack. Good body movement like the Sai can make this weapon formidable,

combining the speed it needs and generates along with the skilful footwork

for evasion and attack.

By spinning the tonfa around the short handle, a great tremendous striking

force may be generated. By using the long portion in conjunction with the short

handle, the tonfa may be used for arm locks or to control an opponent.

When held by the handle and flipped with speed and power, the tonfa has

the same deadly potential as a baseball bat or a club moves faster, and is easier

to control so watch out.

No other weapon short of a sword can penetrate your blocks when you correctly

use the tonfa to reinforce them. A nunchaku, knife, bat, or bo will bounce off

the strong tonfa. The tonfa is a truly remarkable weapon and it has the

advantages of a baseball bat, a club, a hammer, a blunt axe, and body'

armor. When the tonfa is held down the forearm, the arm is reinforced with

three inches of rock-hard wood. Two tonfa were often used simultaneously,

and were very efficient against armed assailants. The side of the tonfa was

used for blocking, and the ends for direct punches. Continued practice

with the tonfa can help improve balance, coordination and physical strength.

When held at its top using the handle as a bludgeon, the tonfa has the power

of an axe or hammer. With two tonfa you can stop the attacks of several men

armed with other weapons.Tonfa is the practise of back fist and elbow

techniques in open hand fighting.