Traditional Okinawan Weapons

In the early 1900's, Okinawans began incorporating various weapons into their karate system as a supplement to their regular training. Okinawan weaponry is referred to as "Kobujitsu" which developed during periods of Okinawan history when all weapons were banned from the island by ruling warlords. To compensate for their loss of protection, Okinawans turned to what was at hand, which included simple farm tools such as the bo, nunchucku, kama, tonfa, and the sai.

BO

The average bo is a rounded 6 ft. stick made of hardwood with an average diameter of 31/2 inches. The okinawans usually carried the bo across their shoulders to transport supplies from hanging baskets attached to each end. When attacked, the farmer could slide his loads off and be ready for combat. The ends of the bo are used to stab and thrust into the attacker's groin, solar plexus, eyes, and throat, while its long lenght is used to block the entire body against counterstrikes. A person skilled in the bo today could effectively defend himself by using an everyday instrument such as a mop or a broom stick.

NUNCHAKUS

The "chucks" as they are commonly referred to, consist of two 18"  octangular pieces of hardwood connected by a 4" rope or chain. First used by farmers to beat grains, the nunchukus are performed by holding one end of the sticks and whipping the free stick out at great speeds. They can also be used to block, choke, and hold your attacker by twisting the cord around the wrist. The nunchukus are kobujitsu's best weapon.

KAMAS

The kama is a razor sharp sickle with a half-moon blade and wooden handle. Used by farmers to cut rice and grass, the kama was used mainly as a defensive weapon against swords and bo attacks. This ancient weapon is still used today by farmers throughout the Japanese and Okinawan countrysides.

TONFA

First used as a handle of a soybean grinder, the tonfa is made of white oak, 17 inches in length, 2 inches thick, and with a 5 inch handle near each end. Its thick, wooden base was laid across the forearms to block against other weapons such as the sword or bo, while the blunt end was used to thrust into the attacker's head or chest. It's also used to whip out at the attacker's knee or temple.

SAI

Although not a farm instrument, the sai was used by the Okinawans to defend against the samurai sword. This weapon is a short, hand-held sword made of steel. It consists of a rounded or rectangular blade that is approximately 16" in length and a two-pronged wristguard. The sai is Okinawa's most sophisticated and lethal weapon. The pointed end is used for stabbing and slashing, the blunt handle for punching, the long blade for blocking, and the pronged guard for flipping and hooking the attacker's ankle, groin, or neck.

Early warriors also kept a third sai in their belt which they used for throwing at their opponent. The sai is still used today by Okinawan and Japanese police to hold back crowds and subdue criminals by applying pressure to certain nerves and joints. In Isshinryu karate, the sai is used mostly to defend against long bo attacks.

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