Martial Art Weapons
Sai
The Sai is a weapon of Okinawa origin and believed to be a farm tool once used to plow fields.
It's basic form is that of an unsharpened dagger, with two long, unsharpened projections attached to the handle. Sai are constructed in a variety of forms and some are smooth, while others have an octagonal middle prong. The sai's utility as a weapon is seen in its distinctive shape. The Sai can be used effectively against a long sword, Bo or other long range weapon. There are several different methods of wielding the Sai in the hands, which gives it the versatility to be used both lethally and non-lethally. When the Sai are thrown, they have a lethal range of about 20-30 feet.
Kama
In 1470, when traditional weapons were confiscated by the Japanese military, Okinawa commoners used the Kama as a fighting blade. They often attached a chain to the base for greater reach.
The word "kama" literally means "scythe." As a farm tool, it was used to cut wheat and weeds down for harvesting. As a weapon, the Kama is one of the more brutal weapons used in Kobudo, as the techniques nearly always result in a painful and often fatal wound. When taught to use Kama, students are given a pair with wooden blades. The Kama is a top heavy weapon, which requires strength in the arms and wrists.
Eskrima
Eskrima is a martial art form that originated in the Philippines. Due to the Spanish influence during Span's colonization of the Philippines, the word "eskrima" is derived from the Spanish word, esgrima meaning fencing.
An Eskrima is usually made of rattan, which is a tough, fibrous vine. Other types of wood used for eskrima are palm wood or bahi, ironwood or kamagong and guava wood. The length of the stick should be as long as your arm, from your armpit to the tips of your fingers. The light weight of the stick allows you to move rapidly against your opponent.
Samurai Sword
The Samurai wore two swords. One was long; the other short. The long sword was more than 24 inches. The short sword was between 12 and 24 inches. The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the "soul" of their warriorship. The first Japanese swords were straight with a double edged iron blade. The Samurai's desire for tougher, sharper swords for battle gave rise to the curved blade we still have today.
The Samurai Sword is a unique blend of superb function and beautiful art. It is also a unique blend of hard and soft metals which creates a strong and powerful weapon.
Pictured: Sensei Kyle Watson Sr.'s Samurai Sword
Detailed etchings on the Samurai Sword's hilt.
BO
The Bo is a long staff, usually made of tapered hard wood, for example white oak, bamboo or rotan. The Bo is typically 3 cm (1.2 inch) thick, sometimes gradually tapering from the middle to 2 cm (0.8 inch) at both ends. This thickness enables the user to make a tight fist around it in order to block and counter an attack.
The Bo was derived from a farming tool called a tenbib (tin-beeb), which was used to carry buckets or bundles around on either end. The Bo is a full range weapon that can also be used in thirds. When gripping the Bo, there are two hand positions used: Honte mochi (hon-teh-moh-chee) the natural grip where palms oppose one another and gyaku mochi (gah-koo-moh-chee) where the palms face the same directions. When striking, the end of the Bo that is closest to the body will be placed on the outside of the lower part of the forearm. The Bo employs various blocks and strikes.
JO
The Jo is referred to as the "short staff." It is made of hard wood and is 4 feet in length with a 1 1/8" diameter. This shorter length allowed close fighting and can be used to choke, pin, lock and throw an opponent.
Legend has it that Muso Gionnosuke, who was a master of the Bo staff, originally developed the Jo staff. When Gionnosuke was defeated by Miyamoto Musashi in the early 1600's, Muso searched for a new weapon to utilize in his rematch. Inspired by a dream, he designed a staff that was shorter and thinner than any of that time. This new weapon, the Jo staff, was much faster and allowed Gonnosuke to get much closer to his opponent. When the two did battle again, the Jo staff brought victory to Gionnosuke.
Nunchaku
This formidable weapon was used by the Okinawans to create distance and effectiveness against the Japanese Samurai sword. The shorter the hair or distance between the two sticks, the more power was generated. The effectiveness of Nunchakus creates over 2,000 pounds of square force. The Nunchaku, commonly called "nun chucks" or "chucks" can be used as both an offensive and defensive weapon by using them to strike, jab or choke an attacker.
Tonfa
The Tonfa was originally a wooden handle that fit into a hold 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. Later, it had a fighting style developed around it. It consists of a wooden rod of two feet in length pivoted onto a handle set perpendicular to the rod about six inches from one end.
The Tonfa 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 hard wood. Two Tonfad are often used simultaneously and are very efficient against an armed assailant. The side of the tonfa can be used for blocking and ends for direct punches.
Jutte
A Jutte has a single hook or fork on the side near the handle which enables the trapping or even breaking of blades as well as for jabbing or striking.
The Jutte was used by the feudal Japanese police because it could parry the slash of a razor-sharp sword and disarm an assailant without serious injury. The Jutte is a defensive or restraining weapon which requires the user to get extremely close to those being apprehended.
Bokken
The Bokken was a popular Samurai training sword because it was safer and less expensive that an actual blade. Japanese wooden swords are not intended to mimic the shape, weight or feel of an actual Samurai sword but instead are intended to develop specific skills and movements. The Bokken has attained a status as a weapon and is widely used by martial artists today.
Cane
A Cane is a long, straight wooden stick, generally of bamboo, Malacca rattan or some similar plant, mainly used as support, such as a walking stick or as an instrument of punishment.
Walking sticks started out as a necessary tool for the Sheppard and traveler. The Cane was also an excellent way to protect against thieves and to keep animals in line.
Rope
Rope weapons are those that contain a long piece of rope or a long leather thong as a significant part of their offensive capabilities. Many rope weapons can entangle an opponent and/or cause damage to an opponent.
Chain Whip
The Chain Whip consists of several metal rods, which are joined end-to-end by rings to form a flexible chain. Generally, the Chain Whip has a handle at one end and a metal dart, used for slashing or piercing an opponent, at the other.
The Chain Whip is used to parry and deflect other weapons such as swords be stretching the chain taut before an oncoming blade and striking the wielder with the weights connected to the chain. The Chain Whip was used during the feudal era.
