Kobudo Weapons
Kobudo weaponry for Ryukyu Shinkokai ranges from the traditional and well known such as the bo and the nunchaku, to the exotic and obscure such as the sai and the rochin/tinbe. Each weapon and it's associated kata have a unique history and application within kobudo training.
1.Eku,
2. Rokushaku Bo, 3. Yonshakubo, 4. Sanbon Nunchaku, 5.Nunchaku, 6.
Manji Sai, 7. Sai, 8. Tonfua, 9. Suruchin, 10. Tikko, 11. Ticchu, 12.
Rochin & Tinbe
A
Primer Of Basic Weaponry
Staff
(bo / kon / kun):
The staff is considerably different from a bladed weapon such as a
sword as it lacks a cutting edge. However, unlike a sword, any part of
the staff can be used to deliver a variety of strikes and thrusts.
Generally the staff is made of oak and is approximately six feet in
length. Techniques found in modern staff kata are believed to be
derived from a combination of indigenous techniques in conjunction with
techniques imported from Southern China.
Iron
Truncheon (sai):
The sai entered into the Ryukyu Islands by way of China from India,
where it was developed and advanced. The police and others during the
Ryukyu royal court era, possessed and used the sai when arresting a
ruffian or the criminal or protecting the king and his officials.
Techniques of offense and defense during an encounter were brought
together into kata so that a person could practice by his / herself.
Later, not only the police but other parts of society began to practice
and research the sai which have been handed down to us today.
Wooden
truncheon (tonfa):
These are a unique weapon of the Ryukyu islands which are not found in
the weapon traditions of Japan proper. They are made of hard wood
(approximately 45cm) with a handle attached to the shaft and rely on
centrifugal force and torque for striking. Because they are used in
combination, they require significant skill to use. Presently, the
tonfa has been adopted by some police forces in North America as a
special Billy club sometimes referred to as the “tonfa baton".
Sickle
(kama):
The sickle is one of the few edged weapons found in Ryukyu kobudo.
Techniques consist of stabbing, thrusting, and slashing. The sickles
are used in combination and compared to other weapons; there is
considerable danger when practicing with them.
Oar
(kai / eku):
Resembling the shape of a boat oar, this weapon was supposedly devised
by fishermen. One characteristic of the eku was to use the flat end to
splash sand, water, etc into the face of an opponent to shock or
surprise an opponent. This was followed by using the edge of the eku to
cut down the opponent, delivering a serious or fatal wound.
Knuckledusters
(tekko / tikko):
The tekko are thought to have been developed from horseshoes or saddle
stirrups. Because they are small, portable and easily concealed, they
can be used quickly in self-defense and are capable of delivering a
terrific below.
Shield
and short spear (tinbe & rochin): The
shield is generally held in the left hand and is made from metal such
as iron or from a tortoise shell. The short spear (a blade attached to
a stick approximately 50cm in length) is used for both offense and
defense. The short spear is typically held in the right hand.
Flail
(nunchaku):
The nunchaku is another unique weapon to the Ryukyu islands and is
believed to have been devised from the ‘mugei’ or horse bridle. This
weapon is small in size, portable and relies on torque and centrifugal
force to deliver powerful blows. It is held that Ryukyuan law
enforcement officers would hide this weapon in their clothing.