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In the early 1900's Okinawans began incorporating various weapons into their system as
a supplement to their regular training, and to preserve their historical art. Okinawan
weaponry is referred to as KOBUJITSU, which was developed during periods of
Okinawan history when all weapons were banned from the island by ruling warlords. The
weapons were used to compensate for their loss of modern weapons such as swords and
spears. The Okinawans turned to what was at hand, which were simple farm tools such as the
Bo ,
Nunchaku,
Kama,
Tonfa, and the
Sai.
Probably the world's oldest weapon; the BO is a round, tapered, six-foot pole made of
hardwood with a center diameter of 2 1/2 inches. The Okinawans usually carried the BO
across their shoulders to transport supplies hanging from baskets attached to each end.
When attacked, the farmer could slide his loads off and be ready to do combat. The ends of
the BO are used to stab and thrust into the attacker's groin, solar plexus, eyes, and
throat. Its long length is used to block the entire body against counter-strikes.
Popularized by martial art movies, the Nunchuku is Kobujitsu's best known weapon. An
easy weapon to conceal, the Nunchuku, or "chucks" as they are commonly referred
to, consists of two 18 inch octagonal pieces of hardwood connected by a 4 inch rope or
chain. First used by farmers to beat grains, the Nunchukus are performed by holding one of
the sticks by the end and whipping the free stick out at great speeds. By holding both
handles it can also be used to block, choke, and hold your attacker by twisting the cord
around the wrist.
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 countryside.
First used as the handle of the soybean grinder, the Tonfa is made of white oak, 17
inches in length, 2 inches thick, and with a 5 inch handle near one end. Its thick wooden
base was laid across the forearms to block against other weapons such as a sword or Bo
while the blunt end was used to thrust into the attacker's chest or head. It's also used
to whip out at the attacker's knee or temple.
The Sai was used by farmers to start the hole for the rice seeds and the wrist guard
was used to make a furrow in the ground. It consists of a rounded or octagonal blade that
is approximately 16 inches in length and a two-pronged wrist guard. The Sai is Kobujitsu's
most sophisticated and lethal weapon. It can be used in a variety of ways. The pointed end
is used for stabbing and slashing, the blunt handle for punching the ankle, groin, or
neck. Early warriors also kept a third Sai in their belt which they used for throwing at
their opponent. The Sai and similar Jutte (One-pronged Sai) are still used today by
Okinawan police.
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