Weapons

Here is a short description of the weapons used in the RKHS system of Ryukyu kobudo:

Bo 棒

Also referred to as kon or kun, it is a wooden staff about six feet in length, and was a weapon commonly used by lower ranked pechin (Okinawan warrior class). Like most of the weapons in Ryukyu kobudo, its origins are Chinese. Simple looking, yet it is often one of the hardest weapons to master. There are more waza (techniques) and kata (forms) practiced for this weapon than any of the others in our system. There is also a version called the kyushaku bo, which is nine feet in length.

Sai 釵

The sai is a thin, solid metal club with a guard. It was used by higher ranking warriors in the royal family. It probably was introduced to the Ryukyus from China in feudal times, and it was originally developed in India prior to that. Some used to theorize that it was derived from a farm implement, but there is no evidence for this. Used in pairs, the weapon may be used extended like a club for striking and blocking long range, or held along the arm to block and punch, similar to ti (karate) techniques. It can also be thrown at an attacker in order impale them, as with a spike. There is another version of this weapon called a manji sai that has one of the guards near the handle pointed backward.

Tekko 鉄甲

A type of metal knuckles with a solid metal grip, tekko were historically a street weapon that were later adopted by police and bodyguards, possibly so that they could train to counter it. Some believe that the Okinawan horseshoe was used as an early version of the weapon, but there are older Chinese versions, as well. With one on each hand, a practitioner can amplify the striking and punching power of empty hand techniques. The spikes on the outside surface of the knuckles can shred the flesh of an attacker and shatter bones. Their small size allows them to be easily concealed.

Nunchaku ヌンチャク

The nunchaku is similar to other flail weapons of Chinese origin. Some have theorized that it was derived from the rice flail, but there is no real evidence to support this. There are older examples of this weapon that were constructed from a horse's bridle, but in its modern form it normally resembles two short sticks connected with a rope or chain. While twirling the nunchaku has become popular, authentic fighting techniques center around using the weapon to block incoming attacks, and counter with well-controlled strikes.

Tonfa トゥンファー

Also called tunfa, tuifa, or tonqua, depending on dialect, the weapon looks amazingly like the handle from a traditional family rice grinder, which may be its origin. This weapon was also a Chinese import, were it is known as a dongwa. Used in pairs like sai, they can be placed against the forearms and used to block and punch, but can also be spun using the handle in a manner similar to a nunchaku.

Timbé/Rochin ティンベー

The timbe is a small shield, which may be made of metal, wicker, or even the shell of a sea turtle. It is used with the rochin, a short spear. The origin of this weapon is uncertain, but it may be related to the Chinese shield and sword, with the rochin possibly developed as a replacement for the Chinese-style sword that was used in earlier times.

Kama 鎌

This is a gardening sickle, still in use by traditional gardeners in Japan. Its razor sharp blade makes it a dangerous weapon as well as a gardening tool. Normally used in pairs, it is referred to as nichogama (double sickle). There is also a version with a length of rope attached to the end of the handle called kusarigama that can be spun similar to a nunchaku.

Éku エーク

Called kai in Japanese, this is a traditional boat paddle or oar. There is no standard method for transliterating Okinawan words into English, so it may be referred to variously as eiku, ekku, ieku, or eaku. Used like the bo, but with the addition of a wooden blade that helps focus striking power. A signature technique with the weapon is to use the blade to flick sand into an opponent's face in order to blind him. Some of the techniques used with it resemble sword fighting. There are two types of éku - one is an oar used on the side of a larger boat, and is commonly used in other styles of Ryukyu kobudo. The type we use is the paddle and rudder for a smaller boat; it has a shorter blade and a longer handle.

Suruchin スルチン

A length of rope or chain, usually either about five or eight feet long, with weights at each end. This was a weapon, like the tekko, that was more popular with civilians than professional warriors. The earliest examples of this were simply a hemp rope with small stones used for weights. Later versions may have a chain instead of a rope, and have metal weights. The weights are spun in circles and figure eights in order to strike and ensnare an attacker.