The History

Interest in unarmed fighting arts increased during the 14th century when King Sho Hashi of Chuzan established his rule over Okinawa and banned all weapons. A more rapid development of tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa and again banned the possession of weapons. Thus Tode or Okinawan-Te, as the Satsuma Samurai soon called it, became the only means of protection left to the Okinawans. Thus it was this atmosphere that honed the early Karate-like arts of Okinawa into a weapon, enabling the island people to conduct a guerrilla-type war with the Japanese Samurai that later into the late 1800’s.


The okinawan people developed their farming tools into weapons that were very effective against the samurai. The Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, Bo, and Tonfa are the most common that were utilized. The Oar and Okinawan Brass knuckles are just a couple more.


The Tonfa

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History The Tonfa was developed as a weapon by the Okinawans, specifically for use in conjunction with karate. Two Tonfa were often used simultaneously, and were very efficient against armed assailants.


Traditional use: Originally a bean or rice grinder handle, the Tonfa’s circular movements as a farm implement evolved into its rotating strikes as a weapon. The side of the Tonfa was used for blocking, and the ends for direct punches.

Current use: Now an advanced karate training aid, the Tonfa aids in development block-and-strike strategies and upper-body strength. It is also used on many police departments throughout the United States.


The Nunchaku

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History The Nunchaku: Developed in the 17th century by Okinawans after the Japanese gained occupation of their land, the nunchaku was one of many harmless looking weapons implemented at the time. The two equal sections were originally held together by horse hair and could be used against armed or unarmed assailants.


Traditional use: The nunchaku was originally an agricultural tool used for threshing grain. As a weapon, it was used in conjunction with various stances and techniques. The sticks could be used for spearing or striking, and the horse hair rope could choke , block, or trap.

Current use: The nunchaku is a popular weapon for demonstrations. It is also used as a weapon of self-defense by karate stylists and some law enforcement agencies.


The Eku (Oar)

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History The Eku: This was and still is today used as nothing more than a boat oar. Because the Okinawans were fisherman this was a common device that was found around the beaches.


Traditional use: The Eku was very effective against the samurai warrior because of the distance they would be able to keep the samurai away from them. The techniques would involve a lot of kicking the blade of the eku while in the sand throwing the sand into to eyes of their opponent blinding them and then they would easily be able to beat the samurai.

Current use: The Eku is mainly used by high level Kobudo practitioners and is not very often seen. Training with the Eku develops coordination, upper body strength, and quickness. The same oar as we use in Kenshin Kan is the same oar they still use in the dragon boat races in Okinawa.


Tekko

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History The Tekko: Used for easing the handling of horses harnessed to carriages.


Traditional use: The Tekko were developed from various sources depending on the type used. The tekko/metal knuckle-duster was used from the stirrups of a horse while the wooden tecchu is said to have come from the Okinawan fisherman. The fisherman used this instrument to assist with hauling their nets in order so that the coral would not tear the skin of their hands.

Current use: The Tekko is mainly used by high level Kobudo practitioners and is not very often seen. Training with the Tekko develops upper body strength, and quickness.


The Tinbei / Rochin

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History The Tinbei / Rochin: Fabricated from the shells of giant turtles living in the coastal waters around Okinawa. Originally used as a basket for carry vegetables or in the field as a sun-screen. In Kobudo it was transformed into a shield.


Traditional use: The rochin and timbe are the most archaic looking of the weapons of Okinawa and yet seem so evolutionary. The timbe (shield) was once made from turtle shells but now wood, metal or fiberglass are used. The rochin was a hand-held short spear with a metal or sharpened wood point. The methods of the two weapons together are obvious but the timbe was also used for striking, not just for blocking. Many techniques with the
rochin involve cutting the weapon hand of the opponent and then striking with the timbe.

Current use: The Tinbei / Rochin is mainly used by high level Kobudo practitioners and is not very often seen. Training with the Tinbei / Rochin develops coordination, upper body strength, and quickness. Normally done as a part of demonstrations to keep the traditions alive.