Weapons used for kobudo
Kobudo is a Japanese term that can be tranlated as ‘ old martial way’. It generally refers to the classical weapon traditions of Okinawa.
Listed below are weapons used by Kokoro Kai for Kobudo
Nunchaku
The Nunchaku consists of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.
Popular belief is that the nunchaku was originally a short flail used to thresh rice (separate the grain from the husk).
Tonfa
The tonfa, also known as Tong Fa or Tuifa, is a traditional Okinawan weapon from which the modern side-handled police baton is derived.
Sai
Sai are often believed to have originated as an agricultural tool used to measure stalks, plow fields, plant rice or to hold cart wheels in place, though the evidence for this is limited. Its basic form is that of an unsharpened dagger with two long, unsharpened projections attached to the handle.
Bo
A bo s around six feet long, usually made from wood or bamboo and wielded with both hands due to its weight and size.
The basic purpose of the bo is increasing the force delivered in a strike, through leverage, and to benefit the wielder from the extra distance this weapon affords.
Katana
The katana is a curved, single-edged sword traditionally used by the Samurai. It was primarily used for cutting, and intended for use with a two-handed grip. It is traditionally worn edge up.
Boken
The boken is a wooden Japanese sword used for training. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but sometimes shaped like other swords.
Kama
The kama was originally a farming implement, used for reaping crops. During the annexation of Okinawa, all traditional weapons were outlawed. This led to the development of the kama.
Naginata
It consists of a wood shaft with a curved blade fashioned onto the end, and is similar to the European glaive. Usually, it also had a sword-like guard (tsuba) between the blade and shaft.
Jo
The Jo is an approximately four foot wooden staff, that was used primarily to defend against the Katana.
