Kobudo Weapons Used
In the Solent Martial Arts Academies, we value the tradition of where jujitsu
came from. In feudal Japan, the art of being able to make a weapon out of
whatever was available was a highly valued skill; as the threat of an impending
attack could've taken place at any time during the day. As a result, many
farmers learnt to use their farming tools as deadly weapons. These arts have
been passed down and the tools have evolved into weapons that do not serve much
use in farming today. Kobudo is a Japanese term that can be translated as "Old
Martial Way"; referring to the classical weapon traditions of Okinawa. Listed
here are the weapons used by Zen Ha Kenpo Ryu Jujitsu for kobudo:
- 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. Used for an honourable death (even on the battlefield). It is
worn and displayed curve up (to preserve the sharp edge), however in battle the
Samurai would wear curve down for an instant drawing cut.
- Bokken - The Bokken is a wooden Japanese sword constructed to mimic the
katana (but sometimes other swords). It would be an error in judgement to
believe the samurai didn't use these primitive weapons for killing. A bokken
would be used to kill someone who was dishonourable; leading to a more
prolonged, painful death.
- 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). This weapon
has been made famous by Bruce Lee in his films.
- Tonfa - Also known as Tong Fa or Tuifa is a traditional Okinawan weapon
from which the modern-day American police baton is derived.
- Kama - The kama was originally a farming tool, used for reaping crops.
During the annexation of Okinawa all traditional weapons were outlawed. This led
to the development of martial skills resulting in the kama being one of the
deadly tools in a farmer's possession.
- Sai - Sai are often believed to have originated as an agricultural tool
used to measure stalks, plough fields, plant rice or to hold cart wheels in
place; however the supporting evidence is limited. It's basic form is that of an
unsharpened dagger with two unsharpened projections (tsuba) attached to the
handle.
- Bo - A bo staff is 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 supplies.
- Jo - The jo staff is usually a four foot long wooden staff. It is still
used by some Japanese police forces.
- Naginata - It consists of a wood shaft (similar to a bo), 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.
All the preceding weapons listed, are the traditional weapons taught by the
Solent Martial Arts Academies. However we realise the importance of teaching
skills that can be used to defend attack against modern weapons including: guns,
baseball bats, knives & etc. As a break from unarmed combat techniques, these
lessons are favourably taught in a master-class environment. Due to safety,
children under 9 will not be taught how to wield a weapon.
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