Origins of Martial Arts Weapons - (Last updated 11/1/10 )

Okinawan Kobudo History - A traditional weapon art.
The word "kobudo" means "ancient weapons way". Okinawan kobudo had its start around 400 years ago when Japan began to assert control over the Island of Okinawa. Warlords forced the Okinawan people to turn over their weapons to the Japanese. The move was made by Imperial Japanese leaders with almost no realistic political foresight and very little insight or perception into the Okinawan way of thinking. The ruling classes assumed that to gain political and financial control over this tenacious island race, all that was necessary was to disarm the people. The warlords specifically ordered that "all weapons" be turned over to the authorities. Little did the authorities realize that the Okinawan people were such a nationalistic race and so strongly devoted to freedom that they would go to any lengths to deceive and/or hide the weapons they needed to fight their oppressors. The resourceful Okinawans adapted everyday farming and fishing implements -- 6-foot staff (bo), rice-grinder handle (tonfa), horse's bridle (nunchiyaku), boat paddle (ueku), rice sickle (kama), etc. -- for self-defensive purposes. Thus, weapons were called "farm implements", but underground the fighting population was training in the use and proficiency of these tools.

Soon the weapons masters became a most feared force in the battle for political freedom, feared by the Japanese and idolized by the Okinawan people whose protectorate they were. This was the birth of what we now know as Okinawan Kobudo. Over time, the use of these weapons became formalized into a beautiful, graceful, and effective art that has been passed down from generation to generation.

At different times and for various reasons during its history, weapons were banned on the island of Okinawa. In 1429, Sho Hassi united the kingdom of Okinawa under his rule and renamed North and South. During the era of his grandson Sho Shin, the policy of "Bunji-Kokka", or government by culture not military force, was put into effect. At this time all weapons were banned except for those used by military forces in 1477. The objective was to restore peace and to disarm rival clans.

Upon seizing control of Okinawa in 1609, the Shimazu clan instituted numerous rules of martial law, one of which was a ban on all weapons. This time, however, the ban was on a much larger scale than that instituted by Sho-Shin. Only the Satsuma samurai, who were the invaders and conquerors of Okinawa, were allowed to have weapons.

The methods used by the Satsuma for enforcing the weapons ban were ruthless. Any weapons found in an Okinawan's possession were immediately confiscated and the owner was severely punished. As part of the ban, the Shimazu also prohibited the Okinawans from participating in the study or practice of the martial arts.

This ban had a number of serious effects on the Okinawan martial arts. All study and participation was forced underground, and all teaching was done by word of mouth only. No written records exist which would allow us to trace the development of the Okinawan arts during this time period. This has led to the creation of many false legends due to the inability to document facts.

Secrecy became such an obsession that instructors hid true techniques from rival schools, as in the changing or hiding of moves in kata. This eventually led to the development of new and unique fighting techniques and systems including the modification of farming and work tools into weapons for combat use. The fighting attitudes in the martial arts schools became very violent due to the suppression of civil liberties and the general sentiment of the times.

And above all, the ban made Karate one of the most practical and effective hand-to-hand combat systems ever developed. The need for practical application kept Karate from degenerating to a mostly theoretical art or a simple or obscure form of exercise.

Aragaki Seisho - Aragaki the Cat (1840-1920) a Nahe te Master was also said to of been proficient at Ryukyu Kobudo, and was responsible for passing on the following Kobudo Kata: Urasoe Bo, Sesoko no Sai, Shokyu no Kon, Aragaki no Sai and Tsuken Hantagwa no Sai.

The weapons of traditional Okinawan Kobudo can be divided into two groups or categories: the Major Weapons and the Minor Weapons. The major weapons are those which are widely known and practiced with numerous traditional kata in existence. The minor weapons are those lesser-known weapons for which a limited number of kata exist. In fact, with some of the weapons, practice is limited to weapons manipulations and one-step applications. The major weapons of Okinawan Kobudo include Bo, Numchuku, Sai, Kama, Tonfa.

Below is a list of only some of the weapons that exist in the Okinawan weapons range. Many Okinawan Karate styles include these five major weapons in their training to some degree. Training with these five weapons helps to develop similar muscles as used in karate as well as hand-eye coordination and heightened reflexes. Many of the striking and blocking techniques practiced in everyday Karate can be easily adapted to use when armed with these weapons, making the transition to training with these weapons relatively easy and most beneficial to the karateka

Below are a list of Okinawan weapons.

Okinawan Weapons & Kata

1. Bo Jutsu Kata (Solo Practice & Two Person Drill )
Given the name Yamaneryu by Chinen Masami (1898-1976,) the grandson of Chinen Sanda, the term is actually brings together three separate Chinese ideograms:
1. "Yams," meaning "mountain;"
2. "Ne," meaning "foundation or root;" and
3. "Ryu," meaning, "stream." The term was simply intended to describe the locale in Shuri's Samukawa village from whence Chinon's tradition came. It utilises natural mechanics and natural momentum developed through the movements. Our system is mostly of Yamaneryu heritage. There are about twenty known kata for this weapon. The Kata below was developed by Kyoshi Raff Lanciana of Zen Do Kai Wildcats.

Youtube Link - Bo Jutsu Kata Video - (Offensive View, Defensive View)

Bojutsu Kata

Offensive Side
1. Step back kami, fighting stance (RFB) (BRS) Short pause.
2. Step through overhead strike, deep stance (RFF) (BLS)
3. Step back lower block, deep stance (RFB)
4. Step through side strike, horse stance (RFF) (BLS) Short pause.
5. Step through overhead strike, deep stance (LFF) (BRS)
6. Step back lower block, deep stance (LFB)
7. Step through side strike, horse stance (LFF) (BRS) Short pause.
8. Step through over head strike (tension), bear stance (RFF) (BLS)
9. Step through over head strike (tension), bear stance (LFF) (BRS)
10. Pivot side block (BRS)
11. Pivot back, overhead strike (BLS)
12. Side strike (BRS)
13. Step sideways deep stance (LFL), sweeping lower block (BLS)
14. Return to shoulder width stance.

Defensive Side
1. Shoulder width stance Short pause.
2. Step back overhead block, deep stance (LFB)
3. Step through groin strike, deep stance (LFF) (BRS)
4. Step back side block, horse stance (LFB) (BLS) Short pause.
5. Step back overhead block, deep stance (RFB)
6. Step through groin strike, deep stance (RFF) (BLS)
7. Step back side block, horse stance (RFB) (BRS) Short pause.
8. Step back block across (with tension), bear stance (LFB) (BLS)
9. Step back block across (with tension), bear stance (RFB) (BRS)
10. Step around with RF, centre jab (BRS)
11. Return to bear stance, overhead block
12. Side block (BRS)
13. Step sideways deep stance (LFL), sweeping lower block (BLS) Short pause.
14. Finish routine

Where:
(RFF) - Right foot forward (Current movement)
(RFB) - Right foot back (Current movement)
(LFF) - Left foot forward (Current movement)
(LFB) - Left foot back (Current movement)
(LFL) - Left foot Left (Current movement)
(BRS) - Bo right side (After movement)
(BLS) - Bo left side (After movement)

Bo Kamae Kata (Stances & Postures)

1. Step left foot back into shiko dachi stance side on squatting stance, bo moves from centre to vertical right hand sideof body, then as if to flick up sand move.
2. Step up with left foot into half lunging stance lower parry down on 45 degrees to RHS
3. Step forward left foot shoulder width stance 45 degree upper parry to LHS, making a roof with bo.
4. Step back right foot to half lunging stance with bo in the Waki kami position on your right hand side pointing upward to opponents eyes.
5. Step back with left foot into crossed legged stance with bo in the Haso kami position Vertical inline with shoulders , turn upper body side on.
6. Unwind body ending up in side on fighting kami similar to opening move but narrower
7. Step left foot across to LHS half lunging stance vertical block to RHS
8. Step up left foot to right foot bring bo down and over finish in start position.
   

2. Nunchuku Jutsu Kata

The Nunchaku is the Okinawan weapon composed of two pieces of wooden sticks connected by rope. Nunchaku handles should be made from a hardwood which is both strong and flexible. The original Nunchuku sticks were made from the core of a palm tree hardened three to five years in mud water. The wood became so hard after the constant soaking, it was unable to be cut even with a samurai sword. There are about six katas for this weapon. The Kata below was developed by Kyoshi Raff Lanciana of Zen Do Kai Wildcats.

Nunchuku Jutsu Kata Video - coming soon
kata download may be slow expect some delay.

Nunchuku Jutsu Kata

1.Break shoulder width stance, swing weapon up to center of waist catch with LH, pointing weapon away.
2.Turn to LHS like Saifu Kata, Step up with RF, then step back with RF into half lunging stance, upper block.
3.Step up RF, parry to LHS, bring weapon together over left shoulder and strike down like an ice pick strike with both hands holding weapon, stepping through with RF. Step up LF loop weapon over person neck, LL front kick, step back with LF to squatting stance facing the rear, with weapon in a vertical block position to LHS, as if to throw person away. While facing rear, RL side kick to rear step forward with RL, upper block.
4.This is repeat of movers 3, on opposite side. Step up with LF parry to RHS bring weapon together over right shoulder step forward with LF, ice pick strike with both hands holding weapon. Step up with RF, loop weapon over persons neck, RL front kick, step back with RF to squatting stance facing the rear with weapon in a vertical block position to RHS. LL side kick to rear, landing in 45% squatting stance facing front, like sainchin center run.
5. At same time you land bring weapon back to L, hip and forward in a stabbing motion to stomach.
6.Step up with LF, half lunging stance weapon in RH doing 8 figure eights, on the 8th figure eight, take weapon down under up over shoulder, horizontal forehand strike to head, drop and bend legs horizontal back hand strike to knees coming up with weapon over R, shoulder.
7. Downward strike on 45% angle from R to L and upward strike on 45% from L to R, catch behind back with LH.
8. Step forward LL, drop down on R knee, swing weapon around from behind back low to catch in front RHS. As if to loop behind someones leg, step through with RL, keeping low and with L knee down, at same time pull hands and weapon back to RHS hip, as if to pull out leg looped.
9. Throw and catch weapon in RH, step up with LL, cross check land forward and side on with LL, RL spinning side kick landing forward and side on with RL, LL reverse takedown landing forward and side on with LL in a side on deep lunging stance with weapon in RH pointing straight upward.
10.Step up and forward with LL, into cat stance facing RHS, step forward RL front kick, step forward LL round house kick landing side on, spinning RL hook kick landing with RF back in a half lunging stance.
11. Step across and behind your LL, with your RL, turn over R shoulder facing your rear or LHS, in a cat stance, with weapon now in left hand.
12. Step forward LL, front kick, step forward RL, round house kick, landing side on, spinning LL, hook kick landing with LL, back in a 45% squatting stance facing rear.
13. Repeat of moves 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, but on opposite side of body.(Which will now be moves 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.)
18. At end of repeat of movement 9 which is actually now move 17, step up facing front, put weapon down on floor jumping double kick to front corners, at same time punch both hands down, landing in shoulder width stance picking up weapon and cover.

3. Sai & Jitte Jutsu
The Sai has become, to many, the virtual symbol of Okinawan Kobudo. The weapon is metal and of the truncheon class with its length dependent upon the forearm of the user. When held it should be about 3cm longer than the forearm and generally Sai are used in pairs. Advanced Sai uses 3, with one held in the belt behind ready for, and used for throwing. The tang is of the Korean classification and the pommel is variant to round, square or multi angled types much dependant on the emphasis of the makers usage.

In Sai jutsu, there are techniques such as utsu (striking), uke (blocking), tsuku (thrusting), uchiotosu (striking down), hikkakeru (hooking) and tsuranuku (piercing). Sai jutsu is regarded as form of self-defense. Unlike other martial arts around the world in which the basic idea is to defend yourself by fatally stabbing your opponent, the primary idea behind the development of Sai jutsu was to subdue an opponent without doing him any injury. Kata, including Tsuken shitahaku no sai, Tawada no sai, and Hamahiga no sai are still practiced today in Okinawa. About 12 kata exist for this weapon.

Sai Kata soon in 2010 by Kyoshi Steeve Nedelkos

4. Tonfa Jutsu
There is in principal only one kind of Tuifa although the shaft varies in shape from round to rectangular. History has also shown the butt ends to be pointed but this is extremely rare. There are only a few so called traditional kata for the tuifa, although many more basic, or training, kata have been developed in more recent times. Current kata include Yara gua no Tonfa jutsu and Hamahiga no Tonfa jutsu.There are about 8 kata associated with this weapon.

The weapon is used in pairs and is of wood, again red oak or white oak preferably in keeping with the Bo. The length of the weapon is also the same requirements as the Sai, about three centimeters past the elbow when gripped. The weight like the Bo is paramount to the efficient usage of the weapon. Too light and it lacks power in Kumite, too heavy and the techniques lack speed and become ponderous.

Good body movement like the Sai can make this weapon formidable, combining the speed it needs and generates along with the skillful footwork for evasion and attack. Although there are stories of rice millstone grinding implements and horses bridles etc. as being the origins of this weapon, these are merely coincidental. The weapons origins can clearly be traced back to China and be found in Indonesia and surrounding geographical locations. While the weapon may have been introduced into Okinawa via China (or elsewhere in southern Asia), it still does not rule out its use as a mill handle.

5. Kama Jutsu
Kama- jutsu is also called "Kama nu ti". About 700 years ago, in King Eiso's reign, agricultural tools such as hoes and sickles began to be made of iron. Along with these farm tools, many weapons were imported from mainland Japan and China in that era. Kama was first used as a weapon by farmers around 1314 A.D. when warriors and farmers rose up against King Tamagusuku's oppression. As a result, three chieftains were established. The kama was one of the most familiar pieces of farm equipment that could be used as a substitute weapon. The kama has not been used much for developing kata or for tanren. Most of the techniques have been developed from karate. Because the kama is a weapon with a blade and therefore incorporates a high degree of danger, it is somewhat different from the other forms of kobudo weaponry.

In this jutsu, a pair of Kama are used separately or connected with a string. There was also a Kama attached to a 150cm Bo. The effect of a Kama increases when used in a pair. In fighting, another Kama is hidden behind the back for throwing. The angle of the Kama to its handle is 90 degrees, but it can be 30, 45, or 60 degrees when used in a pair, increasing its killing efficiency. It is said that even sword masters avoided fighting Kama masters. However, a kama match involving rokushaku-bo (180 centimeter-long sticks), can be very thrilling. The techniques include ukete sasu (blocking and stabbing), tsuku (thrusting) and kiru (cutting), as well as nagete ateru (throwing and striking). The kata called Kanegawa no Nicho-gama remains today.

6. Eku or Eiku Jutsu
The eku is one of the lesser-known Okinawan weapons. The Eku was, and is, a genuine tool of Okinawan fisherman. Its popularity was obviously greatest in fishing areas, like Tomari and some of the outlying islands. The Okinawan oar is only slightly shorter in length than a Bo, and has a long narrow paddle. One side of the paddle is flat, or gently convex, while the other side is peaked. The tip is rounded or slightly pointed.

It can be used in a manner very similar to the bo, thrusting and striking one's opponent. because of its heavier mass and bladed edges, it has formidible sriking power when used in cutting motions. It has one other unique property - it can be used to scoop sand at the opponent's eyes! The kata named Tsuken Aka Chu No Eku De remains today. The oar has not been very popular in Japan, however, it is not uncommon among high level Karate-ka on Okinawa.

7. Rochen or Tenbi Jutsu
This weapon is the most glamorous of the Ryukyu system and exudes a feeling of history long gone. The usage however is more akin to a combination of Zulu fighting and European sword and small shield fighting. The Tembe (Shield) can be made of various material but is commonly found in vine or cane, metal, or for presentation, in turtle shell. The shield size is generally about 45 cm long and 38 cm wide. The Rochin (Short spear) is cut with the length of the shaft being the same distance as the forearm to the elbow if it is being held in the hand. The spearhead then protrudes from the shaft and can be found in many differing designs. In this school of thought, the Tinbe is used more to hide the Rochen than to defend against another blade..

The favored style has an expanded middle section before the point, which is twisted upon insertion to make the wound larger. The weight of the blade is critical for the spear usage, which is swiveled between the fingers to use both ends, smashing with the butt end and stabbing with the blade end. The techniques are circular to avoid too much direct contact on the shield and the short spear is predominantly used in an upward stabbing motion, piercing armor under the rib cage, armpits, and throat. The techniques of the Tembe-Rochin are unique to shield and spear usage.

8. Ken Jutsu Kata
Evidence suggests that swords have existed in Japan for its entire historical period. Short straight swords imported from China and Korea are among the earliest weapons found in sites around Japan. After 2000 B.C., when these swords first appeared, the Japanese began making their own. Around 700 A.D., Japanese swordsmiths forged the first of what are now considered the finest swords ever made. The Kata below was developed by Kyoshi Raff Lanciana & Kyoshi Maurice Garnier of Zen Do Kai Wildcats.

Youtube Link - Ken Jutsu Kata Video

Ken Jutsu Kata

1. Draw sword, step forward with right foot, thrust to chest turning sword 90 degrees.
2. Repeat move to rear but on left hand side .
3. Step up to rear vertical block on left hand side.
4. Turn to right hand side horizontal cut left foot forward.
5. Vertical block to right hand side.
6. Turn to your left 180 degrees horizontal cut again right foot forward.
7. Step to front right hand side 45 degrees thrusting deflection.
8. Turn to rear right hand side 45 degrees stepping through left foot forward cutting up.
9. Then step up right foot forward 45 degree block to right hand side.
10. Step and drag left foot in as you turn 180 degrees to front left hand side 45 degrees cutting down to chudan kamai left foot forward.
11. Turn to front right hand side 45 degrees step with right foot forward cutting up.
12. Then cutting down to gedan kamai, then flick wrists up to chudan kamai.
13. Turn to rear left hand side 45 degrees cutting up with left foot forward.
14. Turn to front right hand side 45 degrees cutting up
15. Finish off with cleaning sword and stepping up and returning to original position.

Ken Jutsu Kamae Kata (Postures & Stances)

The Beginning for such exercises is stand with feet together and bokken at hip height bow, then draw bokken. At end of exercise step up or back with feet together bokken at hip height and bow. Note: No cleaning of sword for exercise unless using live blade or doing a cutting exercise.

1. Godan kamae-lower position in front standing still
2. Waki kamae-lower position in behind you, stepping back with front foot as you do it
3. Haso kamae-over shoulder position from previous move
4. Jodan kamae-overtop position from square on step up with back foot ½ way from previous stance
5. Chudan kamae- step forward from previous thrusting from centre position up to the throat Repeats with godan kamae 1-5, must step forward with other foot to perform on opposite side of the body.

Ken Jutsu 8 Cut Kata (Flow Drill)

The Beginning for such exercises is stand with feet together and bokken at hip height bow, then draw bokken. At end of exercise step up or back with feet together bokken at hip height and bow. Note: No cleaning of sword for exercise unless using live blade or doing a cutting exercise.

1 Thrust
2 Side cut to RHS
3 Upper cut from right to left
4 Downward cut from left to right
5 Side cut to LHS
6 Upper cut from left to right
7 Downward cut from right to left
8 Straight down overtop like beheading someone

Ken Jutsu Continuous Two Person Flow Drill

The Beginning for such exercises is stand with feet together and bokken at hip height bow, then draw bokken. At end of exercise step up or back with feet together bokken at hip height and bow. Note: No cleaning of sword for exercise unless using live blade or doing a cutting exercise.

1. Vertical deflection drill
Attacker lunges in on RHS with a RHS horizontal waist height side cut and repeat to LHS stepping thru

At the same time the defender lunges back LHS vertical block to LHS and repeats to RHS stepping back.

2. Lower Deflection drill
Attacker lunges in on RHS with a RHS horizontal leg height side cut repeats to LHS stepping thru

At the same time the defender lunges back LHS lower block to LHS and repeats to RHS stepping back.

3. Upper Deflection drill
Attacker lunges in on RHS with an overhead downward cut to lower position and repeat to LHS stepping thru

At the same time the defender lunges back LHS with a upper deflection RHS and repeats stepping back RHS with an upper deflection to LHS.

4,5 soon.

9. Nitanbo Kata no.1 (Eskrima, Arnis or Kali)
Due to the Spanish influence the Filipino Martial Arts came to be known as "Arnis de Mano" - derived from a Spanish word "arnes", meaning trappings or defensive armor. It also acquired namesakes such as "estokada", "estoque", "fraile", or simply "arnis". The word "eskrima" is derived from the Spanish word "esgrima", which means "a game between two combatants with the use of blunt instruments". The name of the stick which could be either rattan or a piece of hardwood used in "eskrima" is called either - "olisi", "baston" or "garote".

A most practical technique is the use of Nitanbo, or two short sticks. It is a method similar to the well known Philippine Escrima, or Arnis, and may even have come to Okinawa via the Philippines. Nitanbo are not considered common weapons in China, but they can be found in Southern White Crane systems, such as "Two Short Rods". In Nitanbo, an approximately 18 inch stave is held in each hand, with which to effect devastating combinations of circular, snapping and linear strikes.

Escrima Two Person Partner Drill - 1 (Direct Thrust - Block & Thrust Defence)

1-6 Basic Strike

1. Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand thrust.

2. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, forehand thrust.

3. Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand thrust.

4. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand (underneath hand for disarm), forehand thrust.

5 Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand underneath stick hand, (left hand over right , stick facing down) back hand
thrust.

6. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, (left hand over right , stick facing down) forehand thrust.

Escrima Two Person Partner Drill 2 - (Indirect Thrust – Block, Slash and Thrust Defences)

1-6 Basic Strike

1. Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand slash and thrust.

2. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, forehand slash and back hand thrust.

3. Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand slash and thrust.

4. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand (underneath hand for disarm), forehand slash and back hand thrust.

5 Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand underneath stick hand, (left hand over right , stick facing down) back hand slash and
thrust.

6. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, (left hand over right , stick facing down) forehand slash and back hand thrust.

Escrima Two Person Partner Drill 3- (Figure 8 - Block & Strike Defence)

1-6 Basic Strike

1 Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand horizontal waist strike, hit to
hand, then a back hand rolling/twirling head strike.

2 Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, horizontal waist strike, hit to hand, hand to hand, hit to head

3 Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, back hand horizontal head strike, hit to
hand, then a back hand rolling/twirling head
strike.

4 Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand (underneath hand for disarm), horizontal head strike, hit to hand, hit to head. (Also a disarm).

5 Move inside , strike to stick, check hand to
hand, left hand underneath your stick hand, back hand horizontal head strike, hit to hand, then a back hand rolling/twirling head strike.

6. Move to outside, stick to stick check hand to
hand, horizontal head strike, hit to hand, check hand to hand, hit to head.

Kata Soon in 2010 by Sensei Sonya Willets