| SANSHIN KAN KARATE-DO |
| PRACTICAL SELF DEFENSE & EMPTY HAND COMBAT |
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| The Society for the Preservation and Promotion of the Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands |
| RYU-KYU KOBUDO HOZON SHINKO KAI |
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Kobudo Weaponry
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Most Okinawan Kobudo weapons were originally farm implements, indigenously converted into effective weapons of self-defense. Below are examples, and together they make up the weaponry that encompasses our Kobudo system.
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"Tekko"
Okinawan Knuckle Duster.
Although the tekko can be seen throughout SE Asia in different shapes, size's and type,
it's origin in Okinawa can tell us that the first proto-type tekko to be used was indeed
from using a horses shoe.
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BO \ KUN
The standard bo or kun is the straight six-foot-long roku shaku-bo.
While most bo are made of the tapered structure, they do vary in length
and shape. A very useful weapon when used for defense against another bo
or sai. Can be used for blocking, thrusting and stabbing. For kumite the
kumi-bo (made from bamboo) is used which is sturdy and a very effective bo.
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Sai
Originally, the sai was formed from two components, the curved prong section and the main stem.
When first introduced it was called the jutte. Fashioned of steel and chrome-plated, it is a most
useful weapon. Effective in blocking the thrusts of a katana, attacking pressure points for control
and restraint and for use in thrusting and stabbing.
There are other types of sai still in use today.
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Nunchaku
In Okinawa, the forerunner of the nunchaku was the bit used as part of the bridle
for a horse. Next came the construction of two hardwood sticks that were securely
connected by rope braided from horses' tails. Today the sticks are connected with
rope or chain.
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Tunfa
Originally wooden handle fitted into a hole on the side of a millstone used
by Okinawans for milling grain. Oak and cherry wood is today's most popular
material for making the tonfa. A very popular weapon used by police forces
throughout the world.
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Kama
The kama is one of two bladed weapons used in our Kobudo. The kama has a long,
curved, single-edged blade used for mowing or reaping a farmer's crop. It was
fashioned very effectively for self-defense use. It has a capability of killing
or maiming quickly and effectively. It is recommended that when training alone
with a live-bladed kama you keep the protection covers over both blades.
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Tinbe
Sea turtle shield and a short spear (bladed halberd).
It is a true traditional Okinawan authentic weapon.
As a result of the increasing consciousness of nature, flora and fauna preservation,
we use substitute materials to the turtle's shield today.
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| Ekku
A wooden oar which was used by local fishermen and that was turned to
a self defense weapon by needs.
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Suruchin
An edged weights rope or long metal chain.
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