During Japans occupation of Okinawa, traditional weapons were banned. In order to defend themselves the Okinawas took farming and fishing tools and put them to martial use. Today we study this art form as a means to further our Martial Arts education.
There are 12 weapons studied under the OKDR. Students only work on the first 4 until they reach Black Belt level. The weapons studied are:
Bo - 6 foot wooden staff. This is the primary weapon of study. The concepts learned with the bo are applied to other weapons.
Sai - Metal weapons ( one in each hand) that have one long shaft with two prongs to either side.
Tonfa - Wooden weapons, that look much like an American Police nightstick.
Nunchuku - Two sticks tied together. note : Due to Canadian law the nunchuku used in our dojo is a hard plastic wraped in foam.
Eiku - Okinawan boat paddle.
Kuwa - Okinawan garden or farming hoe.
Nunti - Fishing spear made by combining one sai (one prong turned backwords) with the bo.
Kama - Sharp sickles attached to a short handle.
Sansetsukan - 3 sectional staff conected by chain.
Tekko - Okinawan horse shoe modified for martial use
Suruchin - Long length of rope with a small rock tied to each end.
Tinbei and Rochin - Okinawan sheild and dagger.