Weapons for Karate

Karate, when translated, means "empty hand." However, weapons still play an important role in this otherwise free-handed discipline. Many of these weapons have their origins in Okinawan kobudo, an ancient style of armed fighting that developed in Okinawa during a period when conventional weapons, such as swords, had been outlawed.

Bo

A bo is a wooden staff, normally measuring 6 feet in length. It is one of the most traditional karate weapons. According to Karate.com, "It is the first and oldest weapon in karate, and is thought to be the "king" of karate weaponry." Shorter variations include the han bo and the jo staff.

Sai

The sai is a pronged weapon, not unlike a shortened pitchfork in appearance. Its design makes it a versatile weapon in both attack and defense, with stab, block, trap and punch capabilities. The sai is usually used in pairs, with one carried in each hand.

Tonfa

The tonfa is a short wooden stick with an added handle, much like a police nightstick. The sides of the weapon are used to block attacks, while the end is used to punch opponents. Marian K. Stricker, in an article featured in the Shotokai Encyclopedia, states that "Two tonfa were often used simultaneously, and were very efficient against armed assailants."

Kama

The kama is a weapon derived from the traditional farming sickle. According to the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate," these sickles were often used as a pair in order to provide protection from multiple opponents. A kama can be attached to a rope, chain or long pole to increase its range.

Nunchaku

Nunchaku, also known as nun chucks, were developed from traditional threshing tools used to harvest grain. Karate.com describes the nunchaku as "two pieces of wood or metal connected by a chain or cord." It is a versatile weapon but requires great technical ability to be used effectively.

Yari

The yari is an ancient type of spear, once used by the samurai. According to the Shotokai Encyclopedia, the yari was primarily a thrusting weapon and existed in various forms, such as the pipe spear and three-bladed spear.

Bokken

Swords were traditionally used by the samurai classes of Japan. Some karate schools still train students in the use of these swords but only in kobudo, or weapons training, programs. The bokken, as described by Marian K. Stricker in the Shotokai Encyclopedia, is a wooden sword used for "training, competition and demonstrations." It is used in place of bladed samurai swords such as the traditional katana and the longer naginata, or reaping sword.