The tonfa looks like a simple weapon. It is basically a wooden club with a small handle sticking out from one end. But because of the variety of techniques you can perform with the tonfa, it is a formidable weapon. You can use a tonfa in one hand, or fight with a tonfa in each hand. In order to become proficient with the tonfa, you need consistent training with the weapon.
History
The origins of the tonfa go back to Thailand, China and Japan. The tonfa developed from a handle on millstones used to grind soybeans and rice. In the 1600s, when the Japanese government banned the use of weapons on the island of Okinawa, Okinawans learned to use farming equipment, like the tonfa, as weapons. They developed tonfa fighting techniques that remain part of today’s martial arts classes.
Blocking
One of the most unique things about the tonfa is its versatility as a defensive and offensive weapon. An important part of tonfa training is learning how to block with the weapon. If you are familiar with karate blocks, then you should be able to pick up tonfa blocking techniques quickly. Many tonfa blocks are similar to traditional empty-hand blocks, but the tonfa gives your arms extra protection so that blows strike wood instead of your bones. Practice your tonfa blocks by having a training partner attempt to hit you with a wooden or padded stick. Hold the tonfa so that it covers the outside edge of your forearm. If a strike comes down toward your head, do a rising block above your head, and use the tonfa to block the incoming blow.
Striking
The tonfa lets you strike an opponent at close range or at a slightly longer range. If you hold the tonfa next to your forearm, you can use the short end of the tonfa to strike straight at an opponent. However, if an opponent is farther away, you can swing the long end of the tonfa out at him. You also can hold onto the long end and hit with the handle of the tonfa. Practice swiveling the tonfa through your hands to become more skilled at swinging the weapon at an opponent. You can practice hitting a durable heavy bag with your tonfa, but be careful that the weapon does not bounce back and hit you.
Locking
Another advantage of being well-trained with the tonfa is that you can execute various types of arm locks on an opponent. Police officers often use batons, which are similar to the tonfa, to perform arm locks on suspects. You can perform one example of an arm lock by using the handle of the the tonfa. While holding the long end of the tonfa in your right hand, grab your training partner’s right wrist with your left hand. Hook the handle of the tonfa under his right arm just above his elbow. Bend his arm around the handle, and lock his arm behind his back.
Kata
Kata, which means “form” in Japanese, is a choreographed pattern of martial arts techniques. Karate practitioners often incorporate weapons into their katas. By performing a kata with the tonfa, you can simulate fighting adversaries all around you. Frequently practice tonfa kata to improve the precision of your tonfa striking and blocking techniques.
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