OKINAWAN  WEAPONRY - "Kobudo" or weapons training is another integral part of martial arts training. It's vital in the Shorin-Ryu artist in the sense that they know how to defend them self armed or unarmed, 6 different weapons are studied.

Bo

A six-foot wooden staff. It resembles a long pole, but can be used in long-range self-defense situations. It is perhaps the earliest and most simple of all weapons. Humans have used the Bo since humans learned to use tools; a simple walking stick has made a most effective personal defense weapon.

Nunchaku

Two short pieces of wood held together by a chain or rope. It is used by holding one piece of wood in one hand, while whipping the other piece around in a flailing motion. The Nunchaku originally was used as a flail to beat the husks off of soybeans by Okinawan farmers. The Nunchaku has evolved to a very effective means of personal defense.

Sai

A three-pronged metal weapon which resembles a large fork-shaped object. Usually used in pairs, it can be used to strike and spear an attacker. The Sai, or truncheon, was Okinawa's response to the Samurai, or other sword-bearing assailant. Used to trap or break the sword, they could also deliver a lightening fast counter attack to quickly end a confrontation.

Eku

A boat oar, which is handled similarly to the bo. This ancient tool used by Okinawan fishermen gained a reputation as a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled bearer. Although not as popular as the Bo, the Eku, or oar, has recently gained popularity in the martial arts community as a true symbol of Okinawan weaponry.

Kama

A sickle-shaped bladed weapon, also often used in pairs. They are held by their wooden handles and The Kama was used to cut grain, and without any major modification, has turned out to be one of the most feared and dangerous weapons of this ancient art.
are still used to this day by Okinawan farmers to harvest grain crops.

Tonfa

A wooden weapon which is often used in pairs. They can be used to either strike with the butt of the weapon or swung to strike an attacker. The Tonfa was a piece of farm equipment used to operate a millstone while grinding grain. It's unique adaptability and effectiveness has led to it's modern day counterpart, used by law enforcement.