tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78803296785256988642024-03-13T23:25:46.131-07:00Tonfa - Soke Hausel's Guide to Okinawan Martial Arts Self-Defense WeaponsThe tonfa is one of many martial arts weapons taught to traditional Shorin-Ryu Karate students by Soke Hausel. This ancient weapon originated as a farming implement converted to a weapon of self-defense on Okinawa & later became popularized as a side-handle police baton. All students who train at the Arizona Hombu in the Phoenix Valley learn to use this weapon with karate training.
Soke Hauselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09158619309750219373noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7880329678525698864.post-74418478028496161722019-01-22T14:50:00.012-08:002022-04-08T12:08:43.171-07:00TONFA, Karate Weapon of Self-Defense<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZkYUujbw4s/XEef27BXovI/AAAAAAAAIak/UfTb8zZCnJgOMdh_EcUP935Rze-nMCXwgCLcBGAs/s1600/2013-%2BAug%2BJapan%2BHeather%2BFrom.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYwfqQpTO9gQmhdpAD7d4y8gOZ_NsArcuLhuvpxM-N7fUAyfdzUOvdlhsz_WD0SnGXBdlFQ8FStYFQNKIukWsekIEF-1bOemMr0PU-4e5VA7PnBiPtaq7XFahiaWlq9cmaZBH1NtiRfSJdJoI2LskKVJSdrVsxp1GSWSljONHyf3YVZr-vKWdEj4/s1600/Hanshi%20Finley%20uses%20tonfa%20at%20the%20Arizona%20School%20of%20Traditional%20Karate%20in%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QYwfqQpTO9gQmhdpAD7d4y8gOZ_NsArcuLhuvpxM-N7fUAyfdzUOvdlhsz_WD0SnGXBdlFQ8FStYFQNKIukWsekIEF-1bOemMr0PU-4e5VA7PnBiPtaq7XFahiaWlq9cmaZBH1NtiRfSJdJoI2LskKVJSdrVsxp1GSWSljONHyf3YVZr-vKWdEj4/w480-h640/Hanshi%20Finley%20uses%20tonfa%20at%20the%20Arizona%20School%20of%20Traditional%20Karate%20in%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Hondo-wa</i> </b><i>(handle strike) with tonfa. Not all tonfa are equal, many found<br />at various martial arts supplies are poorly made, and will lose their handles<br />particularly when using an handle strike. Hanshi Finley demonstrates<br />handle strike at the Seiyo Hombu in Mesa, Arizona.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tonfa has an enigmatic history. Tools similar to the Okinawan <i>tonfa</i> are found in other Asian countries including China, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. Some suggest <i>tonfa</i> was developed in southeastern Asia and later introduced to Okinawa. Others argue the weapon is indigenous to Okinawa. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Mae Sun Sawk is</i> a similar weapon developed in Thailand, and has a rope to wrap around the elbow. A Chinese version of <i>tonfa</i>, known as <i>guai</i>, roughly translates as <a href="http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/st-plains/prehistory/images/Tomka-adze-sm.jpg">crutch</a> (or walking stick). <i>Guai</i> is thought to have originated in China prior to 700 BC. A variation of <i>guai</i> is made from iron and called <i>ma guai</i> (horse crutch). Having a close martial arts kinship, any connection between China and Okinawa must be considered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHll_sYaLLsiOdXT_4AWbdWH1yiMdouK7M64ncVsDspYaeaM0lJOD04xQ7983vSZnH3dSWyxXxe3qgEtYEFvrqwRQgqpvgGetCwZgdN_xthsZvsE7OVDejeG0jB4E79mZAdwOd8Bpz2NUx2quajiZ78nzVd_2VGUvhpZZouygbESZUKNLftopAT7sj/s1335/Tonfa%20(maewashi-ka%20uchi)%20Seiyo%20Shorin-Ryu%20Hombu,%20Mesa,%20AZ.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHll_sYaLLsiOdXT_4AWbdWH1yiMdouK7M64ncVsDspYaeaM0lJOD04xQ7983vSZnH3dSWyxXxe3qgEtYEFvrqwRQgqpvgGetCwZgdN_xthsZvsE7OVDejeG0jB4E79mZAdwOd8Bpz2NUx2quajiZ78nzVd_2VGUvhpZZouygbESZUKNLftopAT7sj/w398-h400/Tonfa%20(maewashi-ka%20uchi)%20Seiyo%20Shorin-Ryu%20Hombu,%20Mesa,%20AZ.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Demonstrating <b>maewashi-ka</b> (extended strike) following <b>furi</b><br />uchi (whipping strike) with tonfa. Seiyo Hombu in Mesa, AZ</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Also referred to as <i>tunfa</i>, <i>tong</i> <i>fa</i> or <i>tuifa</i>, feudal Okinawans often made <i>tonfa</i> from a native tree species similar to white oak. On Okinawa, farmers used <i>tonfa</i> in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKTWVUfm530">millstones</a> with their projecting knobs that inserted into sockets on either side of the grinding stone. The millstone was driven along a trough designed to grind grain into flour. In its original form, handles of <i>tonfa</i> likely were not rounded and possibly looked like wooden hammers. As they evolved, <i>tonfa</i> were modified for combat. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In combat, <i>tonfa</i> is gripped by the short perpendicular handle (nigiri) or by the longer main shaft (monouchi) away from the handle. When the handle is grasped, the shaft protects the forearm & hand during blocking, while the knob (tsukagashira) & (tsuka) protects the thumb. If the end of the shaft is held, the shaft can be used to ward off blows, and the handle used to hook an opponent's weapon, arm, leg or neck. Traditionally used in pairs, large amounts of energy can be imparted to the shaft of the tonfa when swinging the tool by the handle. The tonfa can also be held by the shaft to strike with the knob similar to a hammer. In some instances, handle knobs were made with <a href="http://www.crane-mountain.com/styled-22/files/pasted-graphic-1.jpg">points</a> to impart greater damage. One can also thrust either end of the shaft (ushiro atama or zen atama) to strike. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6xJSeFxmYnQPuzP8-e5nn6Ud0pcvB1X0cL_2P28qyxDplEEHPezx4c0N29NYOYtgZRWpV1342xlZvvyJQhmTXZVQRPmy41G2_SmH9iyJaJiY5kda4w2w6k6qPAZLZfduRKcwqieiaG9iPaz-V84rhq4cN2uLm9ELs4Ac0_ebd3vyI-mtG55mCq2X5=s1116" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1116" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6xJSeFxmYnQPuzP8-e5nn6Ud0pcvB1X0cL_2P28qyxDplEEHPezx4c0N29NYOYtgZRWpV1342xlZvvyJQhmTXZVQRPmy41G2_SmH9iyJaJiY5kda4w2w6k6qPAZLZfduRKcwqieiaG9iPaz-V84rhq4cN2uLm9ELs4Ac0_ebd3vyI-mtG55mCq2X5=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Karate and Kobudo classes, Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Some suggest the tonfa shaft should extend about one inch beyond the elbow for combat; however, the weapon need only extend to the tip of the elbow (or slightly less). The shaft is 20 to 24 inches in length. Three traditional grips of tonfa include: (1) natural (honte mochi), (2) reverse (gyakute mochi), and (3) special grip (tokushu mochi). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tonfa is just one of many weapons in the arsenal of Okinawan <i>kobudo</i> (古武道). Okinawan kobudo is also referred to as Ryukyu kobujutsu (see <a href="http://ski-jujutsu.blogspot.com/">koryu</a>). Weapons of kobudo are thought to have connections with farmers, merchants & fishermen of Okinawa. It is a common belief that tools evolved into self-defense weapons used by peasants because of restrictions ordered by King Sho Shin and later by the Satsuma Samurai. However, modern martial arts scholars have been unable to verify this & some suggest <i>karate</i> & <i>kobudo</i> were restricted to the Pechin (samurai) caste, rather than the Heimin (commoner). But it is likely there was influence by both groups. The genius of Okinawan kobudo was the addition of kata which became an extension of karate & the same strikes & blocks used in kobudo were used in karate with minor modifications. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEENQiQpTiPE5FgrzecyoJGJ65NgJLO7glizwS72Ea2Vp8RHcoIDiniH49pivH6O1sAuy0SaF_GCYsZMilFr7dVoB4JJBPfjGLyEoHMVqWfvzs-dA5qlilsO71MYNFiUSET4uEmgJjnEiBtC_A0Uqw7NLsLK9Myqlz8VkMg7PnTBGCCGMAWT5wwrpW=s1654" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1654" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEENQiQpTiPE5FgrzecyoJGJ65NgJLO7glizwS72Ea2Vp8RHcoIDiniH49pivH6O1sAuy0SaF_GCYsZMilFr7dVoB4JJBPfjGLyEoHMVqWfvzs-dA5qlilsO71MYNFiUSET4uEmgJjnEiBtC_A0Uqw7NLsLK9Myqlz8VkMg7PnTBGCCGMAWT5wwrpW=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grandpa defends Grandma's attack.</i></td></tr></tbody></table>After evolving on Okinawa, the <i>tonfa</i> was later introduced to the world & became popular with law <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=side+handle+police+baton+photos&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kQ2aUpb0LdHboAT9goD4Bw&ved=0CD4QsAQ&biw=1680&bih=916">enforcement</a> throughout the world until replaced by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=expandable+baton+photos&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ahSaUo3_IY_ZoATLqIKwAw&ved=0CEYQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=916">expandable baton</a>. However, few law enforcement agencies (other than in Japan) trained more than a few hours with tonfa. As a result, such law-enforcement weapons become awkward & under-used.<br />
<br />
For members of <i>Seiyo no Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai</i>, learning tonfa is important and is considered to be an extension of our martial arts system. Members train in three <i><a href="https://youtu.be/gTTjtDOoqUg">tonfa kata</a></i> and learn all of the bunkai (applications in the <i>kata</i>) along with kumite. <i>Kumite</i> typically matches <i>tonfa</i> against other <i>kobudo</i> weapon such as <i>bo</i>, <i>kama</i>, <i>tanto</i>, etc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv0c6BtGtrHUiMVJjvyXr7ZfqSOYBRCzyffOs2Lpr_OeS-fVpP0XA309F1T94tQnqndyzpLR8y916jstXLVbckjfgmivKl6kpCysyMKREl68RN2KN3KCLJGbAjoI7O02F0SjVwAwcoLXRpEsKf3Ay5LcPQYfIT6FEMSvnYYyKil3ymt1eKud4FcT7/s2549/Kobudo%20-%20tonfa%20vs%20bo,%20Seiyo%20Shorin-Ryu%20%7C%20Adam%20and%20Jeff%202018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="2549" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv0c6BtGtrHUiMVJjvyXr7ZfqSOYBRCzyffOs2Lpr_OeS-fVpP0XA309F1T94tQnqndyzpLR8y916jstXLVbckjfgmivKl6kpCysyMKREl68RN2KN3KCLJGbAjoI7O02F0SjVwAwcoLXRpEsKf3Ay5LcPQYfIT6FEMSvnYYyKil3ymt1eKud4FcT7/w640-h466/Kobudo%20-%20tonfa%20vs%20bo,%20Seiyo%20Shorin-Ryu%20%7C%20Adam%20and%20Jeff%202018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jeff and Adam train in kumite during kobudo class at the Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Hombu in Mesa, <br />Arizona.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Soke Hauselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09158619309750219373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7880329678525698864.post-38261183664946843042013-11-29T15:01:00.012-08:002022-04-08T12:09:49.552-07:00Arizona Hall-of-Fame Karate & Kobudo Grandmaster<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<strong><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaakTDH4EG-dr0PTPxQ9jBVlPlVAF72TfBfI7u7t3uO7w6n8Xg-3ys0pGNv_Q4xIpa5xy-i07C3RaOTmNuSNRg8nSURs2mq18i4bv2lY7yeuONqVX6UymPlJeoICrCo1w5DiTOlE-BlCv5zob2buTk72Xi4hO4mcbv-EKaFJaSpaVthBfMqnyDyA31/s1600/Tonfa%20-%20Seiyo%20no%20Shorin-Ryu%20Karate%20Kobudo%20Kai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1139" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaakTDH4EG-dr0PTPxQ9jBVlPlVAF72TfBfI7u7t3uO7w6n8Xg-3ys0pGNv_Q4xIpa5xy-i07C3RaOTmNuSNRg8nSURs2mq18i4bv2lY7yeuONqVX6UymPlJeoICrCo1w5DiTOlE-BlCv5zob2buTk72Xi4hO4mcbv-EKaFJaSpaVthBfMqnyDyA31/w456-h640/Tonfa%20-%20Seiyo%20no%20Shorin-Ryu%20Karate%20Kobudo%20Kai.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Soke Hausel demonstrates handle strike (<b>hondo wa</b>) at Seiyo Shorin-Ryu<br />Hombu, Mesa, Arizona.</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Tonfa</strong> (トンファー) or <i>tuifa</i> is a side-handled baton that was likely introduced as a <strong>martial arts weapon</strong> on Okinawa centuries ago after a peasant discovered this farming tool could be used as a weapon with some modifications. It has been suggested that the weapon originated in China, others suggest it was a modified millstone <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MgabeoQNkYs/WUbGBl_dYCI/AAAAAAAAUQw/ABHUKaD2rQUV27rOVuN0MuP32kBRW2NfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Granite_Rice_Grinder+-+Tonfa.jpg">grinder</a> handle, part of the millstone axle frame, or a modified primitive horse harness.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3OuHedDBhGrxYfHCTZ_NDz48BtGRm6iOQOhKi78ImrLXlaMj8d1SHUyNMaC_mF3FenCA6mWKG6APpwgWR8tdhUVvQ-SnAt6OsJ7U4RQZOBZbxOoKx3RoSSGzwWSasGinlCluKe874Gd_W6QELSFRCPc6c94aOOugC_ZM4fIQlH-CgNnP6LHEFQGm/s1600/tonfa%20training%20at%20Az%20School%20of%20Traditional%20Karate%202011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3OuHedDBhGrxYfHCTZ_NDz48BtGRm6iOQOhKi78ImrLXlaMj8d1SHUyNMaC_mF3FenCA6mWKG6APpwgWR8tdhUVvQ-SnAt6OsJ7U4RQZOBZbxOoKx3RoSSGzwWSasGinlCluKe874Gd_W6QELSFRCPc6c94aOOugC_ZM4fIQlH-CgNnP6LHEFQGm/w300-h400/tonfa%20training%20at%20Az%20School%20of%20Traditional%20Karate%202011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tonfa-bo kumite</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Just like Okinawa's farmers and fishermen of old, our <a href="https://seiyoshorinryu.blogspot.com ">Shorin</a>-Ryu students and faculty train with this weapon in basics, forms and self-defense applications. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <i>tonfa</i> at one time was used by nearly every law enforcement agency in the world, but it lost favor to the expandable police baton and stun gun. But to <b>martial artists</b> who train with <i>tonfa</i>, these are very effective <b>martial arts tools</b> whether held in a normal grip, reverse grip or extended grip. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After likely being developed on Okinawa and evolving over decades, the <b>weapon</b> was introduced to the world in the 20th century and became popular with <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=side+handle+police+baton+photos&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=kQ2aUpb0LdHboAT9goD4Bw&ved=0CD4QsAQ&biw=1680&bih=916">law enforcement</a> agencies until it was replaced by the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=expandable+baton+photos&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ahSaUo3_IY_ZoATLqIKwAw&ved=0CEYQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=916">expandable baton</a>. However, few law enforcement agencies (other than in Japan) trained more than a few hours with <i><b>tonfa</b></i>, or the side-handle baton, making it less than effective with poorly trained <b>police</b> officers. As a result, as a law-enforcement weapon, the <i><b>tonfa</b></i> became awkward and under-used. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Okinawa, the <b><i>tonfa</i></b> was constantly used in <b><em>kata</em> </b>and <em><b>bunkai</b></em> practice to reinforce muscle memory particularly in the <a href="http://seiyo-shorinryu.com/"><b><em>Shorin-Ryu Karate</em> Schools</b></a>. Thus it has more pragmatic application to <b><em>Shorin-Ryu</em> martial artists </b>and the Japanese police. <b><em>Shorin-Ryu</em> martial artists</b> learn to use all surfaces of the <i><b>tonfa</b></i> for defense and striking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8MZNzZT2cg/WePl86NzrnI/AAAAAAAAHic/Y04HpFaIZ5MYoGpS3osNqLNbAR8_gzzqQCLcBGAs/s1600/1.%2BArizona%2BHomb%2BDojo.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>By training with the <b>kobudo weapon</b> in basic (<em>kihon</em>) techniques and in <a href="http://www.seiyo-shorinryu.com/kata" style="font-style: italic;">kata</a><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>students<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>begin to learn valuable muscle memory. For example, the <b><em>Seiyo Kai </em><i>Shorin-Ryu Karat</i>e</b> system has three <b><em>tonfa kata</em> </b>and each movement in all three forms must be learned as practical applications (<em>bunkai</em>) in one-step sparring (<em>ippon kumite</em>) and <i>kumite</i> (free sparing) and students demonstrate use of the weapon without hesitation. After this is accomplished a student can apply for <i><b>tonfa</b></i> certification from <i>Soke</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFpP7kdIZc/UpkfH_RhkMI/AAAAAAAADT8/Diex-bAILbg/s1600/Eric+Hausel+posses+with+gold+mill,+Jerome,+AZ+(gemhunter.webs.com).JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="445" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFpP7kdIZc/UpkfH_RhkMI/AAAAAAAADT8/Diex-bAILbg/w640-h445/Eric+Hausel+posses+with+gold+mill,+Jerome,+AZ+(gemhunter.webs.com).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Not quite a rice mill, but same principal. This is an actual gold<br /> mill from</em><em> </em><em><a href="http://vultureaz.blogspot.com/">Jerome</a>, Arizona.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Training also involves using one <em><b>tonfa</b></em> and two <em><b>tonfa</b></em> in <b>self-defense </b>techniques. The more advanced stage of training with <em><b>tonfa</b></em> is using it in sparring (<em>jiyu kumite</em>) against armed opponents with a knife (<em>tanto</em>),<em> </em><a href="https://okinawabo.blogspot.com/ "><em>bo</em></a>, <em>hanbo</em>, <a href="http://nunchuku.blogspot.com/"><em>nunchaku</em></a>, etc. This type of <em>kumite</em> requires the <i>student </i>to use good technique and to have excellent control so they do not injure their training partners.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><b>Tonfa</b></i> and other <i><b>kobudo</b></i> weapons are used on <i><b>kobudo</b></i> nights at the <b>Arizona </b><em><b>Hombu dojo</b> </em>on the border of Mesa and Gilbert, Arizona. Thursday evenings, classes are devoted to <em><b>kobudo</b></em> training and it typically takes a year or two of training to certify in Okinawan <em><b>tonfa</b></em>. The weapon is held by side handles (<em>tsuka</em>) either in a normal or extended position, as well as in a reverse grip. It is used for blocking, striking and hooking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ID21Len3EJo/UpknBMdukBI/AAAAAAAADUo/-BxWRGpR2gc/s1600/arastre+mill,+Jerome,+Arizona+Gemhunter.webs.com.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ID21Len3EJo/UpknBMdukBI/AAAAAAAADUo/-BxWRGpR2gc/s640/arastre+mill,+Jerome,+Arizona+Gemhunter.webs.com.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>An arastre </em><a href="http://searching-for-gold.blogspot.com/"><em>gold</em></a><em> mill at </em><em>Jerome, Arizona</em><em>. This mill was not used for any Okinawan weapons. Instead, it was used to </em><br />
<em>extract gold. </em><em>But imagine if the Okinawans had this - just think what those chains could have been used for - maybe </em><br />
<em>a manrikigusari or kamagusari.</em></td></tr></tbody></table></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYg7gB4TFh2kZZ39bh0wnTdBaS6x_pLwGjFKeY8ynpUKEqaHV8P6anTvSepVog7nilzjTu8beqdCs4pYe7J9myrI6hrJ9cSWbqbWh8p19wOmU-nunXxoz52fNczkItyT_T5gXnEneYkNcVVvcJZrRjwvLC-wWgfOt0QcxJ32FYzscErMnhg6u93TR/s1477/Tonfa,%20Arizona%20Hombu%20Dojo,%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1477" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYg7gB4TFh2kZZ39bh0wnTdBaS6x_pLwGjFKeY8ynpUKEqaHV8P6anTvSepVog7nilzjTu8beqdCs4pYe7J9myrI6hrJ9cSWbqbWh8p19wOmU-nunXxoz52fNczkItyT_T5gXnEneYkNcVVvcJZrRjwvLC-wWgfOt0QcxJ32FYzscErMnhg6u93TR/w640-h520/Tonfa,%20Arizona%20Hombu%20Dojo,%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
Soke Hauselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09158619309750219373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7880329678525698864.post-17263573156027687292012-05-25T19:11:00.005-07:002022-04-08T12:10:24.396-07:00Arizona Martial Arts Students Certify in Tonfa-jutsu<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsa_GAF67CA/W6BIZOohoII/AAAAAAAAIQE/aTDR4unT2MUpUZUUzFpYLOwadgyvL2eoACLcBGAs/s1600/Arizona%2BHombu%2BDojo%252C%2BMesa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1245" height="396" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsa_GAF67CA/W6BIZOohoII/AAAAAAAAIQE/aTDR4unT2MUpUZUUzFpYLOwadgyvL2eoACLcBGAs/s640/Arizona%2BHombu%2BDojo%252C%2BMesa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I continue to find the greatest students in the world. Or do they find me? Must be karma. <span style="text-align: right;">Anyway, at the <i>Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Hombu Dojo</i> in the East Phoenix valley</span><span style="text-align: right;">, students continue to perfect their karate and kobudo technique. For me, I love to watch their progress. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: right;">I've been a martial arts instructor for more than 4 decades and taught a few thousand students at four universities, and each year my students get better and better and better. Not only here in in the Phoenix Valley, but also all around the US, India, Japan, Vietnam, Middle East, Canada, China, Great Britain, and Switzerland. I have lost touch with most and wish I knew how they were doing and what they were doing with their lives, and if martial arts helped them in their path in life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As <em>Grandmaster</em> of <a href="http://seiyo-shorinryu.webs.com/"><i>Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo (Seiyo Kai)</i>,</a> I teach my students a variety of traditional martial arts that mostly fall under Okinawa and Japanese <strong><i>Shorin-Ryu Karate, Kobudo</i>, Self-Defense</strong>, and <strong>Samurai Arts</strong>. These include <i>iaido, iajutsu, jujutsu, hojojutsu, naginatajutsu, yarijutsu, hanbojutsu, tanto, ra-ke, tsue, kuwa, manrikigusari, gusarikama, shurichin, nunchaku, sanchuku, kama, sai, tanto, bo, jo, nitanbo, tekko, sansetsukon, tanto, kobuton, </i>and<i> tonfa</i> (and a few others).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>tonfa</i>, the classical night stick also referred to as the PR-24 and side-handle baton, has been used by law enforcement agencies around the globe, but few officers really know how to use this baton. In most Okinawa baton training, students use two <em>tonfa </em>unlike law enforcement. Even so, our students also learn to use just one<em> tonfa</em>. A small group of our students who tested for certification (meaning they have reached a level of expertise with this weapon that is considered expert) have shown they understand <em>kihon </em>(basic strikes, blocks and throws), they demonstrated all three of our <em>Seiyo Shorin-Ryu tonfa kata,</em> demonstrated <em>bunkai</em> (applications from the <i>kata</i>), used to <em>tonfa</em> as a self-defense weapon against attackers armed with clubs, poles and knives, and also demonstrated <em>kumite</em> (sparring) defending with a pair of <em>tonfa</em> against attackers wielding a<a href="https://okinawabo.blogspot.com/ "><em> bo</em> (6-foot pole).</a> Imagine, fighting another martial artist with these wooden weapons with no protective gear. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following our recent exam, five of our martial artists in Arizona certified in <i>tonfa </i>including Adam Bialek, Patrick Scofield, Sarah Kamenicky, William Borea and Ryan Harden. They all survived the exams with only minor bruises. And that is because they all have self-control. These people are a great gift as well as outstanding martial artists.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BJ9b3elkZw/T8BCjGlFP3I/AAAAAAAABVI/bJh1-3hVL-4/s1600/Patrick+Scofield+trains+with+Adam+Bialek+during+kobudo+at+Seiyo+Shorin-Ryu+hombu,+Arizona.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BJ9b3elkZw/T8BCjGlFP3I/AAAAAAAABVI/bJh1-3hVL-4/s640/Patrick+Scofield+trains+with+Adam+Bialek+during+kobudo+at+Seiyo+Shorin-Ryu+hombu,+Arizona.JPG" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Patrick and Adam train in bunkai with tonfa and bo.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Soke Hauselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09158619309750219373noreply@blogger.com01925 S MacDonald, Mesa, AZ 85210, USA33.379565994596085 -111.8336105346679733.372935994596084 -111.84348103466797 33.386195994596086 -111.82374003466796tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7880329678525698864.post-87847799622953735062010-08-10T14:10:00.006-07:002022-04-08T12:10:51.397-07:00Tonfa - Shorin-Ryu Kobudo Weapon<div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DSyRVPv8Mn5g5Z4TEjV0t44czlk7Lne0CDIBuVepuoyK6nTSQOjf7rsHhKXBCgknYGdDoBoRyaqsWIjGe03z7ByKe5EiNkt0SgacPIuF1YoYGOOGgCcUrhcAf0ZPEbk52xk3rFIcPPr7eMQafiq8CKqKdgRWaNJGCTYzpUSWUhzuKxUqErPUikMQ/s1600/Tonfa,%20Okinawan%20martial%20arts%20weapons%20-%20Arizona%20Hombu%20Dojo,%20Mesa,%20Gilbert,%20Arizona.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DSyRVPv8Mn5g5Z4TEjV0t44czlk7Lne0CDIBuVepuoyK6nTSQOjf7rsHhKXBCgknYGdDoBoRyaqsWIjGe03z7ByKe5EiNkt0SgacPIuF1YoYGOOGgCcUrhcAf0ZPEbk52xk3rFIcPPr7eMQafiq8CKqKdgRWaNJGCTYzpUSWUhzuKxUqErPUikMQ/w640-h480/Tonfa,%20Okinawan%20martial%20arts%20weapons%20-%20Arizona%20Hombu%20Dojo,%20Mesa,%20Gilbert,%20Arizona.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Handle strike (hondo wa) with tonfa at the Seiyo Shorin-Ryu Hombu, Mesa Arizona.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Similar to all other <a href="http://az-kobudo.blogspot.com/"><b>Kobudo </b>weapons</a> & Okinawan martial arts, the <b><i>tonfa</i></b> has an enigmatic history and may have more than one genesis. This is just one of many <i><b>kobudo</b></i> weapons taught by <i>Soke</i> Hausel and his instructors in the east valley of <b>Phoenix</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Weapons similar to the <em><b>tonfa</b></em> are found in other Asian countries including China, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. Keep in mind few things ever develop without the influence of others and there is a tendency by Mankind to build on or modify earlier creations. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is suggested by some historians & <b>martial artists</b> that the <em><b>tonfa</b></em> was developed somewhere else in southeast Asia and later introduced and modified on Okinawa. But others suggest the weapon was indigenous to Okinawa and there may have been a parallel evolution of weapo</span></span>ns in other Asian countries.</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y6NTgwlVtD7OzwWGdQ9xlePPMG8qPmE5vMBWzyH33wAb-CV887nDoMcUgw6vS-z9a0zSHpwnA6cXxBFgG0mPMZzT93nE-18Drz5w-cQKN6EWn5hCJcdP-RsmEgnwesqvNEcQfznI2XNVHeFU4Emne6GmMXDfBorA9H0-pGcw5o_WEUtM3AeSMgL0/s1142/maewashi%20ka%20(extended%20or,%20reverse%20strike)%20with%20tonfa,%20Seiyo%20Hombu,%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1142" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y6NTgwlVtD7OzwWGdQ9xlePPMG8qPmE5vMBWzyH33wAb-CV887nDoMcUgw6vS-z9a0zSHpwnA6cXxBFgG0mPMZzT93nE-18Drz5w-cQKN6EWn5hCJcdP-RsmEgnwesqvNEcQfznI2XNVHeFU4Emne6GmMXDfBorA9H0-pGcw5o_WEUtM3AeSMgL0/w400-h334/maewashi%20ka%20(extended%20or,%20reverse%20strike)%20with%20tonfa,%20Seiyo%20Hombu,%20Mesa,%20Arizona.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Soke Hausel uses maewashi-ka (extended, or, reverse strike)<br />with tonfa at the Seiyo no Shorin-Ryu Karate Kobudo Kai<br />Hombu in the East Valley of Phoenix.</i></td></tr></tbody></table>A similar weapon was created in Thailand known as the <em><b>Mae Sun Sawk</b></em>. The Thai weapon includes a rope at the elbow end of the weapon that is tied to the person’s arm unlike the Okinawan <i><b>tonfa</b></i>. The Chinese version of <b><i>tonfa</i></b> is known as <b><em>guai</em>,</b> which roughly translates as crutch (or walking stick). <em>Guai</em> is thought to have originated in China prior to 700 BC. A variation of <em>guai</em> is made from iron and is called a <em>ma guai</em> (horse crutch). With the close relationship between China and Okinawa any connection between these two countries must always be considered.</div></div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d3_rCx01JQQ/TGG98D7AWXI/AAAAAAAAATw/xvxG6zR6AD4/s1600/%27Do%27+Path.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okinawan folklore states that during the reign of Okinawan King <em>Shō Shin</em>, restrictions were placed on the use of bladed weapons in order to stabilize the country after a period of civil war. This restriction is said to have favored development of secretive agricultural and fishing tools as weapons of self-defense by Okinawan peasants and possibly by the Okinawa <b>samurai</b> caste known as <i><b>Pechin</b></i>. In this context, it is thought that <em><b>tonfa</b></em> may have been developed from a wooden handle of a millstone, a common agricultural tool. But keep in mind that the Okinawan <em><b>tonfa</b></em> used today is distinct from the millstone frame.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also referred to as <em><b>tong fa</b></em> or <em><b>tuifa</b></em>, feudal Okinawans made <em><b>tonfa</b></em> from native tree species similar to white oak. Typically, two <em><b>tonfa</b></em> were used in vertical and horizontal millstones with projecting knobs inserted into sockets on either side of the stone. At this point, the millstone was driven along a trough to grind grain into flour. </div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bWdAud0YCWRSg3-zWXNOjSbGw95kxeizxKWcq-f_9bVCwpu6jW0jkbyTDr0w0dZsUatYG0UVfZgSzZSSxLAvCyJBBiUIODYcP_9RMWTupFoxiVFshHD5GECi-dCGIZwi-vTJ7J_R6U3Hy0GYyIgka41BvyFxyv6bQCJ-w8ZcJ2Vl4_SgEWNQiAWS/s504/Dr.%20Adam%20attacks%20with%20bo%20and%20is%20quickly%20blocked%20by%20tonfa.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="369" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bWdAud0YCWRSg3-zWXNOjSbGw95kxeizxKWcq-f_9bVCwpu6jW0jkbyTDr0w0dZsUatYG0UVfZgSzZSSxLAvCyJBBiUIODYcP_9RMWTupFoxiVFshHD5GECi-dCGIZwi-vTJ7J_R6U3Hy0GYyIgka41BvyFxyv6bQCJ-w8ZcJ2Vl4_SgEWNQiAWS/w468-h640/Dr.%20Adam%20attacks%20with%20bo%20and%20is%20quickly%20blocked%20by%20tonfa.JPG" width="468" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Adam attacks with<i> bo</i>, which is blocked <br />by a defender using<i> </i>snapping strike<i> (furi) </i>to <br />extend the<i> tonfa </i>to<i> maewashi-ka. When done</i><br />properly, <i>furi</i> is performed similar to snapping <br />a wet towel.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>If the <em><b>tonfa</b></em> actually originated as millstone handles, they had to be modified to produce modern <em><b>tonfa</b></em>, which are now manufactured in quantity. In its original form, the handles most likely couldn’t be spun since most millstone handles were not cut precisely nor are they typically rounded and many appeared similar to a wooden hammer. Most primitive <i><b>tonfa</b></i> also lacked a handle pommel (<em>tsukagashira</em>).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In combat, <em><b>tonfa</b></em> with a rounded handle can be maneuvered easily. Those <em><b>tonfa </b></em>with rounded shafts typically can be swung with force but some people don’t like these as they are not as effective as the flat or square <i><b>tonfa</b></i> in blocking heavier weapons. A rounded <b><i>tonfa</i></b> will not absorb the force of a blow from a <i><b>bo</b></i> as effectively, since it tends to focus the energy of impact into the forearm at the point of contact of the rounded surface with the forearm. The half-moon and flat <em><b>tonfa</b></em> more effectively redistribute energy from a blow of a heavy weapon throughout the flat surface of the weapon.</div></div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <em><b>tonfa</b></em> is just one of many weapons in the arsenal of Okinawan <i><b>kobudo</b></i> (古武道). <b>Okinawan</b> <i><b>kobudo</b></i> is also referred to as <em>Ryūkyū kobujutsu</em> or <em><a href="http://ski-jujutsu.blogspot.com/">koryū</a></em> and is known as "old martial arts way" referring to ancient weapon traditions of Okinawan martial arts. The weapons of <i><b>kobudo</b></i> are thought to have connections with farming and fishing cultures of Okinawa. Some of these kobudo weapons include: <em>nunchuku, </em><a href="http://sai-kobudo.blogspot.com/"><em>sai</em></a><em>, </em><em>kama</em><em>, hanbo, nitanbo, kuai, bo, kobutan, eku, ra-ke, kuwa, manrikigusari, tanto, hari, nireki, surichin, tetsubo, tekko, tinbe, yawara, suruji, tinbe-rochin</em>, etc.</div></div><div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is common belief that these tools evolved into weapons and were developed by Okinawan peasants due to restrictions placed upon Okinawans by King <em>Sho Shin</em> and later by the Japanese <em>Satsuma Samurai</em>. However, modern <b>martial arts </b>scholars have been unable to verify this hypothesis and some historians now suggest that <i><b>karate</b></i> and <i><b>kobudo</b></i> was restricted to the <em>Pechin</em> (samurai) caste on Okinawa, rather than the <em>Heimin</em> (commoner). I suspect there was some influence by Heimin societies, simply because it is often discussed in Okinawan folklore and also these <i><b>kobudo</b></i> <b>weapons</b> were tools of trade for the commoner, something a member of the high society of Okinawa (<b><i>Pechin</i></b>) would likely have ignored.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Kl29k1JTM/T8D4w2_NfaI/AAAAAAAABVo/Kjh02RTz49o/s1600/coi+pond+(seiyo-shorinryu.com).JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2Kl29k1JTM/T8D4w2_NfaI/AAAAAAAABVo/Kjh02RTz49o/s640/coi+pond+(seiyo-shorinryu.com).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The genius of Okinawan <i><b>kobudo</b></i> was the development of <b><i>kobudo kata</i></b> which became an extension of <em><b>karate</b></em>. The same strikes and blocks used in <em><b>kobudo</b></em> are used in <em><b>karate</b></em> with some minor modifications. Thus most <em><b>kobudo</b> kihon</em> (basics) mimic<em> <b>karate</b> kihon</em>. The <em><b>kobudo</b></em> traditions were shaped by indigenous Okinawan techniques that were modified from imported methods principally from China.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The characteristics of <b><i>tonfa</i></b> (see photo on right from Nasiakos Spyros, Hanshi/9th dan, World Okinawa Seishinryoku Karate Do Federation, Athens, Greece) are that it is gripped by the short perpendicular handle (<em>nigiri</em>) or by the longer main shaft (<em>monouchi</em>) at the back end (<em>ushiro atama</em>). When the handle is grasped, the shaft protects the forearm and hand while the knob (tsukagashira) and (<em>tsuka</em>) protects the thumb. If the end (<em>ushiro atama</em>) of the shaft is held, the shaft (<em>monouchi</em>) can be used to ward off blows while the handle (<em>tsuka </em>and <em>nigiri</em>) is used as a hook to catch the opponent's weapons, arms, legs and/or neck.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwP82Z5fYP4/V1w6sIpE_dI/AAAAAAAAGvg/Tt-9qCDoAIIATY69zHxbiUL-zV9C6D0agCLcB/s1600/TONFA%255B1%255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwP82Z5fYP4/V1w6sIpE_dI/AAAAAAAAGvg/Tt-9qCDoAIIATY69zHxbiUL-zV9C6D0agCLcB/s320/TONFA%255B1%255D.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In offense, one can swing the shaft to strike. Large amounts of energy can be imparted to the shaft by twirling the <em><b>tonfa</b></em> by the handle. The <em><b>tonfa</b></em> can also be wielded in such a way as to use the knob as a striking implement similar to a hammer. One can also thrust either end of the shaft (<em>ushiro atama</em> or <em>zen atama</em>) to strike an attacker. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><b>Tonfa</b></em> are traditionally wielded in pairs, one in each hand. This is unlike law enforcement agencies that typically use one nightstick. The effectiveness of the <b><i>tonfa</i></b> as a law enforcement tool was seen in its use worldwide.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The size of <b><i>tonfa</i></b> is determined similar to sai and should extend about one inch beyond the elbow for combat: however, it is recommended that for <i><b>dojo</b></i> use and practise that the weapon only extend to the tip of the elbow. The shaft is typically 20 to 24 inches in length.</div>
</div>
<div style="border: currentcolor;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weight of the weapon is important. The weapon should not so light that you lose power and focus, and should not be too heavy that it cannot be maneuvered with speed. Three traditional grips (1) natural (honte mochi), (2) reverse (gyakute mochi), and (3) special grip (tokushu mochi) are used. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>"We support American values, the US Constitution, and facts; so, we can no longer support facebook or linked-in" </b>-<b> </b><i>Soke Hausel</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""impact" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3PlKyJNOys/V1w1mvXxD3I/AAAAAAAAGvM/sohMm8OMdd8YuTYV6R6hws1qCNKBAcf6gCLcB/s1600/Arizona%2BMartial%2BArts%2BInstructor%2Binducted%2Binto%2BHall%2Bof%2BFame.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3PlKyJNOys/V1w1mvXxD3I/AAAAAAAAGvM/sohMm8OMdd8YuTYV6R6hws1qCNKBAcf6gCLcB/w640-h626/Arizona%2BMartial%2BArts%2BInstructor%2Binducted%2Binto%2BHall%2Bof%2BFame.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>University of Wyoming martial arts professor and research geologist at the<br />Wyoming Geological Survey on the UW campus inducted into two Halls<br />of Fame in the same year for two different professions.</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""impact" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NErK4lO640/V1w1ZvpAyII/AAAAAAAAGvE/NO2g0_tV968OizRrwbTOsAv0Vwgp4e66gCLcB/s1600/News.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NErK4lO640/V1w1ZvpAyII/AAAAAAAAGvE/NO2g0_tV968OizRrwbTOsAv0Vwgp4e66gCLcB/w640-h480/News.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4Jvh1mD5WM/V1w1KcAIk2I/AAAAAAAAGu8/9qIavus6Rg8pRHqJEiC5n5haqTbC1nooQCLcB/s1600/Letter%2Bfrom%2BUW%2BPresident%2BDubois%2Backnowleding%2BHOF%2Binductions%2B%2528seiyo-shorinryu.com%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4Jvh1mD5WM/V1w1KcAIk2I/AAAAAAAAGu8/9qIavus6Rg8pRHqJEiC5n5haqTbC1nooQCLcB/w555-h640/Letter%2Bfrom%2BUW%2BPresident%2BDubois%2Backnowleding%2BHOF%2Binductions%2B%2528seiyo-shorinryu.com%2529.JPG" width="555" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Letter from University of Wyoming President Philip Dubois<br />acknowledging induction of Soke Hausel into two Halls of Fame</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border: currentcolor; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Soke Hauselhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09158619309750219373noreply@blogger.com0