The Bó or Kun (Long Staff, Carry Stick) is the main weapon or implement used by this Ryuha and is one of the most difficult to master properly. Bó techniques (Bó-jutsu) are different to that used with swords but it can also be used like a sword. Depending on the technique, it can change into many different kinds of weapons. A sword must contact the opponent with the edge of the blade or it will not cut. This is a limitation. The Bó do not have a blade or handle. It can be used to beat, strike or cut. Its length hides many possibilities and has the capabilities in common with the sword, halberd and spear. Both Northern and Southern China influenced Ryukyu Bójutsu as it is combined with techniques developed locally by the Ryukyu become modern Ryukyu Kobudo. The Bó Kata is the basis in all grading.

The parts of the Bó:

• Moto – center or balance point of Bó
• Saki – the tip of the Bó

Additional Information. Bó size for Kobudo Kata Competition, as used by The Okinawa Karate Do and Kobudo World Tournament Executive Committee. The Bó must be made of oak, be six feet (180 cm) long and over 900 grams.

The Sai (Steel Truncheon) passed through India and China to enter the Ryukyu where it was further developed. During the Ryukyu Kingdom Era, it was originally devised as a policing tool for the protection of the King and high ministers. Used in combat situations and in the arresting of ruffians, criminals. The Busa (martial artists) formulated Kata so people could train by themselves in offensive and defensive techniques. The primary emphasis being self-defense and policing. Also called Jutte or Nunte.

The parts of the Sai:

• Tsukagashira – handle butt
• Tsuka – handle
• Yoko – side guards
• Tsume – side guard tip
• Moto – center point between the side guards
• Monouchi – blade
• Saki – tip of the Sai

Tonfa, Tunfá, Tuifa (Grinder handle), is basically a wooden grind stone handle and used in pairs. Tunfá is quite difficult and requires a high degree of skill. To use this weapon with ease requires considerable practice and time.

The parts of the Tunfá:

• Monouchi – the main part of the Tunfá
• Gedan tsukagashira – the forward end of the Tunfá above the grip
• Ushiro tsukagashira – the butt end of the Tunfá
• Yoko – the sides of the Tunfá
• Tasui – the underside of the Tunfá
• Yoko nage – the upper side of the Tunfá
• Tsuka – the handle grip
• Tsukagashira – the round top of the grip

Nunchaku (or horse bit) Popular myth says that the Nunchaku was used as a flail, however this story is not true. The Okinawan flail, like European, had long handles. The Nunchaku was originally used as a horse bit, but it was not very popular as it has a low effectiveness when used against the sword or staff. In situations against Tunfá or Kama, it had more chance of defeating the opponent. Nunchaku exists in many martial arts forms all over the world and became very popular due to Bruce Lee and other high profile moviemakers. This weapon is never the less effective in self-defense, if the time is taken to become proficient with it. Beware, this weapon has the tendency to cause bruises, especially when learning. Note that we do not have Kata for the sanbon (three-part) Nunchaku.

The parts of the Nunchaku:

• Gedan tsukagashira – handle end nearest to the rope
• Ushiro tsukagashira – handle end furthest from the rope
• Moto – handle center
• Himo – connecting rope

Kama (Sickle) In Okinawa, where there was a strict prohibition against weapons, the Kama was a readily available tool that could easily be substituted as a weapon. Kata were devised but just a few practitioners trained with Kama, thus the number of Kata passed down was limited. Techniques (Waza) include blocking, stabbing, striking and cutting. Normally only senior practitioners perform Kama Kata. Kanegawa no Nicho Gama Kata is one of the most famous Kata developed for this weapon. Sometimes called Kusarikama.

The parts of the Kama:

• Ushiro tsukagashira – the butt end of the handle
• Gedan tsukagashira – top end of the handle
• Moto – handle center
• Monouchi – blade
• Saki – blade tip

Tekkó (Brass Knuckles, Horse Shoe) Originally developed from a common horseshoe. Tekkó are conveniently concealed and can quickly be extracted for self-defense purposes.

Tinbé (Shield) and Rochin (Short Halberd) When fighting an opponent, the shield is held in the left hand for defense and with the short blade halberd in the right. Only one Kata, the Kanegawa no Tinbé Kata, has survived and has been passed down. *(For more information and photos, please follow the link Ryukyu Kobudo Japan in the Main Menu, then Association-System-Weapons/Buki).