Tanbō

Antique Japanese tanbo, a 45cm-long hard wood martial arts weapon

The is a short staff weapon used in Okinawa and feudal Japan. Today the is used by various martial arts schools.

Description

The is a short hardwood staff that is used in the same way as the approximately 1 m (3 ft 3 in) hanbō. Short staffs smaller than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) can be called . There is no official length for a as different ryū (martial arts schools) use of various lengths. can be individually sized using variations of the "hand to elbow" method.

Usage

The is used in several martial arts including: jujutsu, aikido, kobudo, hapkido, yoseikan budo, Cuong Nhu.

are swung using the elbow and shoulder, or manipulated with the wrist. Many of the motions are similar to sword strokes. The can be deadly in skilled hands. The main use is to attack the outer edges of the human bones with speed and accuracy. Applying this concept, virtually every part of the target can be hit with this weapon. The can also be used in pairs.

To use this weapon effectively, the opponent may be imagined as a 2-dimensional object standing in front of the attacker, and the objective is to strike various targets (i.e. the top and back of the head, collarbone, hands, elbows, ribs, hip, kneecaps, and calves). Soft tissues can be targeted, and the attacker can then aim at the abdomen, throat, eyes, thighs and groin.

The can also be used for thrusting, checks or deflections, pummeling the enemy (with the ends), blocking strikes (while holding both ends), joint locks, chokes and parrying various sorts of attacks. Speed, distance, accuracy, timing and control are the key components in the successful use of this weapon.

See also

• Okinawan kobudō
• Bō
• Budō
• Bujutsu
• Hanbō
• Jō
• Quarterstaff
• Yawara
• Kubotan
• Baston (weapon)

Bibliography

• Nalda, Jose S. (1984). Tambo - jutsu. Spain: Editorial Alas. ISBN 84-203-0164-7.