Weapons for Karate
Though Karate means “open hand”, the Japanese martial art which originated on the island of Okinawa actually traditionally used several weapons. The practice of using these weapons eventually died out as Karate became more popular outside of Okinawa (particularly due to Gichin Funakoshi).
In contemporary society, traditional weapons use in Karate ha branched out and has become a martial art style in its own right. This style is called Ryukyu Kobujutsu, which translates as “traditional techniques of Okinawa martial arts”. However, some traditional weapons are still practiced, depending on the style of Karate practitioners follow.
Typical weapons in Karate
Typical weapons in Karate that were used originally include the bo, sai, nunchaku, tonfa and kama. All were tools, mainly for farming, that were also used for self defence. The bo is a staff, the sai a forked rod, the nunchaku a rice beater, the tonfa was a handle for a contraption that ground rice and the kama was a sickle. Each weapon has specialized techniques and movements practitioners must learn, and may include forms.
Traditional Weapons of Okinawa
Some other older weapons that preceded the aforementioned include the rochin, which was a short spear, the suruchin, which was chain that was weighted, and the tekko, which was a knuckleduster. However, these are generally believed to have not been typically used in Karate.
Today, these weapons have been adapted to serve the martial arts rather than farming. Many are banned in countries around the world, and require a special license to carry them.