INTRODUCTION TO THE TONFA

The Tonfa, as most martial arts weapons, were developed for martial arts use from farm implements. The Tonfa in particular was originally a handle for a millstone or the handle on a water well. Before 1878 the Samurai were the only persons who could legally carry two swords (katana & wakazashi). According to "Go Rin No Sho" The Business Class could carry a wakazashi (the shorter of the two samurai swords). Peasants and Farmers could carry no weapons and if caught with either of the samurai swords could face serious punishment, including death. However, handles were readily available on most farms. The use of these handles as weapons was born out of need to defend against bandits and others who prayed on the lower classes of Japanese Society.

Today the police use tonfas (batons) as part of their daily equipment. The Baton (tonfa) is considered one the most useful non-lethal weapons available to the police. In the study of martial arts the tonfa's most practical purpose is to develop strength in the hands and wrist. By learning to swivel the tonfa we develop strength in our wrists. In stopping the swivel motion of the tonfa, karateka will improve hand strength.

Anatomy of the Tonfa

The Tonfa is made from two pieces of wood, the body and the handle. The body is usually flat on top with curved sides and bottom. However, there are many variations to this general formula. The handle is usually a short piece of round wood, about 1 inch wider than the hand, and flared at one end, the other end of the handle will have a tenon cut to fit a mortise in the body. The place where the handle and the body meet is the weakest part of the tonfa and over time can become very loose. Before using/practicing with the tonfa always check this joint. If loose have it repaired as soon as possible.

The body as stated above is a longer piece of wood whose shape has many variations.  However the length is determined as follows.  hold the tonfa in your hand and the "Back Head" of the tonfa should extend approximately 1/2 inch beyond the elbow.  The length of the body from the handle to the front head will determine the balance of the tonfa.  Therefore there is at present no formula for that distance. This one detail makes the tonfa a very personal weapon.

The parts of the tonfa are: Grip Grip Head Back Head Front Head Top Bottom Side (left or right)

Care of the tonfa: Tonfas are made of very sturdy wood and can take a fair amount of abuse. However as stated above check the joint between handle and body often. The tonfa may have a coating of varnish or paint that should be maintained for cosmetic purposes. If the wood is not sealed with paint or varnish then apply oil based stain as needed or use either olive oil or vegetable oil to keep the wood from drying out.