Crane Stance - Red Tiger Karate

Transcription

Crane Stance - Red Tiger Karate
Austin Society of
Karate
Weapons Manual
Austin Society of Karate
OFFICIAL WEAPONS MANUAL
©1998 by Austin Society of Karate.
Official Manual of the Austin Society of Karate. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise.
Greg Beaver
Director
Table of Contents
The Arnis ......................................................................................... 1-1
The Bo ............................................................................................. 2-1
The Nunchaku................................................................................. 3-1
The Sai............................................................................................. 4-1
The Tonfa......................................................................................... 5-1
The Arnis
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1-1
Arnis History
Kali is the mother art of the modern Filipino Martial Arts. Records from the Malay Sri-Vishaya empire
dating to the 8th century A.D. refer to Kali as the art of the Philippines. According to historians, the Ten
Datus of Borneo brought their fighting methods to the island of Panay. Here, basic reading, writing and
Kali were taught in the schools. Due to the loss of written records, the exact techniques of Kali remain a
mystery today, although elements of Kali remain alive in the foundation of today's Filipino Martial Arts.
The Spanish began a 400 year occupation of the islands late in the 16th century. To suppress opposition to
their rule, the Spanish banned the teaching of Kali. Elements of the art were hidden in folk plays and native
dance. However, over time, Spanish fencing methods were blended into the indigenous fighting
framework. Under Spanish influence, the native art became known as eskrima, estocada, arnis de mano or
arnis.
The Filipino Martial Arts assume different names in different regions. In the Manila area, the art is known
as Arnis or Pananandata, in Pangasinan as Kalirongan, in the Ilocos region of Luzon as Kabaro-an, and in
the Visayas as Eskrima.
Arnis historians have cited as many as 200 systems or styles of Arnis-Eskrima-Kali. Names describing the
range of fighting include Largo (long-distance), Medio (medium-range), and Corto or Serrada (close, infighting). Names based on movement include Abanyko (fanning), Palis-Palis (go with the force), Sungkiti
(flicking), Ocho-Ocho (figure eight), and Lastico (snapping). Systems can be called by the choice of
weapon, e.g., solo baston (single cane), double baston or sinawali (double cane), espada y daga (sword and
dagger), mano-mano or de kadina (empty hands).
Arnis is the basic art with single stick, double stick, 5 foot bo, and 10 to 14 inch short staff. Escrima is
arnis with a single knife, double knife, and stick and knife. Kali is arnis and escrima with a sword, double
sword, and grappling empty hands against weapons with kicking, tripping, and foot work.
Arnis Anatomy
The stick is called a BATON. The grip is one hand’s width up from the bottom. To grasp the arnis
properly, hold it firmly as if shaking hands and fold your thumb on top of your first finger. The bottom of
the baton is called the PUNO. You use the puno for locks, grabs, and jabs. The striking surface is the last
3 inches of the baton. In this manner you get maximum speed, range, and force. There are three different
ways of hitting: Stab, Strike, and Ratick.
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Arnis Stances
Attention Stance
Ready Stance
FEET TOGETHER. ARNIS CRADLED IN RIGHT ARM.
RIGHT ELBOW BACK TO SIDE. LEFT HAND CENTER OF
BODY. FEET IN A 45 DEGREE ANGLE BACK STANCE.
Horse Stance
Forward Stance
ARNIS AND KNIFE HAND FORM AN ‘X’ IN FRONT OF
BODY. STANDARD HORSE STANCE.
ARNIS AND KNIFE HAND FORM AN ‘X’ IN FRONT OF
BODY. STANDARD FORWARD STANCE.
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Arnis Stances
Back Stance
Rear Defense Stance
ARNIS AND KNIFE HAND FORM AN ‘X’ IN FRONT OF
BODY. STANDARD BACK STANCE.
ARNIS OVER THE TOP OF THE HEAD DOWN CENTER LINE
OF BODY WITH OTHER HAND IN KNIFE HAND AT CENTER
OF CHEST.
Crane Stance
Cat Stance
ARNIS OVER THE TOP OF THE HEAD DOWN CENTER LINE
OF BODY WITH OTHER HAND IN KNIFE HAND AT CENTER
OF CHEST.
ARNIS OVER THE TOP OF THE HEAD DOWN CENTER LINE
OF BODY WITH OTHER HAND IN KNIFE HAND AT CENTER
OF CHEST.
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Arnis Blocks
Highriser Block
ARNIS BLOCKS HIGH, PARALLEL WITH FLOOR.
HAND IN TIGHT AT CENTER OF BODY.
Low Block
OTHER
BLOCK SWINGS ACROSS AND DOWN PAST THE LEG.
OTHER HAND IN TIGHT AT CENTER OF THE BODY.
Diagonal Block
BLOCKS ACROSS THE FACE WITH ARNIS AT AN ANGLE.
OTHER HAND IN TIGHT AT CENTER OF BODY.
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Arnis Blocks
Double Highriser Block
ARNIS BLOCKS HIGH, PARALLEL WITH FLOOR.
HAND ON OPPOSITE END OF ARNIS.
Double Low Block
OTHER
BLOCK SWINGS ACROSS AND DOWN PAST THE LEG.
OTHER IN HAND ON OPPOSITE END OF ARNIS.
Double Diagonal Block
BLOCKS ACROSS THE FACE WITH ARNIS AT AN ANGLE.
OTHER HAND ON OPPOSITE END OF ARNIS.
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Arnis Strikes
Vertical Strike Up
Vertical Strike Down
FROM A READY STANCE ARNIS SWINGS UP FROM
GROUND. PIVOT OFF BACK FOOT. TURN BODY TO SIDE.
FROM READY STANCE ARNIS SWINGS DOWN FROM TOP.
ARNIS SWINGS TO FLOOR THEN BACK TO READY.
Horizontal Strike
Ratick
FROM READY STANCE ARNIS SWINGS ACROSS TO
OPPOSITE SIDE.
PIVOT BACK FOOT AS THE ARNIS
SWINGS ACROSS.
ARNIS SWINGS BACK UP BEHIND YOU THEN JABS
FORWARD WITH THE END OF THE ARNIS (PALM UP).
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Arnis Strikes
Jab
Vertical Slash
ARNIS SWINGS BACK BEHIND YOU
THEN OVER THE TOP AND JABS WITH
THE END OF THE ARNIS (PALM DOWN).
ARNIS SWINGS DOWN FROM THE HEAD TO THE FOOT.
Diagonal Strike
Hammer Fist Strike
FROM READY STANCE ARNIS SWINGS ACROSS TO
OPPOSITE SIDE.
PIVOT BACK FOOT AS THE ARNIS
SWINGS ACROSS.
DOWNWARD STRIKE WITH THE PUNO.
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Arnis Kata
1.
Diagonal Strike Down to left collar bone.
2.
Diagonal Strike Down to right collar bone.
3.
Horizontal Strike to left elbow.
4.
Horizontal Strike to right elbow.
5.
Vertical Strike Up to left knee.
6.
Vertical Strike Up to right knee.
7.
Ratick to stomach.
8.
Jab to right side of chest.
9.
Ratick to the face.
10. Vertical Slash from head down to foot.
11.
Jab to the eye.
12. Double Hand Vertical Slash from top of head to groin.
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Arnis Kata
DIAGONAL STRIKE DOWN TO LEFT
COLLAR BONE.
DIAGONAL STRIKE DOWN TO RIGHT
COLLAR BONE.
HORIZONTAL
ELBOW.
HORIZONTAL
ELBOW.
VERTICAL STRIKE UP TO LEFT KNEE.
VERTICAL STRIKE UP TO RIGHT
KNEE.
STRIKE
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TO
RIGHT
STRIKE
TO
1-10
LEFT
Arnis Kata
RATICK TO STOMACH.
JAB TO RIGHT SIDE OF CHEST.
VERTICAL SLASH FROM HEAD DOWN TO FOOT.
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RATICK TO THE FACE
JAB TO THE EYE.
1-11
Arnis Kata
DOUBLE HAND VERTICAL SLASH FROM TOP OF HEAD TO GROIN.
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The Bo
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Bo History
The exact origin of the bo (or kon) is not really known. The earliest form was a stick or branch from a tree.
One popular theory is that around 517 A.D., the Zen Buddhist priest Daruma Daishi, the leader of the
Shorin-ji Temple in China, brought into effect fluent use of the bo. Since government control was minimal
during this part of Chinese history, protection and safety were up to the individual. Daruma and his
disciples found proficiency in the martial arts and the use of weapons such as the bo provided the only
feasible means of protecting their temple.
The bo-jitsu techniques Daruma ordered his disciples to master were of great influence to the development
of the Okinawan art of Ryukyu Kobu-Do, the use of karate weapons such as the bo, the sai, the kama and the
nunchaku for self defense. This was a result of the Japanese government barring the use of lethal weapons
for the people of Okinawa. The people were forced to use farm implements as weapons. The bo originated
with the tenbin, a stick held across the shoulders, usually with buckets hanging from each end, that was
used to convey food, water or other things.
Bo Anatomy
The standard bo or kon is the straight six-foot-long roku shaku-bo. Measuring 1-1/4 inch thick at its
center, it tapers out to a 3/4 inch thickness at each end. The ends are called Kontei and the center is called
Chukon-bu.
Note: A number of Bo blocks can also double as Bo strikes. For example, the Reverse Strike and the Reverse Block are the same
movement.
Note: All descriptions of blocks and strikes will include an abbreviation of the grip being used. For example, a reverse grip will
be denoted RG and a basic grip will be denoted as BG.
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Bo Grips
Basic Grip
Reverse Grip
HANDS APPROXIMATELY SHOULDER WIDTH APART IN
THE CENTER OF THE BO, RIGHT HAND FACING DOWN,
LEFT HAND FACING UP. BG
SAME AS BASIC GRIP BUT BOTH HANDS ARE FACING
DOWN. RG
Double End Grip
Underarm Grip
HANDS IN THE BASIC GRIP POSITION BUT ON THE END OF
THE BO. DEG
HANDS IN THE BASIC GRIP POSITION WITH THE BO ON
THE RIGHT SIDE UNDER THE RIGHT ARM. UG
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Bo Stances
Attention Stance
Ready Stance
FEET TOGETHER, BO AT RIGHT SIDE.
FEET APART, BO HORIZONTAL WITH A BASIC GRIP. BG
On Guard Stance
Horse Stance
BACK ON RIGHT FOOT IN A FIGHTING STANCE, BO ON
RIGHT BICEP. BG
50/50 - BO AT RIGHT SIDE WITH A DIAGONAL STRIKE. UG
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Bo Stances
Forward Stance
Back Stance
60/40 - BO AT RIGHT SIDE WITH DIAGONAL STRIKE. UG
70/30 - BO AT RIGHT SIDE WITH DIAGONAL STRIKE. UG
Rear Defense Stance
Crane Stance
FEET OFFSET APPROXIMATELY ONE FOOT, BO DOWN
CENTER LINE OF BODY. 80/20. RG
ON ONE LEG, BO DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY. RG
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2-5
Bo Stances
Cat Stance
90/10 - BO DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY.
HIGH AND ONE HAND LOW. RG
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ONE HAND
2-6
Bo Blocks
High Block
Low Block
BO SHOULD BE AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE FROM HEAD. RG
LEAN FOWARD AND BEND LEAD LEG. RG
Side Block
Diagonal Block
BO HELD VERTICALLY DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY TO
THE SIDE. RG
BO HELD AT 45 DEGREE ANGLE. RG
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Bo Blocks
Inside Block
Outside Block
PALMS FACING IN, BO MAKES A QUICK SEMICIRCLE TO
THE INSIDE. UG
PALMS FACING OUT, BO MAKES A QUICK SEMICIRCLE TO
THE OUTSIDE. RG
Reverse Down Block
Pressing Block
FROM A FORWARD STANCE, LEFT HAND SWINGS BACK
OVER TOP OF HEAD AND SWINGS OUT TO THE FRONT
AND DOWN. BG
DESIGNED TO BE A PUSHING TECHNIQUE INSTEAD OF
JUST A BLOCK. RG
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Bo Blocks
Parry Block
THIS BLOCK IS DESIGNED TO PARRY A JAB TO THE
STOMACH. BO SWINGS FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER.
BG
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Bo Strikes
Vertical Up Strike
Vertical Down Strike
FROM A READY POSITION, BO SWINGS UP FROM GROUND,
STOPS AT GROIN. BG
FROM A VERTICAL UP STRIKE, BO SWINGS FROM THE TOP
STRAIGHT DOWN, STOPPING AT THE HEAD. BG
Diagonal Strike
Reverse Strike
FROM THE ON GUARD POSITION, BO SWINGS UP AND
OVER AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. BO STOPS AT HEAD. BG
FROM A FORWARD STANCE LEFT HAND SWINGS BACK
OVER TOP OF HEAD AND SWINGS OUT TO THE FRONT. BG
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Bo Strikes
Outside/Backfist Strike
Jab
FROM A READY STANCE, SLIDE OUT INTO A HORSE
STANCE, SWING BO OUT TO SIDE HOLDING BO WITH ONE
HAND.
JAB FORWARD WITH THE END OF THE BO. BG
Reverse Jab
Sliding Jab
JAB BACKWARD WITH THE END OF THE BO. BG
FROM A BACK STANCE, SLIDE BACK HAND DOWN THE BO
JABBING OUT TO THE FRONT WHILE LETTING THE BO
SLIDE IN THE FRONT HAND. DEG
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Bo Strikes
Overhead Strike
HANDS MOVE INTO A DOUBLE END GRIP. BO SWINGS OVER THE TOP OF THE HEAD AND DOWN WITH A STRIKE FROM
THE HEAD TO THE FOOT.
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Bo Grabs
Back Grab
THE BO SWINGS FROM A FORWARD STANCE AROUND THE BACK AND IS GRABBED WITH BOTH HANDS. RG
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Bo Grabs
Full & Half Circle Back Grab
RELEASE BO WITH LEFT HAND. BO SWINGS DOWN AND AROUND THE BACK. GRAB BO WITH THE OTHER HAND AND
SWING BACK AROUND IN FRONT. FOR THE HALF CIRCLE, GRAB THE BO WITH BOTH HANDS AND RETURN TO THE ON
GUARD POSITION. FOR THE FULL CIRCLE, SPIN THE BO IN FRONT LIKE A BATON, MAKING A FULL CIRCLE, THEN GRAB
THE BO WITH THE RIGHT HAND AND REPEAT THE PROCEDURE.
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Bo Sweeps
Leg Sweep
BO SLIDES FROM BASIC GRIP TO DOUBLE END GRIP. BO SWINGS UP AND OVER THE HEAD THEN OVER AND DOWN
TOWARD THE FLOOR IN FRONT, SWEEPING THE OPPONENT’S LEGS. THE BO THEN SWINGS BACK UP AND RETURNS TO
THE ON GUARD POSITION.
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Bo Movements
Single Handed Figure Eight
HOLDING BO WITH ONE HAND, SWING BO AROUND IN A FIGURE EIGHT. BO SWINGS ON EACH SIDE OF THE BODY.
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Bo Movements
Double Handed Figure Eight
SAME AS SINGLE HANDED FIGURE EIGHT BUT HOLD BO WITH BOTH HANDS IN THE CENTER OF THE BO IN THE
STANDARD GRIP POSITION.
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The Nunchaku
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3-1
Nunchaku History
The original usage for the nunchaku was by mounted soldiers as a horse bridle in ancient China. These
early nunchakus were two pieces of wood tied together with horse hair or straw. However, the nunchakus
came into historical prominence in the 1600s in Okinawa (part of the Ryukyu Islands). The nunchaku was
a simple farm implement used to beat rice or separate beans from their shells.
When Japan outlawed all weapons in Okinawa, including those used in martial arts, the Okinawans began
practicing the art of Okinawa-te or kara-te (the martial art of the empty hand). The farmers discovered that
by using certain farm implements as extensions of their empty hands, their techniques were more powerful.
The farm tools used included the nunchaku, the bo and the sai. By using these innocent tools as deadly
weapons, Okinawan people could carry them in the open without fear of discovery.
Nunchaku Anatomy
The approximate size and weight of the nunchaku has changed little since the 1600’s. Today the two 13 to
14 inch hard wood sticks are 1-1/4 inches in diameter and held together by rope or chain instead of horse
hair. The original sticks were made from the core of the palm tree and soaked three to five years in mud
water to harden them. The wood became so hard from the soaking that it could not be cut by a samurai
sword.
Every part of the nunchaku is potentially useful. The bottom (Kontei) and top (Kontoh) are used to jab or
spear. The upper handle area (Jokon-Bu), nearest to the rope or chain, and the lower handle area (KikonBu) are used in swinging strikes. The middle area (Chukon-Bu) is for blocking and striking. The rope
(Himo) or chain (Kusari) serves to pinch or choke.
Note: All techniques with the nunchakus are done in the standard grip (SG) except for the knife defense, which is done in the
reverse grip (RG).
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Nunchaku Grips
Standard Grip
Reverse Grip
CHUCK IS HELD ABOUT MIDWAY BETWEEN THE ENDS
WITH THE THUMB CLOSER TO THE CHAIN.
CHUCK IS HELD ABOUT MIDWAY BETWEEN THE ENDS
WITH THE THUMB FARTHER FROM THE CHAIN.
Ready Position
Return Position
RIGHT CHUCK HIGH, LEFT CHUCK LOW. CAN ALSO BE
DONE IN A 45 DEGREE FIGHTING STANCE.
CHUCK UNDER RIGHT ARM WITH THE LEFT HAND IN A
KNIFE HAND POSITION.
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Nunchaku Stances
Attention Stance
Forward Stance
FEET TOGETHER WITH CHUCKS AT SIDE.
CHUCK IN READY POSITION OR RETURN POSITION . 60/40.
Back Stance
Horse Stance
CHUCK IN LEAD HAND. 70/30.
CHUCK IN RETURN POSITION. 50/50.
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Nunchaku Stances
Cat Stance
Rear Defense Stance
CHUCKS HELD DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY. 90/10
CHUCKS HELD DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY. 80/20.
Crane Stance
CHUCKS HELD DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY.
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Nunchaku Blocks
X Block High
CHUCKS MAKE AN ‘X’, THEN ROTATE INWARD AND SWING BACK OUT BLOCKING WITH THE CORD.
X Block Low
CHUCKS MAKE AN ‘X’, THEN ROTATE INWARD AND SWING BACK OUT BLOCKING WITH THE CORD.
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Nunchaku Blocks
Double Block
FROM A READY POSITION PIVOT BODY AND SWING ARM
AROUND WITH A HIGH BLOCK.
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Nunchaku Strikes
Vertical Strike Up
Vertical Strike Down
FROM DOWN POSITION SWING CHUCK UP TO READY
POSITION.
FROM READY POSITION SWING CHUCK DOWN.
Jab
HOLDING ON TO BOTH STICKS WITH ONE HAND.
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THROW THE TOP CHUCK OUT WHILE HOLDING ON TO
THE BOTTOM CHUCK, HITTING WITH THE END OF THE
CHUCK.
3-8
Nunchaku Slashes
Horizontal Slash
CHUCK SWINGS BACK AND FORTH ACROSS BODY. THE CHUCK WRAPS AROUND THE BACK OF THE BODY AT EACH END
OF THE SWING.
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3-9
Nunchaku Movements
Large & Small Figure Eight
FOR A LARGE FIGURE EIGHT, THE ARM SWINGS AWAY FROM THE BODY AND THE CHUCK SWINGS ON EACH SIDE OF
THE BODY. FOR A SMALL FIGURE EIGHT, THE ARM STAYS STILL AND JUST THE WRIST TWISTS. THE CHUCK STAYS
OUT IN FRONT OF THE BODY.
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Nunchaku Movements
Changing Ready (Front)
RELEASE HIGH HAND. EXECUTE A VERTICAL UP STRIKE AND CATCH THE CHUCK UNDER THE OPPOSITE ARM PIT.
Changing Ready (Back)
RELEASE HIGH HAND. EXECUTE A VERTICAL UP STRIKE AND CATCH THE CHUCK BEHIND THE BACK WITH THE OTHER
HAND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE.
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Nunchaku Movements
Knife Defense
HOLDING CHUCK IN REVERSE GRIP (RG), CHUCK SWINGS FROM SIDE TO SIDE CLOSE TO STOMACH. ONE HAND IN KNIFE
HAND POSITION AT CHEST.
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The Sai
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4-1
Sai History
When the Japanese prohibited the use of ordinary weapons such as the sword or spear in Okinawa some 350
years ago, the Okinawans turned to karate and kobu-do (the use of karate weapons such as the bo, the
nunchaku, the tonfa, and the sai) for protection. Some kobu-do weapons were farm implements which the
farmers converted to weapons. The sai (short sword) was dragged through the soil by one peasant while
another would plant seed in the resulting furrow. If attacked by a marauding samurai, the peasant could
counter the sword attack with the sai. Usually a sai was carried in each hand and a third one was concealed
inside the peasant’s obi. The third sai was actually used to throw at the attacker.
The original sais had only a single prong. They were sharp and capable of killing or maiming an enemy
with a blow to the back of the neck or a thrust to the throat. Originally, the sai was formed from two
components, the curved prong section and the main stem. These separate parts were then pounded into a
unit in a process similar to the one used to make a samurai sword. About 100 years ago this process was
changed to pouring molten lead into a sand cast. When the sai cooled and hardened the rough edges were
smoothed and the finished weapon was polished.
Sai Anatomy
The sai is made of chrome-plated steel and weighs between one and two pounds. A wrap is wound around
the handle to give a better grip. The sai should be approximately one inch past the length of your elbow.
The butt of the handle should be one
inch beyond the tip of your index
sometimes sharp but more often
finger. The point of the sai is
rounded or faceted into a hexagon or
rounded.
The blade is either
octagon. The blade can also be
flattened like that of a sword. The
like a trident and useful for halting
prongs or guards are usually curved
the stroke of a sword or bo. The
guard center is the hub where the
prongs meet the handle. The center
of balance is just above the guard
wrapped with cotton tape or thick
center. The handle is generally
designed in various shapes and can
string for a firm grip. The butt is
be used in the same manner as a
karate punch.
Note: All descriptions of blocks and strikes will include an abbreviation of the grip being used. For example, a reverse grip will
be denoted RG and a standard grip will be denoted as SG.
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4-2
Sai Grips
Standard Grip
Reverse Grip
SAI IS ALONG FOREARM, INDEX FINGER ALONG GRIP,
THUMB INSIDE PRONG AND FINGERS OVER OTHER
PRONG.
SAI IS POINTED OUT WITH INDEX FINGER ALONG BLADE,
MIDDLE AND RING FINGER ARE INSIDE PRONG, THUMB
AND LITTLE FINGER OUTSIDE OF PRONGS.
Full Grip
HAND IS WRAPPED AROUND GRIP.
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Sai Stances
Attention Stance
Ready Stance
SAIS HELD AT BELT. SG
BODY TURNED SIDEWAYS IN FIGHTING STANCE, BOTH
HANDS UP. SG
Horse Stance
Forward Stance
50/50 STANCE. HANDS IN FIGHTING POSITION. SG
HANDS IN FIGHTING POSITION. 60/40 STANCE. SG
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Sai Stances
Back Stance
Rear Defense Stance
HANDS IN FIGHTING POSITION. 70/30 STANCE. SG
SAIS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY WITH A HIGH BLOCK
AND A LOW BLOCK. 80/20 STANCE. SG
Crane Stance
Cat Stance
SAIS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY WITH A HIGH BLOCK
AND A LOW BLOCK. ONE FOOT RAISED BEHIND THE
OTHER KNEE. SG
SAIS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY WITH A HIGH BLOCK
AND A LOW BLOCK. 90/10 STANCE. SG
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Sai Blocks
High Block
Down Block
SAI BLOCKS HIGH IN STANDARD HIGH BLOCK POSITION
WITH SAI DOWN THE FOREARM, BLOCKING WITH THE
BLADE OF THE SAI. SG
SAI IS ALONG FOREARM WITH BLADE TURNED TO THE
OUTSIDE, BLOCKING WITH THE BLADE OF SAI. SG
Inside Forearm Block
Outside Forearm Block
SAI IS ALONG FOREARM, BLOCKING WITH THE BLADE OF
THE SAI TO THE INSIDE ACROSS THE BODY. SG
SAI IS ALONG FOREARM, BLOCKING WITH THE BLADE OF
THE SAI TO THE OUTSIDE ACROSS THE BODY. SG
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Sai Blocks
Knife Hand Block
Flipping Block
SAI DOWN FOREARM, BLOCKING TO THE OUTSIDE WITH
THE BLADE OF THE SAI. SG
SAI FLIPS FROM STANDARD GRIP TO REVERSE GRIP,
BLOCKING WITH THE BLADE OF THE SAI. THIS CAN BE
DONE HIGH OR LOW.
X Block
Scissor Block
BLOCK OVER HEAD. INSURE THAT SAIS CROSS.
BLOCK CAN BE DONE HIGH OR LOW. SG
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THIS
BLOCK OVER HEAD. INSURE THAT SAIS CROSS.
BLOCK CAN BE DONE HIGH OR LOW. RG
THIS
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Sai Strikes
Punch
Backfist Strike
HITTING WITH BUTT OF GRIP. SG
FLIPPING SAI FROM STANDARD GRIP TO REVERSE GRIP,
HITTING WITH BLADE OF SAI.
Jab
Elbow Strike
HITTING WITH THE POINT OF THE SAI. RG
STRIKING WITH THE POINT OF THE SAI TO THE BACK. SG
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4-8
Sai Strikes
Ridge Hand Strike
Knife Hand Strike
STANDARD RIDGE HAND STRIKE, STRIKING WITH THE
INSIDE PRONG OF SAI. SG
STANDARD KNIFE HAND STRIKE, STRIKING WITH THE
OUTSIDE PRONG OF SAI. SG
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Sai Strikes
Outside Flipping Strike (Half & Full)
SWING SAI FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE, HITTING WITH BLADE OF SAI. HALF FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH SAI POINTING
OUT IN A REVERSE GRIP POSITION. FULL FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH SAI COMPLETING A FULL CIRCLE AND ENDING
UP IN THE STARTING POSITION.
Inside Flipping Strike (Half & Full)
SWING SAI FROM INSIDE TO OUTSIDE, HITTING WITH BLADE OF SAI. HALF FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH SAI POINTING
OUT IN A REVERSE GRIP POSITION. FULL FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH SAI COMPLETING A FULL CIRCLE AND ENDING
UP IN THE STARTING POSITION.
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The Tonfa
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Tonfa History
When the Japanese prohibited the use of ordinary weapons such as the sword or spear in Okinawa some 350
years ago, the Okinawans turned to karate and kobu-do (the use of karate weapons such as the bo, the
nunchaku, the tonfa, and the sai) for protection. Some kobu-do weapons were farm implements which the
farmers converted to weapons. The tonfa, or toifa (handle), was originally a wooden handle fitted into a
hole on the side of a millstone used by the Okinawans for milling grain. This handle was easily removed
from the millstone and became a very effective weapon of defense.
Tonfa Anatomy
The main part of the tonfa consists of a large hardwood body about 15 to 20 inches in length and a smaller
cylindrical grip secured at a right angle to the main body about six inches from one end. The short end of
the body is the front head. The end of the tonfa on the long end of the body is the back end. The top of
the grip is called the grip head. The edge of the tonfa to which the grip is attached is the top. The
opposite side from the grip is the bottom.
Note: All descriptions of blocks and strikes will include an abbreviation of the grip being used. For example, a reverse grip will
be denoted RG and a standard grip will be denoted as SG.
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Tonfa Grips
Standard Grip
Reverse Grip
THE TONFA IS HELD BY THE GRIP WITH THE BACK HEAD
ALONG THE FOREARM. SG
THE TONFA IS HELD BY THE GRIP WITH THE BACK HEAD
EXTENDED IN FRONT. RG
Full Grip
TONFA HELD BY THE BACK END.
FACING IN EITHER DIRECTION. FG
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THE GRIP CAN BE
5-3
Tonfa Stances
Attention Stance
FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART.
OUTSIDE OF RIGHT ARM. SG
TONFA DOWN THE
Ready Stance
FEET BACK IN A FIGHTING STANCE WITH HANDS UP IN A
FIGHTING POSITION. SG
Horse Stance
Forward Stance
HANDS UP IN A FIGHTING POSITION. 50/50 STANCE. SG
60/40 STANCE. HANDS UP IN A FIGHTING POSITION OR IN
A DOWN BLOCK POSITION. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-4
Tonfa Stances
Back Stance
Rear Defense Stance
HANDS UP IN A FIGHTING POSITION. 70/30 STANCE. SG
TONFAS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY (HIGH BLOCK AND
LOW BLOCK). 80/20 STANCE. SG
Crane Stance
Cat Stance
TONFAS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY (HIGH BLOCK AND
LOW BLOCK). ONE FOOT RAISED BEHIND THE OTHER
KNEE. SG
TONFAS DOWN CENTER LINE OF BODY (HIGH BLOCK AND
LOW BLOCK). 90/10 STANCE. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-5
Tonfa Stances
Immovable Stance
FORWARD STANCE BUT WITH BOTH LEGS BENT WHILE
PERFORMING A PRESSING BLOCK. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-6
Tonfa Blocks
High Block
Down Block
TONFA BLOCKS OVER HEAD IN STANDARD HIGH BLOCK
POSITION WITH TONFA DOWN FOREARM. SG
BLOCKING WITH OUTSIDE OF TONFA STOPPING OUTSIDE
OF THE LEG. SG
Inside Block
Outside Block
TONFA DOWN FOREARM BLOCKING TO THE INSIDE
ACROSS BODY. SG
TONFA DOWN FOREARM BLOCKING TO THE OUTSIDE
ACROSS BODY. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-7
Tonfa Blocks
Knife Hand Block
Flipping Block
TONFA DOWN FOREARM BLOCKING TO THE OUTSIDE. SG
FROM A READY STANCE, THE TONFA SWINGS OUT IN A
REVERSE GRIP POSITION, BLOCKING WITH THE BOTTOM
OF THE TONFA. THIS BLOCK CAN BE DONE HIGH OR LOW.
X Block
Pressing Block
BLOCK OVER HEAD. ENSURE WOOD CROSSES. SG
THIS TECHNIQUE CAN BE DONE WITH TWO TONFAS AS
SHOWN OR BY USING THE OTHER HAND FOR SUPPORT.
SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-8
Tonfa Blocks
Scissors Block
Double Forearm Block
TONFAS BLOCK OVER HEAD.
INSURE THAT WOOD
CROSSES. THIS BLOCK CAN BE DONE HIGH OR LOW. RG
TONFAS DOWN FOREARM TO THE SIDE, BLOCKING TO
FRONT OF BODY. BODY ROTATES 90 DEGREES FROM A
FORWARD STANCE. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-9
Tonfa Strikes
Punch
Hammer Fist
HITTING WITH FRONT HEAD OF TONFA , PALM DOWN. SG
HITTING WITH A DOWNWARD STRIKE, USING THE
BOTTOM OF THE TONFA. SG
Elbow Strike
Chicken Hand
STRIKING HIGH WITH BACK HEAD OF TONFA. SG
STRIKING UP WITH GRIP HEAD OF TONFA. FG
Austin Society of Karate
5-10
Tonfa Strikes
Ridge Hand Strike
STRIKING WITH A STANDARD RIDGE HAND STRIKE,
HITTING WITH THE GRIP HEAD OF TONFA. SG
Knife Hand Strike
STRIKING WITH A STANDARD KNIFE HAND STRIKE,
HITTING WITH THE BOTTOM OF TONFA. SG
Jab
Uppercut
STRIKING WITH FRONT HEAD OF TONFA. RG
STRIKING UP WITH FRONT HEAD OF TONFA. SG
Austin Society of Karate
5-11
Tonfa Strikes
Outside Flipping Strike (Half & Full)
SWING TONFA FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE, HITTING WITH SIDE OF TONFA. HALF FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH TONFA
POINTING OUT IN A REVERSE GRIP POSITION. FULL FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH TONFA COMPLETING A FULL CIRCLE
AND ENDING UP IN THE STARTING POSITION.
Inside Flipping Strike (Half & Full)
SWING TONFA FROM INSIDE TO OUTSIDE, HITTING WITH SIDE OF TONFA. HALF FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH TONFA
POINTING OUT IN A REVERSE GRIP POSITION. FULL FLIPPING STRIKE ENDS WITH TONFA COMPLETING A FULL CIRCLE
AND ENDING UP IN THE STARTING POSITION.
Austin Society of Karate
5-12