Tonfas...

[zerohour]

Are Tonfa's usually used in pairs? Or do you start learning just with one, and step up to two when you know what you're doing? Just wondering because i'd like to have a go with one. Thanks.

[Pacificshore]

I've learned them in pairs, so as to better familarize and maniupulate them at the same time. As one blocks, the other strikes

[Shorin Ryuu]

Tonfa are traditionally used and taught in pairs. I find it easiest if you find one that fits you, as they are much more difficult to handle (sometimes literally the handle) otherwise.

[Chibi]

1 tonfa, 2 tonfa, 3 tonfa,....

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Tonfa are used and learned in pairs normally, but can certainly be used individually. I begin teaching them to a student with one in each hand because they are just an extension of the arm, and at the point I teach the weapon (sankyu) they already have a solid grasp of the system.

 

With slight modifications, the basic blocks and strikes of karate and kobudo are the same in our system, so the transition from empty hand to weapons training is pretty smooth.

 

As with any weapon, proper instruction to get the maximum benefit from each weapon is important. It's very easy to teach yourself bad technique, and then have difficulty unlearning that technique when you begin learning the weapon properly.

[GreatSeekerofTruth]

Tonfa are utilised as a pair.

 

however, if yo ulive in the UK, you cannot BUY, SELL, CARRY or otherwise have in your possesion except if on a direct route between home and class ( no popping for petrol or a loaf of bread on route ) as they are now listed as an restricted weapon. ( June 04 ammendment to the Criminal Justice act )

 

which is SO funny. A baseball bat - legal, a side handled baton - illeagal

 

12 inch bucher knife rolled up in a bag - legal - side hanled wooden baton - not.

 

I can see the criminals wondering what they will lever do without it. should take them .5 seconds to remeber the easily converted handgun they can get from the fishing shop.

[aefibird]

Many martial arts weapons are now restricted under amendments to the Criminal Justice act, unless they are carried in a zipped (pref. locked) case either to or from training.

 

If you have them in your car then you must carry them in the boot (trunk), which must be locked.

[Sphintai]

I'd like to learn tonfa, but the only way I would be able to learn any weapon would be way of self taught, through videos and books, and I don't think that's a good idea.

[ninelivesarentenough]

would you ever use a tonfa in ur non-dominant hand and let's say a sword in the dominant hand? seems like it'd be somewhat effective.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

would you ever use a tonfa in ur non-dominant hand and let's say a sword in the dominant hand? seems like it'd be somewhat effective.

 

I suppose you could use them that way, but if you're using a Japanese katana, it's a two handed weapon and not really designed for one handed use.