Tonfa question

[lordtariel]

I'm going to start tonfa soon and had a couple of questions.

What are your prefrences on round or square tonfas? What was traditionally used? Is one style better than another?

Thanks for the help.

[bushido_man96]

Not sure on that one. I imagine round where traditional, because it was a grain milling tool.

I say, whatever you think.

[BB_FIXR]

Here is a link to an article on Tonfas.

http://www.msisshinryu.com/articles/tuifa/

I started them a few months ago, pretty cool weapon. I have a pair from Century, not too bad but very light oak. The Okinawan style are easier to use with the large knob on the end of the handle. You really need to sand the varnish off of them also. The factory finish is like stickum. Terry

[patusai]

I like the non-rounded ones better. I found that I can control it better. That's just me though.

[alsey]

i've never really practiced tonfa (just played around with them a few times), but i'd imagine the square ones are more traditional. a bit like nunchucks, today you get circular ones but they used to be angular; the edge is much more effective for striking with.

[strangepair03]

I personally like the square tuifa. If you are doing a lot of bo/tuifa kumite then I would use the round...they do not cause as much damage to the weapons. I am a big fan of shureido tuifa....Pricey yes, but they will last and are a smooth as silk.

[Holland]

I have always used the round shureido tonfa, but recently I was introduced by a squarish pair made by Master Carbone and I really liked them.

I am thinking about shelling out the 80 bucks to get a pair.

[KamasandSais]

I use the round tonfas and think they are better personally. Then agian some people agree and disagree. So i suggest you try them both and decide which one is better.

[parkerlineage]

Round = slippery but fast and very nice if you can control it.

Square = easier to control at first, but I find it harder to control them with the finess and minuteness with which I can control round.

Granted, I'm talking sai, nunchaku, and kama - I don't use tonfa - but I assume it's at least similar.

[Jiffy]

Yes and No. With Sai, Nunchuku and Tonfa, you generally hold the handle in normal or reverse grip (pointing handle for sai). With tonfa though, you rotate the main body while holding the handle. This makes the rotating force quite significant, which I find hard to control with the round ones.... something you don't really experience with the other 3 weapons.