Wastelander Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 I'm not a "weapons guy," but I find myself strangely interested in the mae sun sawk (wooden arm shields) of Siam/Thailand. They are the ancestors of what eventually became the Okinawan tonfa, and can even be seen in Hokama Sensei's Okinawan Karate History Museum. There are many different styles, but the ones in the Museum are basically heavy round tonfa that have ropes to tie them onto the forearms, with an extra handle to act as a handguard. My Sensei has a bigger interest in weapons than I do, and with his recent birthday and belt promotion, I decided to make him a pair. My woodworking skills are pretty poor, but I think they came out okay, all things considered.At this stage, they are basically just heavy round tonfa:http://s21.postimg.org/resirrc2f/11173323_1594811257428094_5093106604360184379_n.jpgNow, tonfa with a handguard:http://s21.postimg.org/rq9z4isif/11014633_1594811267428093_4796485270016800873_n.jpgThe handle and handguard pinned in place, and the holes drilled for the forearm ropes:http://s21.postimg.org/jolqmm9qv/11048744_1594811284094758_6977764894444985214_n.jpgAll finished, with the excess wood from the handle, guard, and pegs ground off, everything sanded smooth, and painted, with the tied forearm ropes:http://s21.postimg.org/3p3332dp3/11125189_1594811300761423_174736905038284635_n.jpgI presented them to my Sensei at the dojo, last night, and he was very pleased with them. Several other people were very excited about them, as well . Kishimoto-Di | 2014-Present | Sensei: Ulf KarlssonShorin-Ryu/Shinkoten Karate | 2010-Present: Yondan, Renshi | Sensei: Richard Poage (RIP), Jeff Allred (RIP)Shuri-Ryu | 2006-2010: Sankyu | Sensei: Joey Johnston, Joe Walker (RIP)Judo | 2007-2010: Gokyu | Sensei: Joe Walker (RIP), Ramon Rivera (RIP), Adrian RiveraIllinois Practical Karate | International Neoclassical Karate Kobudo Society Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oshishinobu Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 OSU!Those look awesome great job. Yeah those look great!OSU! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensei8 Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 Very nice there, Noah; indeed!! **Proof is on the floor!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathal Posted April 22, 2015 Share Posted April 22, 2015 I'm sure they're as effective as the older ones made a long time ago. They're simple and that is what tools and such are, simple. .The best victory is when the opponent surrendersof its own accord before there are any actualhostilities...It is best to win without fighting.- Sun-tzu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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