The tonfa is a hardwood truncheon with a wooden handle attached at right angles at about 6 inches (15 cm) from one end. The shaft of the tonfa is usually 20 - 24 inches (50 - 60 cm) in length. Ideally, if the martial artist holds the tunfa by the handle, the shaft should extend a slightly below the elbow. As is the case with many other Okinawan weapons, the tonfa was originally a farming tool. Tonfas were millstone handles. The okinawans adapted the tunfa for use in combat and a system of highly effective techniques were developed. The widespread use of tonfas (and their variants) by police departments and security agencies around the world, is evidence of the weapon's effectiveness.
Tonfas are ordinarily used in pairs. In combat with the tunfa held by the handle and the shaft lying along the forearm, the tonfa user can employ techniques almost identical to close-fisted techniques. The shaft reinforces forearm blocking techniques, and the hardwood construction even allows defense against bo, sword and naginata attacks. In this position the short ends of the tonfa can be used to punch an opponent. Other offensive applications include swivelling the tonfa so that the long end points away from the forearm. The tonfa then extends the reach, and can be used as a powerful bludgeoning tool.
Matayoshi nu tunfa ichi
Matayoshi nu tunfa ni