The Bo & Sai
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Okinawan Weapons
Interest in unarmed fighting arts increased during the 14th
century when King Sho Hanshi of Chuzan established his rule
over Okinawa and banned all weapons. A more rapid
development of tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma
Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa and again banned the
possession of weapons (swords and firearms). Thus Tode or
Okinawan Te, as the Satsuma Samurai soon called it, became
the only means of protection left to the Okinawans. Thus it
was this atmosphere that honed the early Karate like arts of
Okinawa into a weapon, enabling the island people to
conduct a guerrilla type war with the Japanese Samurai that
lasted into the late 1800's.
The Okinawan people developed their farming and fishing
tools into weapons that were very effective against the
samurai. The Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, Bo, and Tonfa were the
most common that were utilized. But they also trained with
the Ekku (Oar), Tekki (Okinawan Brass knuckles), Nunti Bo
(Boat Gaff), Kusarigama (Kama with a long chain mounted to
the handle), Nitan Bo (two short sticks), Tenbei (Short Spear
with a tortoise shell shield), and also a kanzashi (hairpin).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bo
History:
The Bo is one of the five weapons systematized by the early
Okinawan developers of the style known as te (hand). In
feudal Japan it was part of the bugei (early Japanese martial
arts) and was used by samurai, priests and commoners alike.
Its six foot length made it an apt weapon against swordsman,
disarming the opponent, as well as dislodging a man on
horseback, while allowing the user to remain at a safe
distance.
Traditional use:
The Bo evolved from a pole laid across the shoulders to
carry water or other loads (fruits or vegetables). As a
fighting instrument, it allowed blocking and striking against
a range of weapons.
Current use:
Now part of the budo, the Bo is still used in kata
performance, as well as Bo tai Bo training. Physical
conditioning with the Bo improves balance and upper body
strength. Remember a Bo can be found anywhere: a pool
stick, tree limb, broom, mop, etc..
The Sai
History:
The Sai are present in Okinawan and in other Asian weapon
arsenals. The Sai was used to stab, block, trap and punch.
Practitioners often carried a Sai in each hand and a spare in
the belt. An Okinawan could throw the third sai at an
opponent and still maintain the other two for sword
defense.
Traditional use:
The Sai is believed to have originated from basically nothing
more than a digging tool used to pull out native potatoes
and yams. As a weapon, it was used in conjunction with
various karate stances, techniques and in defense against
sword attacks.
Current use:
With sometimes dulled points, the Sai is now a karate training
weapon. It tests accuracy in striking and quick
block-and-counter techniques. It also develops strong
shoulders, forearms and wrist strength.
Interest in unarmed fighting arts increased during the 14th
century when King Sho Hanshi of Chuzan established his rule
over Okinawa and banned all weapons. A more rapid
development of tode followed in 1609 when the Satsuma
Clan of Kyushu, Japan occupied Okinawa and again banned the
possession of weapons (swords and firearms). Thus Tode or
Okinawan Te, as the Satsuma Samurai soon called it, became
the only means of protection left to the Okinawans. Thus it
was this atmosphere that honed the early Karate like arts of
Okinawa into a weapon, enabling the island people to
conduct a guerrilla type war with the Japanese Samurai that
lasted into the late 1800's.
The Okinawan people developed their farming and fishing
tools into weapons that were very effective against the
samurai. The Kama, Sai, Nunchaku, Bo, and Tonfa were the
most common that were utilized. But they also trained with
the Ekku (Oar), Tekki (Okinawan Brass knuckles), Nunti Bo
(Boat Gaff), Kusarigama (Kama with a long chain mounted to
the handle), Nitan Bo (two short sticks), Tenbei (Short Spear
with a tortoise shell shield), and also a kanzashi (hairpin).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bo
History:
The Bo is one of the five weapons systematized by the early
Okinawan developers of the style known as te (hand). In
feudal Japan it was part of the bugei (early Japanese martial
arts) and was used by samurai, priests and commoners alike.
Its six foot length made it an apt weapon against swordsman,
disarming the opponent, as well as dislodging a man on
horseback, while allowing the user to remain at a safe
distance.
Traditional use:
The Bo evolved from a pole laid across the shoulders to
carry water or other loads (fruits or vegetables). As a
fighting instrument, it allowed blocking and striking against
a range of weapons.
Current use:
Now part of the budo, the Bo is still used in kata
performance, as well as Bo tai Bo training. Physical
conditioning with the Bo improves balance and upper body
strength. Remember a Bo can be found anywhere: a pool
stick, tree limb, broom, mop, etc..
The Sai
History:
The Sai are present in Okinawan and in other Asian weapon
arsenals. The Sai was used to stab, block, trap and punch.
Practitioners often carried a Sai in each hand and a spare in
the belt. An Okinawan could throw the third sai at an
opponent and still maintain the other two for sword
defense.
Traditional use:
The Sai is believed to have originated from basically nothing
more than a digging tool used to pull out native potatoes
and yams. As a weapon, it was used in conjunction with
various karate stances, techniques and in defense against
sword attacks.
Current use:
With sometimes dulled points, the Sai is now a karate training
weapon. It tests accuracy in striking and quick
block-and-counter techniques. It also develops strong
shoulders, forearms and wrist strength.
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