The full name of the bo is “rokushakubo” (six foot staff). This is the simplest, most common of all kobudo weapons. It was used as either a walking staff, or also carried across the shoulders to transport grain, water, etc. When Okinawans were attacked, they could easily drop the load they were carrying and defend themselves by blocking, jabbing, striking, sweeping, or performing joint locks with the bo. Because of its simplicity and modern day application (pool cue, broom handle, hoe, board, etc.) it remains one of the most popular of all kobudo weapons among serious karate students. Some of the bo kata we learn in Matsumura Seito are Syushi No Kon Sho and Dai, Tokumine No Kon, and Sakugawa No Kon Sho. The bo is introduced at the 8th kyu blue belt level of training (approx. 6 months).

The sai evolved from farming tools used as a pitchfork, and to plant even rows of seeds. Over the years, the two side prongs (yoku) have become shorter to resemble what we know as the sai today. These weapons are used in pairs, with strikes being delivered with the points, the knob on the back of the handle, and also with the side of the center prong in a downward or sideways direction. The sai can also be used to block, either held against the forearm to strengthen the block, or held extended for greater reach. The yoku can be used to catch and trap an opponent’s weapon, immobilizing them while a counterattack is delivered. Very often, a third sai was carried tucked into the obi, available to throw at an oncoming attacker while still having two sai to defend with. One of the sai kata we practice was created by Hohan Soken, and is called Sokon no Sai. Sai are introduced at 5th kyu green belt level (approx. 1–11/2 year).

The kama is a short hand sickle. It has a 12-14” handle with a curved 6-8” blade at a 90 degree angle on one end. The kama are still used in Okinawa today to cut grass and sugar cane. Used in pairs, the kama can be used to cut and slash with the blade, and jab with the end of the handle. Kama techniques do not depend on power, but more on speed and fluidity. Like the sai, the kama can also be used to block, either against the forearm or extended from the hand.

Tunfa were used as handles for grinding wheels. They are about a foot and a half long, with a short handle extending at a 90-degree angle from one side. They are used in pairs, and when held by the handle with the length against the forearm, they can be employed to block, punch, and strike in a whipping motion when rotated in the hand. They can also be held with the short handle extended out for use in trapping and joint locks. The tunfa are such an effective weapon that many police forces around the world have adapted it to be carried as a nightstick. Tunfa training in our system begins at 2nd Dan level (approx. 6 years).

Because of its popularity in the movies and television, the nunchaku is probably the most recognized kobudo weapon in existence. Derived from horse bridles or tools used to beat grain to separate the grain from the husk, the nunchaku are simply two short sticks connected by a cord. They can be used in a spinning motion, both to strike and as a defensive tactic, but also can be used to block with either handle, strike with the ends of the handles, and to trap an opponent’s weapon or arm between the handles. Students begin training with the nunchaku at 4th Dan level.

Since Okinawa is an island and many of the early Okinawans made their livelihood from the sea as fishermen and merchants, boats and oars were extremely common around the island. It was only natural for a fisherman to have one, if not several, oars at his disposal at all times. While shorter than the bo, it is still a very effective weapon to keep an attacker at a distance. Also, the blade of the oar allows different variations of strikes, blocks and thrusts, as well as the ability to put the end into the ground and kick sand into the eyes of a sword-wielding attacker. While it is a very important kobudo weapon, it is not very often seen anymore, and usually reserved for higher-level kobudo practitioners. We begin practicing with the eku at 5th Dan level.