Though neither as flashy nor as glamorous as the nunchaku, the tonfa is an essential tool in the kobudo tradition of self-defense. When wielded properly, this deceptively simple weapon becomes a graceful and poetic extension of the martial artist's open-hand techniques. By following the detailed photos and instructions in this classic text, one can unleash the true power of this ancient weapon and training tool. Practicing with the tonfa will improve balance, coordination, and strength.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Good introduction to the tonfa:
_Tonfa-Karate_Weapon_of_Self-Defense_ by Fumio Demura is an excellent introductory text to the tonfa. For those not familiar with it, tonfa are a handheld weapon that look like a 1 to 2-inch thick piece of hardwood about 6-8 inches longer than the forearm, with a handle about 4 or 5 inches from one end. The handle is held in the fist and the rest of the tonfa is used as a guard along the forearm, or either end can be used as a punch extender, the tonfa can be rotated around the handle for a circular strike,... more info
An excellent introduction to the tonfa:
This book covers all the fundamental aspects of the tonfa. It looks at stances, basic strikes, swings etc. It is relatively simple and doesn't go into any depth or any advanced techniques, so I consider this book to be only a reference source for the seasoned tonfa practitioner. But anyone who's new to the tonfa should most certainly buy this book. It will lay a strong foundation in their techniques as they move onto more advanced levels.
Tonfariffic:
Another solid text from our friend Sensei Demura. This is part of his popular set on Okinawan Weaponry and well worth the cost. Portrayed in the book is weapon history, basic stances, grips, blocks and strikes. Demura also covers self defense applications against many various attacks. For all Karate and Kobudo students I would reccomend this book!
A Classic Refernce Tool for Okinawan Weapons:
Sensei Demura's books are a must have for any traditonal martial artist, or anyone wishing to understand the true natue and application of traditional Okinawan Weapons. It covers the basic grips, strikes, stances, and blocks with a basic kata (form) and even some self-defense applications. The pictures are relatively easy to follow and each has a discription of the technique involved. This series of weapons books from Demura Sensei is considered by many to be the classics of weapons texts. Although... more info
