In this definitive book on the advanced techniques of the tonfa, weapons expert Yamashita covers gripping, flipping, blocking, striking, block and counter, a karate kata adapted for tonfa, kumite, self-defense and a traditional tonfa kata. Fully illustrated.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Good, but error-filled:
This book is a good introduction to the tonfa, and the skills associated with it. It includes grips, blocks, strikes, katas, and defenses against various weapons. But the book was careless in detail. For example, of the 9 blocking position photos, 8 were mis-identified in the descriptions. The the main kata described (Hama Higa no Tonfa) includes 168 steps, but again the descriptions frequently don't line up with the photos, and the descriptions sometimes confuse left and right foot moves. A good book... more info
An in depth study of the Tonfa:
This book covers all main aspects of the tonfa, from the basic strikes to its modern use in America as the PR24. It contains two kata, Pinan Yondan and the legendary Hama Higa no Tonfa which are well illustrated and easy to follow. Also, the two kumite (Tonfa vs.Bo & Tonfa vs. Tonfa) are extremely useful in taking the practitioner to the level of actually applying the tonfa to realistic situations. I would disagree with the review below which states that this book has everything one needs to know... more info
The most advanced tonfa:
Not only a book, but a practical manual of all katas and positions offered by this increadible defense and attack weapon. If you're looking for a book where you can find both theory and practical contents, this is it! It has several examples of how to use a tonfa against sticks and other weapons alike. Incredible!
