Tonfa

This weapon originated from an ordinary household utensil, a handle for a mortar (or a hand mill). Its main purpose is defense. Attacking with Tunkua can also be powerful with the proper use of the wrist.

The Tonfa (more commonly known) can be pronounced many ways, such as “tunfa” and “Tunkua” (as preferred by our style). According to old Okinawan documents, Tuifa seems to have been the right name.

The word means, “handle” and has three theories as to its origin:

Rice GrinderMost common is the handle, wedged into a hole in the side of a large milling stone, for grinding rice and grain.
A hook for hanging pots over a fire or a table.
A type of short hoe in which the handle was used to dig.

Tonfa, usually made of red oak, measures around 15’’ to 20’’ in length with a handle at 90 degrees to the main body. Although the configuration of ancient tonfa remained constant in shape, the main body has differed in style from square to round, or half round.

This weapon is so versatile that the American police and some of the British forces have adopted the tonfa, i.e. the side handle batten or PR-24.
The weapon can be used to block, punch or strike. It is excellent for strengthening the practitioner’s wrists, forearms and grip. It is a very difficult weapon to control and used efficiently.