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The art of Okinawan weapons or "Kobudo" was developed on the island of Okinawa by peasants and farmers that were denied the possession of weapons by the Kings and Lords of the time. Stripped of weapons, these civilians were forced to develop unarmed methods of self-defense, now known as Karate, which turned their bodies into lethal weapons. They also developed the art of Kobudo from simple tools and farming implements to defend against fierce armor clad warriors brandishing swords. Practitioners of the Okinawan weapons develop greater hand & forearm strength and increased dexterity & hand-eye coordination.

BO

	The rokushakubo, or bo for short, is believed to originate from China but the tapered version - called a kon - is native to Okinawa. The tapered staff is approximately six feet in length, with the ends tapering considerably. Due to the reduced circumference of the kon's ends, it has greater striking power than the rokushakubo and ensnares less with chained weapons. Bo techniques were not designed or developed for the warrior class but for the farmers and fishermen who needed protection from thieves and outlaws. The bo was readily available in the form of long-handled tools, ex. When laid across the shoulders, one could carry two heavy buckets of water on each end.

SAI
	The sai, made of iron, were not native to Okinawa. They were most likely brought from China. The shaft and tines of the sai were used to block, strike and ensnare enemy weapons. One theory states that the sai was originally used by farmers to make equally spaced holes in the ground for planting seeds. This weapon is most commonly used in pairs.

TONFA
	The tonfa is a section of wood that was derived from the handles of a millstone. The wooden handles were held, while the long shaft was swung and flailed at the attacker, then brought along the forearm to block attacks. This weapon is most commonly used in pairs.

NUNCHAKU

	The nunchaku is a set of two cylindrical blocks of wood joined together by a cord. Theories regarding the origin of the nunchaku include it was an instrument used for crushing beans or it was and instrument carried by village night watchmen who would hit the ends together to get attention and announce warnings. Modern martial art movies have drastically exaggerated the traditional use of the nunchaku. No real practitioner would swing the nunchaku under his legs and around his neck while his enemy was trying to kill him. The skill was in quick, effective blocks and pin point strikes at the enemy. After the end hit a target, it would be quickly recoiled and brought within the user's control, ready for another block or strike.

KAMA

	The kama, or nichogama, is an agricultural sickle which use is still common today. It has a long wooden handle with a razor-sharp curved blade at the end. Used in pairs they were flexibly reversed in the hand for both slashing and striking in a great many directions. This weapon is most commonly used in pairs.