Tonfa

The tonfa, also known as tong fa or tuifa, is a traditional Okinawan weapon from which the modern side-handled police baton is derived. Folklore says these were originally used as wooden handles that fit into the side of millstones and were later developed into weapons when Ryukyuan peasants were banned from using more traditional weaponry by the Japanese. Other sources say they have a richer history, extending back into Chinese martial arts, and appearing in Indonesian and Filipino cultures. It also appears in Thailand as the Mae Sun Sawk. The difference is that the Mae Sun Sawk has rope tying the elbow end of it to the arm (see the explanation below). Also used as the oak handle of millstone grinders used by Okinawan farmers.



media type="youtube" key="Rl_3fj6jV3w"

media type="youtube" key="6Vj8gT6FKL0"