Points Credit : 75 points Currently valued at $7.50

The Tonfa was originally a wooden handle that fit into a hole on the side of a millstone used to grind rice and other grains, dating back to 15th century Okinawa. The handle, which was easily disengaged from the millstone, became a very effective weapon of defense. The Tonfa's circular movements as a farm implement evolved into its rotating strikes as a weapon. They may be used for blocks, thrusts, and strikes.

In 1906, the ownership of weapons was prohibited on the Okinawan Islands by the Japanese invaders. As a result, an exploration of self-defense techniques and new weapons for self-defense began. By spinning the Tonfa around the short handle, tremendous striking force may be generated. By using the long portion in conjunction with the short handle, the Tonfa may be used for numerous come-a-longs and arm locks.

Two Tonfa were often used simultaneously, and were very efficient against armed assailants. The side of the Tonfa was used for blocking, and the ends for direct punches.

Wooden Steel has now created its version of this ancient weapon. It features a traditional rounded barrel and a handle shaped to fit the hand with a handle pommel that is slightly exaggerated. The handles is one piece of wood with the attaching end made square. The end is then inserted into a square hole in the Tonfa along with a laminating glue. Once the lamination has dried it creates a super strong handle connection. But, we don’t stop there. Next, we drill through the Tonfa and the center of the square peg, using a knife makers technique called peening.  We insert a steel rod coated with epoxy, peen it (hit it on both sides with a a special hammer) so that it expands in the hole, then polish it smooth. This final step ensures a lasting strength and durability.

We can custom fit our tonfa to your specifications and offer a selection of woods from around the world.  We sell our Tonfa as a matched pair.

We can also create your Tonfa with a squared body with only slight tapers on each end instead of the rounded body. This style is actually my personal favorite as it is easier for me to control when blocking.

Handles can be done in our standard Hourglass Contoured handle or a more basic handle with no hourglass shaping.

Pictures shown are of a Round Barrel with a Standard (Hourglass Contoured) Handle.

* The correct sizing of Tonfa is essential for correct usage. To correctly use Tonfa, like any other weapon, it needs to be sized to you.

The measurements to use when placing an order are: 1) The elbow length and 2) the handle size.  Specify the elbow length plus extension beyond the elbow that your school or system requires.  It is typically 1 inch for most Kobudo schools. 

When measuring, hold a standard tonfa, short end out. Measure from the center of the handle to the end of your elbow. Add to this the extra length required by your system (usually 1 inch) to give you the 1st measurement. Next, measure the length of the handle from the surface of the tonfa to the end of your hand while holding the tonfa comfortably. Please note this measurement is to the end of your hand not the end of the handle. Our standard handles are contoured to fit the hand and this measurment allows us to give you a comfortable fit.

Please note: This is a Custom Hand Crafted product made to your order. Based on material availability, drying time of finish, and complexity of item ordered, there may be a 1 - 3 week time in addition to the shipping time for your final delivery.