Bethlehem Karate Academy

The Tonfa (Tunfa)

The Tonfa was usually made of wood and was used in pairs.  The Tonfa was about 18 to 22 inches in length.  The traditional use of the Tonfa was used as a handle to turn the manually operated millstone when grinding rice.  As a weapon the Tonfa was used to punch or strike, block or defect a attack.

 

The parts of the Tonfa

1. Gedan tsukagashira – the forward end of the tonfa above the grip

2. Tsuka - the handle grip

3. Tsukagashira - the round top of the grip

4. Tasui - the under side of the tonfa

5. Yoko nage - the upper side of the tonfa

6. Sokumen - the side of the tonfa

7. Ushiro tsukagashira – the butt end of the tonfa

8. Monouchi - the main body of the tonfa