Tonfa Instructions

Tonfa, originally handles of a tool used to turn a millstone, have a purpose as a dual-wielded martial arts weapon. They can be blunt or bladed, but most consist of wooden sticks alone. Tonfa rely on rotational force from the hips, elbows and wrists to give them the force necessary to end a conflict. You can use tonfa as defensive weapons because they can shield the forearm from attack. Tonfa techniques exist in modern-day law enforcement.

  1. Stance and Holding the Tonfa

    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight distributed evenly. Face directly forward, and hold your arms down by your sides. Grip the tonfa with the handle pointing up, and the longer portion pointed backward along your forearm. Hold it firmly, but not with excessive force. Holding any weapon too tightly makes you unable to wield it flexibly, and tires your forearm muscles. Never grip the tonfa by anything but the handle; in a fight, your opponent would have the opportunity to disarm you.

    Striking

    • According to Mastering the Tonfa, most of the powerful tonfa strikes come from flipping the blade and striking the opponent. Quick strikes involve jabbing the front head--the part that points forward from your fist. Like most karate weapons, you can use them by executing hand-to-hand techniques. A straight punch, for example, translates to a thrust with the tonfa's front head. A backfist could turn into a swiping attack to your opponent's temple. The main targets of attack for the tonfa include the nose, mouth, throat, center of the chest, kneecaps and groin. To strike with the back head, or long portion, punch with your fist held vertically, thumb up. As your fist approaches, curl the fist inward and loosen your grip so the tonfa spins. When the long portion fully extends, tighten your grip.

    Blocking

    • Blocking with a tonfa works the same way as blocking without a weapon. The tonfa protects your forearm from the force of an attack--or from the edge of a bladed weapon such as a sword or knife. For example, to block an overhead strike, sweep your right or left forearm directly upward at a 45-degree angle while holding the tonfa snugly against your arm. The oncoming blow will slide off to the side. Don't block at right angles or hold your arm too close to your head; the force will transfer to you and cause injury. You should see your arm at the edges of your peripheral vision. Time your block; if you block too soon, your opponent can adjust and attack your midsection.