Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (Literary links to the Orient) [Paperback]

Fumio Demura (Author)

Book Description

Series: Literary links to the Orient | Publication Date: May 1, 1982

Though neither as flashy nor as glamorous as the nunchaku, the tonfa is an essential tool in the kobudo tradition of self-defense. When wielded properly, this deceptively simple weapon becomes a graceful and poetic extension of the martial artist's open-hand techniques. By following the detailed photos and instructions in this classic text, one can unleash the true power of this ancient weapon and training tool. Practicing with the tonfa will improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications (May 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897500806
• ISBN-13: 978-0897500807
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to the tonfa, November 25, 2000

By 

Edd Hillman (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (Literary links to the Orient) (Paperback)

This book covers all the fundamental aspects of the tonfa. It looks at stances, basic strikes, swings etc. It is relatively simple and doesn't go into any depth or any advanced techniques, so I consider this book to be only a reference source for the seasoned tonfa practitioner. But anyone who's new to the tonfa should most certainly buy this book. It will lay a strong foundation in their techniques as they move onto more advanced levels.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tonfariffic, November 8, 2000

By 

Grant Meredith (ballarat, victoria Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (Literary links to the Orient) (Paperback)

Another solid text from our friend Sensei Demura. This is part of his popular set on Okinawan Weaponry and well worth the cost. Portrayed in the book is weapon history, basic stances, grips, blocks and strikes. Demura also covers self defense applications against many various attacks. For all Karate and Kobudo students I would reccomend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Refernce Tool for Okinawan Weapons, December 31, 1999

By 

C. Pellitteri (Upland, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense (Literary links to the Orient) (Paperback)

Sensei Demura's books are a must have for any traditonal martial artist, or anyone wishing to understand the true natue and application of traditional Okinawan Weapons.
It covers the basic grips, strikes, stances, and blocks with a basic kata (form) and even some self-defense applications.
The pictures are relatively easy to follow and each has a discription of the technique involved.
This series of weapons books from Demura Sensei is considered by many to be the classics of weapons texts. Although they are a little dated, and learning any weapon is easier from DVD or video, it is a great reference piece and a must have for any serious student of the martial arts and kobudo.