Advanced Tonfa: Japanese Weapons of Self-Defense (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The tonfa is known as a kobudo weapon, a class of ancient weapons which includes more than 20 different types..." (more)
Key Phrases: left tonfa, right tonfa, outward middle block (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this definitive book on the advanced techniques of the tonfa, weapons expert Yamashita covers gripping, flipping, blocking, striking, block and counter, a karate kata adapted for tonfa, kumite, self-defense and a traditional tonfa kata. Fully illustrated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Black Belt Communications; First Edition ~1st Printing edition (December 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897501179
• ISBN-13: 978-0897501170
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #678,783 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An in depth study of the Tonfa, November 25, 2000

By	Edd Hillman "[e-mail]" (UK) - See all my reviews

This book covers all main aspects of the tonfa, from the basic strikes to its modern use in America as the PR24. It contains two kata, Pinan Yondan and the legendary Hama Higa no Tonfa which are well illustrated and easy to follow. Also, the two kumite (Tonfa vs.Bo & Tonfa vs. Tonfa) are extremely useful in taking the practitioner to the level of actually applying the tonfa to realistic situations. I would disagree with the review below which states that this book has everything one needs to know (ie.all kata etc) about the tonfa. This is not the most advanced level of tonfajutsu, but it will test a tonfa pratitioner's ability and is most certainly an essential book to add to one's tonfa practice.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but error-filled, June 1, 2003

By	G. J. Dolicker (Cary, NC (USA)) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a good introduction to the tonfa, and the skills associated with it. It includes grips, blocks, strikes, katas, and defenses against various weapons. But the book was careless in detail. For example, of the 9 blocking position photos, 8 were mis-identified in the descriptions. The the main kata described (Hama Higa no Tonfa) includes 168 steps, but again the descriptions frequently don't line up with the photos, and the descriptions sometimes confuse left and right foot moves. A good book overall... but be prepared to interpret past the many mistakes.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most advanced tonfa, June 16, 2000

By	Carlos Barcellos (Brazil) - See all my reviews

Not only a book, but a practical manual of all katas and positions offered by this increadible defense and attack weapon. If you're looking for a book where you can find both theory and practical contents, this is it! It has several examples of how to use a tonfa against sticks and other weapons alike. Incredible!