Tonfa: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense Paperback – May 1, 1982

This is a very basic, practical introduction to the use of the tonfa for self defense. I was first introduced to the tonfa back in the mid-1970's after receiving my first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It is truly an archetypal weapon in that as you develop facility with it, you will be able to pick up similarly configured natural items, (chair legs, tree branches, similarly configured tire irons and the like), and know how to use them for defense. In the last 70's and early 1980's I was introduced to the PR24 Prosecutor baton (side-handled baton), while working in law enforcement. Since the PR24 was a logical extension of the tonfa, the techniques transferred trivially. Now, coming full circle, I am going back to fundamentals of the tonfa for practical self defense. I have purchased this book in both print form and Kindle format, and have even given the Kindle version as a gift to a martial arts friend of mine who had no background with the weapon, but whose martial arts teacher-father, gave him a set for Christmas. I highly recommend this book in either format.

_Tonfa-Karate_Weapon_of_Self-Defense_ by Fumio Demura is an excellent introductory text to the tonfa. For those not familiar with it, tonfa are a handheld weapon that look like a 1 to 2-inch thick piece of hardwood about 6-8 inches longer than the forearm, with a handle about 4 or 5 inches from one end. The handle is held in the fist and the rest of the tonfa is used as a guard along the forearm, or either end can be used as a punch extender, the tonfa can be rotated around the handle for a circular strike, and there are numerous trapping techniques that can be used with the tonfa.This book does a very good job talking about the history of the tonfa, construction and types of materials, and basic stances, strikes, and blocks with the tonfa. It also has some more complicated striking techniques and a number of multi-step drills to show how the tonfa can be used against other weapons and how the tonfa can be to trap or lock another person's limbs. Some techniques use only one tonfa, and some use two.I consider it to be quite a good book for someone (like me) who is new to the tonfa.

Clearly written with eaSy to follow instructions. This book greatly assisted me with my proficiency with thE Tonfa

Used to own a copy of this years ago now I have it again

This book made it to me VERY quickly. I've already read it from front to back and can't wait to put it to use with my tonfa (expected soon thru Black Belt Store). This is a good book for martial artists with some background in striking techniques. It's not necessary, but it couldn't hurt. But for the sake of just getting started with tonfa training, this book by Sensei Fumio Demura is great!

It bring to me more information that I don't think before.I'm practicing follow this book.More lesson I have not learn yet.

This was a gift and was well received. As far as I am able to determine it was the best book on the subject.

A great introduction to tonfa, perfect for beginners but with enough application that even the more advanced student will find something new

Besides of the poor quality of the pictures, you won't learn much from its content.

Awesome book

Item did not show up. Its been 3 months . It would have been a great item.

There are many black-white picture which I found OK. You will not find many, long texts and descriptions and I agree with this way of martial arts book writing because this book is supposed to be used as visual aid. Very well described typical karate technique application with tonfa in your hands. There are many pictures with classical karate techniques and tonfa techniques with next to it. So, if you have at least beginner level you will easy understand the tonfa application. Surely the practical tonfa application by you is in your own hands only. From my point of view there are many (I would say plenty) of tonfa application hints for police work and there is a need of you imagination and practice only. The techniques presented in this books are not only about using such parts of tonfa like bottom, back head or front head but there are techniques how to apply all parts of this specific weapon. And please do not get desperate or wrath just because of finding this book thin (144 pages). Book is only about practical application and there are not many, long and even boring texts.

A very good book for explaining the basic tonfa moves but overall fell short of my expectations. I got the 1982 copy which i dont know whether has been updated. I was expecting more explanation of locks and controls but this book focused on the blocks and strikes. If you want basics this will enhance other reading but will not explain any locks or takedowns with the tonfa.