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.

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 doesnt give much information about the tonfa .a very basic book . it might be ok if you have just started karate but if you are looking for a book that really tells you about the weapon this is not it. i believe I would look for another book.

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

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

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.