How to Use an Eaku

When Okinawa was occupied by the Japanese, all weapons were confiscated by the conquerers. This prompted Okinawans to convert everyday objects into weapons, like a boat oar into the eaku. The name of one of the eaku kata (group of practice movements) translates to "attacking with sand," but before you start training for such an attack, follow a few guidelines for using the weapon.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Feel the weight of the eaku. It's heavy at the blade end, so it handles differently than the bo (staff). Note that the eaku is not a two-sided weapon-all the fighting is done with the blade.

2. Examine the blade. One side is flat and the other has an inverted V-shape. Practice manipulating the eaku so you always know the orientation of the blade.

3. Practice blocks with the flat side of the blade. These are performed in the same way as with the bo.

4. Use the V-shaped side of the blade for strikes. The raised center focuses all the force of the blow in a small area, making each strike devastating.

5. Turn the blade horizontally to make cuts with the edges.

6. Poke your opponent with the tip of the blade. If the eaku has a pointed tip, this a very effective technique.

7. Place the tip of the blade on the ground next to your hip, flat end turned in front, and thrust it up and forward, as if scooping up dirt to throw in your opponent's face. Try this outside to see how the eaku creates a wide fan of dirt with this movement.

Tips & Warnings

• As with all martial arts weapons, the eaku is not meant to be used in an actual fight. It is a training weapon, meant to increase fitness and further the student's understanding of the martial arts.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!