How to Size a Tonfa

Tonfa are baton-like weapons that are usually used in pairs for competition or self-defense.

When the ancient Japanese Samurai invaded the island of Okinawa, they forbade Okinawan natives from carrying weapons. Instead of remaining defenseless, however, Okinawans began to find ways to use everyday objects as self-defense weapons. One of these new weapons was the "tonfa." Tonfa were originally farm implements -- sticks that were inserted into holes in millstones used to grind rice. The tonfa is a wooden baton with a handle (grip) that is perpendicular to the body of the weapon.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the width of your hand at the knuckles. Choose a pair of tonfa with a grip that is as wide as (or slightly wider than) your hand. A smaller grip will make the tonfa difficult to use, so avoid purchasing a tonfa with a handle that is smaller than the width of your hand.

2. Measure your arm from the tip of your index finger to your elbow. Century Martial Arts recommends subtracting ½ inch from this measurement to prevent the body of the tonfa from extending more than an inch past your elbow. A correctly sized tonfa should be the same length as your arm, or no more than an inch longer.

3. Practice with a pair of tonfa before purchasing them if you have the opportunity. Compare the length, grip and weight to tonfa you have used in the past. Ask yourself if the tonfa are more or less comfortable than ones you have used before.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid purchasing tonfa that feel too heavy, too long or too short for you to manipulate them comfortably.

References

• Tonfa Martial Arts Weapons
• Torii Wood Weapons: Tonfa
• Century Martial Arts: How to Choose a Tonfa