Expert: Colin Wee - 2/20/2007

Question
Hi. My question is about Tonfa. I currently have a pair of Tonfa that fit me extremely well with excellent balance, but are flaking all over the place (wood splinters keep on happening). I am interested in buying a new pair. Firstly, I'd like to know what is the best wood to look for? Secondly, I need to know about sizing information. Thirdly, what type of finish if any should I look for? And Lastly, I was wondering what you thought about how I can fix my existing Tonfa. Also, any other information you can volunteer on this subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time,
Sean

Answer
"I currently have a pair of Tonfa that fit me extremely well with excellent balance, but are flaking all over the place (wood splinters keep on happening)."

The Tonfa is an extremely comforting weapon, isn't it? Unlike the nunchaku, which is all-over-the-shop, the Tonfa provides great coverage, is an extension of your hands, and allows you to use hard-style linear power at your discretion.

I don't have very extensive knowledge of weapons maintenance. My two cents worth is that if you have a current favourite weapon, you should try to restore it to usuable condition. Perhaps you should try sanding it down with a fine sandpaper and then applying a natural oil to the wood? The splinters indicate that the wood you are using may not be dense enough to have withstood the kind of punishment you're doling out on the weapon. If this doesn't work, then another option, which is not an attractive option from a user's perspective is to sand it down and then apply a lacquer finish on to it. I believe if you choose a water-based mat finish lacquer, it should not by to sticky on your hands when you want to use the tonfa for training again. It will however change the way you interact with the surface of your weapon. It will surely not be the same anymore.

"I am interested in buying a new pair."

I have only purchased cheap tonfas before. On a quick search, woods used for bokken are: mahogany, oak, hickory, coccobolo, and Rosewood. There are a few main hardwoods used in Japan that are not available outside Japan, but for the type of weapon you're asking for, adding on such expense is really not needed (hardwoods are expensive enough already). What seems to be important is for the density of wood you choose.  Higher grades of wood are more dense with tighter grain structure. It will also give you a smooth finish which will resist the abuse you heap on your weapon. From what I understand, you want to look out for something from 0.75 to 0.95 specific gravity. The higher the better.

Sizing? According to what I know, you measure from the tip of the extended index finger to the end of the bent elbow. Then subtract 1/2 inch. Of course, you may vary this according to your own personal preferences, skill and training.

As I have not trained extensively with the Tonfa, I can only tell you what little I have learned about the weapon. If you want me to extrapolate, then some advice is as follows:
1. Tonfa as used by hard linear styled okinawan arts should not be a swinging type weapon - it should allow you to easily generate forward lunging or linear power. Therefore the 'generic' lengths that tonfa come in are way too long. If you buy a cheap set, you may choose to further customize it based off of your own arm length as calculated above.
2. The grip should allow you to have a secure hold of your tonfa but also allow you to extend it when necessary or swing it for a longer strike. But you need to regain control of the weapon easily. This means that the weapon should not be too slippery or overly sticky on your hands. Wrapping tennis handle or spongy tape over the handles is a no-no.
3. If you are making it yourself, buy the best wood that you can afford.
4. There's a discussion based off of sizing of tonfa and handle at http://www.fightingarts.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=15894641&an=0&p...

Good luck!

Regards,

Colin