INTERNATIONAL SHURIWAY KARATE & KOBUDO SOCIETY

WEAPONS OF KOBUDO - EKU

The Eku was, and is, a genuine tool of Okinawan fisherman. Its popularity was obviousley greatest in fishing areas, like Tomari and some of the outlying islands.

The Okinawan oar is only slightley shorter in length than a Bo, and has a long narrow paddle. One side of the paddle is flat, or gently convex, while the other side is peaked. The tip is rounded or slightly pointed.

Its systemization is related greatly to the Bo, but its techniques take advantage of its unique structure. There are techniques for scooping sand into an enemy's face, striking with either end, chopping with the edges and percussive strikes with the flat.

The oar has not been very popular in Japan, however, it is not uncommon among high level Karate-ka on Okinawa.

Courtesy of RKAGB

Eku (oar)

[previous page]     [next page]     [mainpage]     [sitemap]