Eku
Encyclopedia
Eku is an ancient weapon of Okinawan kobudō
that originated from an oar
, approximately 160 cm in length. According to myth, the oar was traditionally adapted for use as a weapon of self-defense
by fishermen
against foes armed with more conventional weapons.
In fact the Japanese had already conquered Okinawa and put their old officers to work teaching the commons some weaponry in order to put them first in line against a possible Chinese invasion.
However, since quality weapons were expensive, the civilians had to use what equipment they had.
The Ryuku oar, in Okinawa "Eku" or "Eiku", came to represent the naginata
.
Naginata means "Blade on staff" which is exactly what it is.
The Jo stick was used primarily against swords and the Bo staff against spears.
Usually before learning eiku properly, one has to master the bo.
The eiku has a displaced center of gravity and is heavier than the bo, and is thus considered more difficult to master. Because of its weight, eku techniques are also often capitalized on the momentum of large circular attacks.
The Eku was used in the Asian movie Bruka Hindiu, where it was the focus of a mysterious power.
Okinawan kobudo
Okinawan kobudō is a Japanese term that can be translated as "old martial way of Okinawa"...
that originated from an oar
Oar
An oar is an implement used for water-borne propulsion. Oars have a flat blade at one end. Oarsmen grasp the oar at the other end. The difference between oars and paddles are that paddles are held by the paddler, and are not connected with the vessel. Oars generally are connected to the vessel by...
, approximately 160 cm in length. According to myth, the oar was traditionally adapted for use as a weapon of self-defense
Self-defense
Self-defense, self-defence or private defense is a countermeasure that involves defending oneself, one's property or the well-being of another from physical harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many...
by fishermen
Fisherman
A fisherman or fisher is someone who captures fish and other animals from a body of water, or gathers shellfish. Worldwide, there are about 38 million commercial and subsistence fishermen and fish farmers. The term can also be applied to recreational fishermen and may be used to describe both men...
against foes armed with more conventional weapons.
In fact the Japanese had already conquered Okinawa and put their old officers to work teaching the commons some weaponry in order to put them first in line against a possible Chinese invasion.
However, since quality weapons were expensive, the civilians had to use what equipment they had.
The Ryuku oar, in Okinawa "Eku" or "Eiku", came to represent the naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
.
Naginata means "Blade on staff" which is exactly what it is.
The Jo stick was used primarily against swords and the Bo staff against spears.
Usually before learning eiku properly, one has to master the bo.
The eiku has a displaced center of gravity and is heavier than the bo, and is thus considered more difficult to master. Because of its weight, eku techniques are also often capitalized on the momentum of large circular attacks.
The Eku was used in the Asian movie Bruka Hindiu, where it was the focus of a mysterious power.
Kata
- Chikin Sunakake no Eku - Ryukyu KobudoRyukyu KobudoRyukyu Kobudo is the branch of Okinawan Kobudo developed and systemized by Taira Shinken under the association.Ryukyu Kobudo uses the following weapons: Bō, Sai, Eku, Kama, Tinbe-Rochin, Tekko, Nunchaku and Tonfa.-Ryūkyū Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai:...
- Tsuken Akachu No Eiku De - Matayoshi KobudoMatayoshi KobudoMatayoshi Kobudo is a style of Okinawan Kobudo that was developed by Matayoshi Shinpo during the Twentieth Century. Martial arts have been practiced by the Matayoshi family for over 9 generations. The honbu dojo for Matayoshi Kobudo is the Kodokan and can be found in Naha, Okinawa...
External links
- Article, images & video on Eku (Okinawa Prefectural Government website)