Tanks, Cybernaughts, Daleks and Diving suits in the Middle Ages!
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Tenouchi
I am a great admirer of the kongo, and once wrote an article on the manrikigusari so it was only natural that the tenouchi would interest me. Tenouchi (“inside the hand”) is a term that has several meanings in Japanese and can mean just a yawara stick or a small hand weapon.
The tenouchi we are considering is a kongo or yawara stick with a cord attached to its middle. This cord is tied so that it forms a figure eight shape.
So I grabbed a bit of scrap broomstick and some paracord and got carving. Here is my first attempt with a kongo beside it.
This particular example has a 6" handle. Most of my kongos area around 5" so I carved a 6" for variety. I am very pleased with the shape of this one but later learnt that tenouchi handles tended to be smaller so that they could more easily slip between the loops of the cord. Serge Mol’s “Classical Weaponry of Japan” gives dimensions as being about 16cm, while Don Cunningham’s “Secret Weapons of Jujutsu” shows a handle that looks to be 7-8". I’ve had no problems with my 6" handle but if you are making your own you should start with a handle that should be just long enough so that there is enough to strike with on either side of your hand.
The cord part was given as 180 cms in Mol's book, which happenes to be my height. If you are significantly shorter or taller than this you might consider using your own height to get the proportions right. The cord was threaded through the hole drilled in the handle and tied in a figure eight. I tied an loose overhand knot in the very centre of the cord, threaded the free ends through it and then tied a fisherman’s knot whose two halves pulled tight against the central overhand. This is a very neat way of making the figure eight.
The first method is to hold the handle in your strong hand, the cord projecting between the second and third fingers. Hold the end of the cord in your other hand. With this hold attacks can be parried with the stretched length of cord. Attacking limbs can be wrapped and manipulated with the cord. See my article on the manrikigusari for some ideas. The cord can also be looped over the head to pull, throw or garrotte. The handle is a kongo, so can strike with either end or can be used to assist in lock or bone-crushing (koppo) techniques.
On the second method the handle is held as before but the far loop is thrown over the strong hand so it rests across the top of the forearm. The loops of cord hang down under the arm. The hanging cord can be slipped over a limb or the neck and the handle pulled through the distal loop. This forms a noose. The rest of the cord can be looped around other body parts to bind the enemy and pull the noosed limb against the torso and immobilize it. One interesting variation is to lower the cord, place your foot on it and pull on the handle to bring your foe down to the ground.
The third method may not be traditional, but is something I came up with in experimentation. Hold the handle as before and slip the distal loop over your first two fingers. Release the handle and twirl the weapon around by wrist action. This makes an impressive noise. With a light wooden handle such as mine this is mainly an intimidation and hazing technique. Possibly the spinning cord could be wrapped around a limb and the free end caught in the other hand. Some tenouchi have metal handles and these might have been more effective striking weapons when flailed. From this hold I found it was possible to slip the end loop over the top of the handle using your forefinger. The hanging loops could then be hooked over an enemy and the handle pulled through with thumb and forefinger to form the noose described in the second method.
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Flails and Flexible Maces.
For this class of weapon we have an ambivalence of terminology. The rather clumsy term of “ball and chain” is possibly the most accurately descriptive. “morning star” or “morning star mace” is another term commonly used but this is also applied to some forms of non-articulated club. The term flail can be used for a “ball and chain” although to some this only suggests the sort of weapon made from two lengths of wood joined by a hinge. This latter class of weapons are sometimes termed “bar flails”.
Flexible weapons such as the flail have several advantages over more rigid weapons. The first is that the end can be swung at a greater velocity, offering a faster strike with considerably more momentum. Both the knight and the common footsoldier found that the flail was a very effective device for unhorsing a mounted enemy. Flails were also difficult weapons to defend against since the head could curve over the top of a shield or weapon to strike the man behind. Chain flails also could be made to wrap around an enemy’s limb or weapon, disarming him or pulling him off balance.
This class of weapon can be subdivided into several parts. Most well known is the ball and chain type weapon most commonly associated with the medieval knight, although in the west it appears to have remained in use up to the 18th century. This weapon has a relatively short handle and one or more chains with weighted ends. Some models have an enlarged link or ring as the final part of the chain
Most well known of the bar-flail type weapons is the numchukas, which is essentially the agricultural tool used for flailing rice throughout the orient. Many bar-flails have distinct striking and handle sections and on many the handle may be of staff proportions, creating a weapon of polearm dimensions. These weapons are very similar in form and size to the tools used for threshing wheat in western agriculture. Such weapons are also found in China, though I don’t know if these originated in the north of China where wheat growing is more common. In the West the striking section (termed a “swingle”) was often enhanced with spikes or bands of iron. Another feature encountered was a hook between swingle and shaft to prevent it swinging about when not needed. Long handled bar-flails were a foot-soldier’s weapon and seem to be more commonly used by common soldiers and peasants than knights.
The Chinese Three-Section staff can be regarded as a relative of the long shafted bar-flails.
A flexible weapon of note is the Japanese chigiriki. This resembles the ball and chain mace used in other cultures but differs in both the handle and the chain are at least two and a half feet long each. These increased dimensions offer some interesting capabilities. The weapon can be used single handed but a two handed grip is likely to be more common. The handle is essentially a short staff or jo and can be used for various offensive and defensive Jo-jitsu techniques. A pointed ferrule or spear-point placed at the butt of the shaft would seem to be a useful addition, but I have no evidence that this has ever been attempted.
As well as being swung in a conventional manner several other techniques are known to have been used with this weapon. The length of chain is sufficient that the weight can be taken in the hand and thrown directly at a foe like a rock. Alternately the weight can be twirled like a bolas/ lasso and cast at an enemy. Both these techniques cause the weight to travel in a line rather than an arc. By coordinating such attacks with footwork and position of the handle a target several metres away from the fighter can be hit. By a sharp pull on the chain the weight can be recovered for another attempt or alternate technique.
Another interesting technique is to grasp the chain and strike the enemy with the handle section of the weapon. This would be useful in a situation when it was undesirable for the weapon to entangle with a target. This might occur if fighting multiple opponents. It might also be a good strategy against a mounted opponent. The handle could be struck across both the horse’s forelegs then the weapon employed conventionally against the thrown rider.
In Sid Campbell’s “Exotic Weapons of the Ninja” we are informed that the chain and staff of the chigiriki are proportioned so that it is highly unlikely that the weight can swing into the fighter’s hand when it is taunt. If we look at flails from other cultures we often see a similar design feature, but this is no means universal. Some flails were doubtlessly used when wearing stout plate gauntlets, but this was not true for all cultures or time periods. It seems odd that there appear to be no designs of flail with any form of hand protection, such as an open-topped knuckle bow. This feature is seen on some kusarigama.
Some forms of kusarigama can be regarded as flails with blades added. Serge Mol’s “Classical Weapons of Japan” shows an example with a stabbing point in addition to the side (kama) blade.
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Feet and Kidneys
I guess in twenty or so years time the internet will be full of blogs by middle-aged men detailing their medical problems. This is not intended to be one of them and my reasons for straying to this topic should become clear later.
A few years ago I managed to snap the tendons in both my legs. Nothing to do with martial arts practice, just something that happened one day. I discovered it was quite possible to limp with both legs at the same time. Fast forward a few years and the tendons don’t heal straight because I am naturally flat-footed. Now the flat feet are bothering me because my tendons are not straight. It does have a certain symmetry!
Recently the left foot has been getting worse and I have been troubled by pains in the kidney region. In a previous post I related an amusing incident while I was at the urology department. A letter arrived recently telling me that while my kidneys had stones and cysts it was unlikely these were responsible for the pain. The specialist had noted my limp and leg problems and wondered if these may be putting pressure on my spine.
Then the other night, reading a martial art related book I came across the following diagram:
Nearly kicked myself for not making the connection before! The Acupressure Kidney Meridian starts on the sole of the foot. That blue dot is right where I usually experience pain from my foot.
Could it be the reason I have been experiencing pain in the kidney region is because my foot problems are adversely stimulating my kidney meridian? My podiatrist had told me to rub the sole of my foot more often. I am going to try this and see if the back pains are reduced.
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Hazing again
Returning to the subject of hazing (kasumi) I came across this rather nice article by Don Rearic. This includes a couple of tricks I missed out, such as using a flashlight. Some good advice on the use of pepper sprays too. In Black Medicine IV N.Mashiro offers similar advice and also suggests sprays can be used held over the head to keep them out of reach of attackers.
Kasumi means hazing or obscuration, while metsubushi means “eye-crusher” or “sight destroyer”. I tend to think of kasumi as the tactic and metsubushi as the devices, but effectively the two terms are interchangeable as far as I am aware.
I also came across this rather nice video.
These are obviously very high level ninja judging by their very effective disguises as young boys. Joking aside, quite a few posters on youtube could learn from these two. The speak clearly and concisely with no excessive um-ing and ah-ing and no long tedious preamble. And they are experimenting and trying stuff out, so good for them! -but perhaps wear goggles next time, lads.
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Friday (the 13th) Fun.
Taiwan launches serial killer franchise…
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Scrapboard Survivor Kukri.
In my blog post entitled “Why a Kukri?” I promised a more in-depth look at my favourite kukri once I could get some more current photos taken. Having just taken such photos, here they are.
This is the plain vanilla kukri as it arrived from Nepal. I call this the "Scrapboard Survivor" after my website. This is actually a custom item from KHT. The grip was made slightly longer than they usually fit on a sirupate-style blade and the half-guard was combined with a traditional-style grip. KHT offered a number of modernized grips with guards as an option but I wanted a traditional style since it is actually the optimum for a kukri blade. KHT now offer the half guard and traditional style handle on some of their models. A sirupate blade is narrower and more slender than a standard kukri blade, although such distinctions are relative since this blade is still thicker and more substantial than many knife blades costing five times as much. The result is a lighter, fast and agile weapon that still has considerable cutting power. The sirupate can handle most combat and survival applications without weighing the user down excessively.
KHT very thoughtfully provided a cord channel in the grip and the other night I decided it was time I fitted a retention cord. Note the use of a fisherman’s knot, which allows the cord to be easily tightened or loosened depending on whether gloves or other clothing is worn. The loop is proportioned so that it can either be slipped over the wrist or hooked over the thumb and passed over the back of the hand, “nightstick” fashion.
The handle wrap was done in two parts, both parts being done with “decored” doubled paracord. Some PVA glue was painted on to help keep this in position. The handle wrap provides additional cushioning for when this kukri is used for heavy work.
Kukri in sheath, ready to travel. Note the retention loop has been wrapped and tucked so it cannot catch on branches and other protrusions.
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Grip Exercises.
Many effective self-defence techniques do not require a great deal of strength to perform. This seems to have given rise to a myth that strength is not important. Possibly this grew out of attempts to build confidence in the lighter built members of classes: “It doesn’t matter that he is stronger than you, you can still hurt him!” While the latter statement is true, it is wrong to think that a bit of extra strength will not improve your chances.
One of the most useful fields for improvement is of grip strength. If you want to Judo throw someone, you usually have to grab hold of them first. Catch someone’s arm as they attempt to bottle you? Whether you can control their arm long enough to turn the tables will probably depend on grip strength. Squeeze the testicles to escape from a hold. Grip strength again! And what is the point of being an awesome fighting machine if you still have to get your girlfriend to open the jam jars?
If you have read my book, this blog or the associated webpages you have probably acquired a cheap set of dumbbells or even attempted to make a set of Indian clubs. Hopefully you have been exercising with them regularly. If so, you will have already begun to see improvements in your grip strength just from manipulating these weights. The palms of your hands probably feel firmer and certain muscles on your hands may be more noticeable. Here are a couple of extra exercises you can attempt.
Clench your hands into fists as tight as you can for a second or so. Then open them explosively, spreading the fingers. Clench, pause, pow! Repeat.
Starting with your fingers straight, bend you middle knuckles so your fingertips touch the upper edge of your palm. Then bend you distal knuckles to form a fist. We can combine this with the previous exercise: Half fist, full fist, pow! Half fist, full fist, pow!
The great thing about these little exercises is you can do them anywhere at nearly anytime. Walking down the corridor at work: Half fist, full fist, pow! On the train: Half fist, full fist, pow! Standing at the bus stop: Half fist, full fist, pow! Waiting for dinner to finish cooking…
If you are cooking, try standing in Horse or Sanchin stance. Most combat stances have the knee bent so holding these positions will increase your leg strength and improve you overall speed and mobility.
Another little conditioning exercise you can attempt. In the book I had you making a knife-hand strike onto the palm of your other hand to demonstrate the force you could generate, especially if you learnt to relax your striking arm. Executing a few strikes like this against the other hand is a good conditioning exercise that not only toughens the edge of the hand, but also the palm of the hand. And since palm heel, knife-hand and hammer-fist are three of our most useful hand strikes…
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Why a Kukri?
A common thread on forums is “If you had to have only one XXXXX, what would you choose?” If I had to choose only one knife, I know what it would be, but it would be the same choice should the question be one edged tool, one tool or possibly just one survival item!
My blade of choice is the kukri, and the kukri of choice would be the custom 10" bladed sirupate I have. I will introduce you to this tool in a later blog post, when I can get some more current photos taken.
Why the kukri? This blog is mainly about self-defence, so we will deal with those aspects of the kukri first.
The kukri is fast, agile and has formidable cutting power. The shape of the blade creates a mechanical advantage so that anything the edge encounters is drawn along the edge for an increased cutting action. When the kukri encounters something, it bites deep!
The shape and weight of the kukri tends to bring the point onto the same line as the axis of the forearm, so contrary to nonsense you might read elsewhere, the kukri is a very capable thrusting weapon. The broad thick blade tends to make a big hole.
Should you need to pummel someone, the kukri is well suited to this too. The butt of the grip has a broad metal plate with a smaller diamond shaped projection, in the middle of which is a small stud. A blow with this section will put a lot of force into a very small area. It will probably make a very effective window breaker too.
Most knives are poor parrying weapons, while swords are generally regarded as good for parrying. Logically there must be a length of blade where the knife becomes more capable of parrying. Shape and weight characteristics will also contribute to this ability too. A 10" bladed kukri is quite capable of parrying other weapons. I think the forward curve of the blade helps here. The back of the blade is broad and unsharpened so it is possible to use a kukri for a reinforced block or parry. Just place the palm of your free hand on the back of the blade. Someone swings at you with a baseball bat: dodge! If you cannot dodge make a two-handed parry with your kukri, deflect his weapon off to one side and then snap the kukri into the nearest body part.
The forward curve of the kukri also gives it a hooking ability. You can use it to pull a weapon aside or move an enemy’s arm to create an opening. Since this is done with the edge this will often cut them. The spine of the blade is quite substantial. Should you for some reason strike an enemy with this part it will have an effect.
One of the virtues of the kukri is that it is a versatile utility tool as well as an effective weapon. This means that you are more likely to have it with you when you need it. My kukri of choice is around 17 oz and 15" long. Similar in weight and bulk to typical hammer. Not exactly a pocket knife, but no great burden either. If you are away from civilization the kukri is a handy thing to have on your belt.
One of the fundamentals of survival is fire. A kukri can quickly turn any available wood into a pile of shavings, chips and fuel. If you need shelter, a kukri can rapidly produce support poles with greater ease than many heavier and more expensive knives. If you need bracken or brush for bedding or cover, the kukri makes a credible sickle. When you are tired, cold, the clouds are gathering and the light is fading, a kukri can rapidly provide you with fire and shelter.
The kukri is also a rather useful skinning knife. The broad blade has plenty of “belly” and the curved shape helps keep your hand out of the gore. If you need to cut through a joint, ribs or divide your future dinner into chops, the kukri probably has the cutting power you need.
Posts on this blog have recently dealt with tomahawks. The kukri is a very credible alternative to a tomahawk. It has comparable cutting power but lacks a wooden shaft that might be broken. It can be drawn and brought into action in less time and with less manipulation. It is also more versatile since it can also stab and flense.
And that is why, if I was to have just one knife, one edged tool or just one tool, it would be a kukri.
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Prince of Darkness: Part 2
There is an interesting footnote to the story of my girlfriend, the flatmates and the “Prince of Darkness”.
Just a few days after that incident, my lady looks out of the window and sees a naked old man in the garden (I told you this was a really classy area!). The ancient guy sees her, turns and waves his arse at her, wrinkled plums swinging I imagine. He was seriously surprised when the little Brazilian firecracker burst out of the door, gleaming kukri in hand. He actually went pale and probably broke a geriatric sprint record!