Tanbo
The tanbo (baton, or short stick) is a very accessible and
practical weapon for self defence purposes. The initial focus
of the TJR programme is on basic striking, blocking, manipulation,
weapon retention and striking defences against grabbing and moving
attacks. Once these basics are acquired, you can graduate to
other more complicated techniques such as controlling, locking and
strangulation.
The use of the baton is very much related to the Japanese
jitte. A jitte was a weapon of feudal Japanese police.
It was commonly referred to as a "fencer's baton". It is
essentially an iron truncheon. Its use was popular
because it could be used in a wide range of circumstances including
to parry a sword and disarming an armed assailant.
Essentially a defensive or restraining weapon, the short length of
the jitte required getting close to armed assailants. It is
also useful for restraining unarmed persons and used in similar
ways as a baton.
A single hook or fork, (kagi) on the side near the handle
allowed the jitte to be used for trapping the blades of edged
weapons, as well as for stabbing or striking. The hook could
also be used to entangle the clothes or fingers of an
opponent. Just like the history in Western cultures with
batons and truncheons, the jitte also came to be considered a
symbol of official status, transcending its use beyond that of a
mere weapon.
Miyamoto Musashi is perhaps the most well known warrior in
Japanese history. Miyamoto Munisai, his father, was also an
accomplished martial artist, being famous for his skills with the
jitte and sword. It was likely there existed a family art
based on the use of the jitte and sword together which provided the
inspiration for Mushshi's famous style of the use of two
swords.
Hirata Shokan founded the Tori ryu towards the end of the
15th century. Whilst his school did other weapons,
it was noted specifically for jitte and jujutsu. Whether the
art of Miyamoto Munisai in the use of the jitte was in any way
related to Tori ryu is the subject of speculation.
The jitte has many different forms. The lengths and
materials vary as does the degree of decorative accessories.
Some are definitely utilitarian and basically simple bars of forged
iron. On the other hand, some jitte are very detailed and
include intricate designs and decorations. The highly
decorated jitte were more symbolic in nature and an emblem of
office rather than intended to be used as an actual self defence
weapon.
Even though the carrying of swords was banned in March 1876,
police forces in Japan carried and used the jitte long after the
end of the Edo Period (1600-1868). In fact, some units and
even individual officers carried the jitte until the early part of
the twentieth century. Doubtless the techniques changed to
deal with a broader range of situations and away from its
historical purpose of dealing with swords. As the Japanese
police department underwent modernization, the jitte was eventually
phased out.
A baton (in various forms) has been and continues to be
popular weapon carried by police forces. Generally, it is
regarded as a high level of force option. This is because it
is taught to be wielded with destructive force. It is
unfortunate. The fact is that the baton can be used
effectively to achieve self protection without reeking horrific
injuries on assailants. Skillfully used, it can be effective
through the lowest ranges of force to the highest level if the
situation warrants it. It can be used for blocking, striking,
applying restraining techniques and is highly effective against a
knife.