Chanbara
Weaponry and Gear
Weaponry has been developed, re-developed, experimented with, designed and re-designed throughout history. These new conceptions designs were then handed down through the ages, warrior to warrior, generation to generation, thereby preserving techniques needed for the masses to survive.
Weaponry was (and is still) used for self-preservation, even though battle training has changed dramatically. In this ‘modern’ age the warrior only has to pull a trigger or press a button for a target that sometimes is miles away. Even with new age weaponry there is still a need to incorporate the old ways – especially if the enemy is within arm’s reach.
Historically, the sword was employed in battle, as well as knives, spears and staves and today these weapons are still as harmful as they were thousands of years ago. The introduction of new age materials enables the traditionalist or combatant to efficiently and safely train for combat – or a martial arts tournament.
The five traditional weapons used in Chanbara tournaments and sparring are:
- Tanto (18-inch knife)
- Kodachi (24-inch short sword)
- Choken (40-inch long sword)
- Yari/naginata (6-foot spear)
- Jo and Bo (4-5-6-foot staff)
Like kendo all Chanbara fighting is done on a point system. Matches are one, three and five point elimination bouts. A one-point bout gives the combatant only one chance per fight. In reality warriors on the battlefield only had one chance.
The following five different weapons used in Chanbara are very unique in that they are used for varying lines of defense and attack.
