Tsukubō
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The tsukubō (突棒?) is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the sodegarami. It is one of the sandōgu, along with the sodegarami and the sasumata used by police. It may have come from a type of Japanese rake.
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[edit] History
Cunningham writes that the tsukubō may have originated from a type of rake used by farmers. Originally made of wood, the teeth were eventually covered with or made of metal so that they would last longer. It is likely that they were used by farmers as impromptu weapons when necessary.
Law enforcement in Edo used the tetsubō along with the sodegarami (sleeve catcher) and sasumata (a mancatcher) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The tsukubō could be used to push, pull, or trip a suspect. Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami. Some would have further projections on the head, improving its ability to entrap limbs and weapons, like a sasumata. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata and other pole weapons.
Cunningham also states that the tsukubō was also called teppa, hakan, gettetsuken, saburi, and hoko.
[edit] See also
- Sodegarami
- Sasumata
- Torimono Sandōgu
[edit] References
- Cunningham, Don. Taiho-jutsu:Law and Order in the Age of the Samurai. Boston; Rutland, Vermont; Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2004.
- 神之田常盛. 剣術神道霞流. 萩原印刷株式会社, 2003.
- Mol, Serge. Classic Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Tokyo; New York; London: Kodansha International, 2003.
