Tambo (weapon)

The tambo (also romanized as tanbo) is a martial arts weapon. It is a light, evenly balanced stick measuring two to three feet and made of bamboo or wood. A martial artist cuts a tambo to fit his or her size. The length is determined by measuring from the hip socket to the top of the ankle. This length ensures that the tambo can be swung freely without hitting the floor.

The tambo is used in several martial arts including Cuong Nhu.

Usage

Tambos are swing using the elbow and shoulder, not manipulated with the wrist. Many of the motions are similar to sword strokes. The tambo can be deadly in the right hands. The main use is simply to attack the outer edges of the human body with speed and accuracy. Applying this concept, virtually every part except the abdomen of the target can be hit with this weapon.

To effectively use this weapon, imagine your opponent as a 2-dimensional object standing in front of you, and your objective is to simply rain down strikes on the outer regions (i.e., the top and back of the head, the ears, hands, arms, neck, waist, thighs, knee caps, and calves). Of course, if your opponent is standing sideways, you can then aim at the abdomen, nose, eyes, and groin.

The tambo can also be used for thrusting, knocking the enemy with the handle end, blocking (by holding both ends), and parrying an attack from your opponent. Speed and accuracy are the key components to using this weapon successfully.

See also

* Bo
* Budo
* Bujutsu
* Hanbo
* Jo
* Quarterstaff