- Tsukubō
The nihongo|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.__TOC__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 Originally made of wood, the teeth were eventually covered with or made of metal so that they would last longer.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 thesodegarami . Some would have further projections on the head, improving its ability to entrap limbs and weapons, like asasumata . The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or "ishizuki" like those found onnaginata and other pole weapons.Cunningham also states that the "tsukubō" was also called "teppa", "hakan", "gettetsuken", "saburi", and "hoko".
ee also
*
Sodegarami
*Sasumata
*Torimono Sandōgu 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.
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