Eku

A WEKU (Japaneseウェーク, also Eku, Eiku, called Kai or Sunakake -bo ) is a rather rare nowadays shock weapon of Okinawa Kobudo.

Description

When WEKU is a wooden percussion weapon that resembles a boat oar. The impact head is broad and flattened, the stem round or oval. The side edges of the impact head are supplied sanded thin and sharp. You can use the edges to strike. To prepare to use mostly oak or red maple, the weapons are maintained even today with vegetable oil or animal fat. The oils protect the wood from drying out.

History

The Eiku there since the 16th century. It was developed by the Okinawan fishermen who needed it every day for their work. Prior to all those who trained their skills as early as Kobudo, realized that there is an appropriate weapon for self defense. Since the fishermen were trained well by their hard work, it was not difficult for them to practice in dealing with the relatively heavy Eiku. The handle of the paddle was used as a floor and the flat part is used like a mace.

Kata

The most important, still known today Kata with the Eiku are:

  • Matsumura no Eiku / Ryukyu Kingdom
  • Akahachi no Eiku / Ryukyu Kingdom
  • Tsuken Sunakake no Eiku / Ryukyu Kingdom
  • Sunakake no Eiku / Taiso period
  • Nakazato no Eiku / Showa period
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