Eku Bo

[Disciple]

Does anyone here practice the Eku bo, or the oar. It is an okinawan weapon. I was wondering if so, what are its weapon techniques most similar to, or does it have a completely different system, and what are some techniques that are unique to the oar if is like another weapon?

[YODA]

I'm sure kobudo_tob will have some input here -I'm sure he'll stick HIS oar in :p

[kobudo_tob]

Did somebody mention Eku? :D

Does anyone here practice the Eku bo, or the oar

Yup, but I've only been practising for about a year. The weapon has several names depending on who you talk to.....Eku/Ekubo, Iyeku, Eiku to name but a few.

I was wondering if so, what are its weapon techniques most similar to, or does it have a completely different system,

Its very simliar to the bo, but its useful to remember that one edge is bigger and flatter than the other. The flatter end is useful for maximising blocking efficiency, and, if turned vertically can inflict precise damage (cutting if its sharp).

In our 'hojo-undo' (basic technique group) contains strikes and blocks also seen with the bo. However, a 'Kubi-giri' (neck cut) technique is included, where the thin end of the oar is swung then pulled in, just like the kama (sickle) techniques.

In the end, however, the Eku is just a big fancy stick. You can translate stick techniques into Eku techniques.

I hope that helps, if not, shout at me....

-T

[Disciple]

When practicing with the eku-bo, what are some greater risks you take, such as the bladed and flat end? Also, what mthods do you have to employ to comensate for the heavier end (or is the flat/bladew part balanced), id est how do you adjust your hand positions?

What are some of the more attractive qualties, that you feel, make the eku a superior weapon to a bo or jo in both tranditional and practical(modern) application?

[kobudo_tob]

Questions questions questions.

When practicing with the eku-bo, what are some greater risks you take, such as the bladed and flat end?

Sounds silly, but the biggest risk is not turning the flat end when you strike/block with the round end. It leads to a very sore elbow.

Also, what mthods do you have to employ to comensate for the heavier end (or is the flat/bladew part balanced)

In a good iyeku the weapon is balanced (at least thats what it seems to be). No real compensation required.

id est how do you adjust your hand positions?

If you want to continually strike with the bladed end, you have to both twist and 'throw' the weapon to get the correct position. This can be seen when doing the hojo-undo.

What are some of the more attractive qualties, that you feel, make the eku a superior weapon to a bo or jo in both tranditional and practical(modern) application?

The weapon is not necessarily superior - it all depends on the practitioner. I'm better with the staff compared to the sai, for example, but it doesn't mean the staff is a superior weapon - at least in my eyes.

I suppose that the iyeku can be more versatile, due to the flat end, which may class it as being superior.

I hope that answers your questions.

-T

[Disciple]

It does answer the questions I had, thank you, however, I have more, lol. It is easy to have so many wuestions when one knows so little on a subject. lol.

When did you begin practicing the eku-bo, and what attracted you to it in the first place? It seems like you know alot about the weapon. Are there alot or slashing techniques, and what aer some special bocks you can make with it(specific descriptions, please)?

[kobudo_tob]

You really are testing me at this one Disciple. LOL

When did you begin practicing the eku-bo, and what attracted you to it in the first place?

Three reasons:

i) Its a staff, but its not a staff. Its a sharp stick, but its not a sharp stick. Its a mixture of all. Its...just..so..cool...

ii) From a self-defence POV; it would give me more experience in using sticks of different dimension. I never knew when I would be paddling my canoe and a giant fish would leap out of the water and try to eat me. (that was a joke BTW :D)

i) From a training point of view; its one of our foundation weapons, so if I had to learn it anyway if I wanted to progress.

It seems like you know alot about the weapon

No really, but thanks for the compliment. I plan to learn more though.

Are there alot or slashing techniques, and what aer some special bocks you can make with it

The slashing techniques are generally aimed at the neck, so there aren't really a lot of these techniques, since they all target the same area (if that makes sense).

There aren't really any special blocks. Any block you can do with a staff you can do with an Iyeku. When training, I think the key is to think 'outside the box'. Instead of trying to say "I can do block x cos I'm using an Iyeku", say "I have a big stick in my hand, and another big stick is coming towards me at high speed. ARGH I have to block".

Remember that you should always be agile when doing martial arts, especially weapons. If you think that you can only block specific attacks with specific parts of a weapon, then you are screwed.

I think that makes sense. I'm very good an incoherent rambling.

Any more questions? :D

[Disciple]

I understand what you are saying about the blocking, and perhaps I should have contained more clarity with my original question, but are there particular ways to employ the flat end for a block, a block that you could not employ with the other end?

[kobudo_tob]

but are there particular ways to employ the flat end for a block, a block that you could not employ with the other end

One end is flatter, so mathematically you have a greater chance of blocking an attack. You also have a greater area, making Osae/pressing techniques easier than than with a normal bo.

Ok? I'm confused now

[Splinter]

Hello ladies and gentlemen of the board,

I, becuase I'm a cheap man, am planning to make my own Eku, but I don't know all of the dimensions, any info would be appreciated.

Gratzi

[Andrew Green]

Varies :D

Making them is a pain, I know I've done it.

Also you need to make them out of a hardwood, otherwise the blade breaks off when you hit something (done that too).

Just go to a store that sells boat supplies and get a 6 ft oar and you're set. shouldn't cost more then $30.

[b19vny]

One technique - found in the Bo / Eku kata Tsukensunakake or Sunakake - is to use the flat end to scoop sand up and throw it into an attacker's face.

The name of that kata means 'attacking with sand' and can be performed with a Bo but is designed for the Eku / Eiku.

[guran]

We practice two eaku kata. As b19vny says, they each have several techniques for thowing sand in an opponent's face (using the flat face of the blade). Another technique/bunkai that distinguishes the eaku from the bo is when you draw the weapon back after a strike or "poke". You turn the blade so that it hooks the neck, arm, etc. In our system, the eaku is generally considered the most difficult weapon in which to become proficient.

[kobudo_tob]

We practice two eaku kata

I only know Tsuken AkaCho No Iyeku De, but ready to learn more from my instructor when I next go down to see him.