|
Weapons - Yawara (continued) |
| The Chizikunbo is
a variant of the Yawara with a string loop designed to engage
with one or more of the holder's |
| fingers. Normally,
one uses a pair of chizikunbos - one on each hand. As far as I
can tell, the weapon is associated |
| martial arts of
the Ryukyu Islands, specifically some lineages of Ryukyu Kempo.
Our research indicates that, like |
| many similar
weapons, the length of the weapon depends strongly on the width
across the knuckles of the holder's |
| closed fist. We
recommend 1.5 inches of extra wood on each end so a four inch
wide fist will use a 7" long |
| chizikunbo. Note
that for pupils with conditions like
hemihypertrophy (also known as hemihyperplasia) which might |
| result from a
genetic condition such as Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (multiple
genes on chromosome 11) |
|
where the hands are not symmetrical and may not be the
same size, two different lengths of Yawara or chizikunbo are |
| indicated. The
second variable for each individual, and sometimes, like length,
for each hand, is diameter. We prefer the |
| range of one to
two inches. Unlike Tai Chi Ruler and Tai Chi Bang, the visual
and tactile appeal of the wood is NOT a |
| primary concern,
although the wood should be smooth enough not to abrade or
irritate the skin when held. Note that |
| some care should
be taken when striking a hard surface lest the ends of the
Yawara or the chizikunbo crack or splinter. |
| We suggest sanding
and the application of one or more coats of Varathane or any
similar finish. The body of the |
| chizikunbo can be
cylindrical or tapered - so far I have only seen symetrically
double tapered although a single taper |
| where one end is
thicker than the other and, presumably, thicker than the middle,
might be of use to some students. |
| Other than
demonstrating woodworking skills we are not aware of any
tactical advantages for an octagonal cross-section. |
| Likewise, square
(below - top left), cigar-shaped (below - top right) and
blimp-shaped (below - bottom left) tips seem to |
| be a matter
of taste. I was NOT personally comfortable with the elliptical
cross-section (below - bottom right). |
| |
