Tetsubō or tetsubo (鉄棒, “iron stick”) is a club-style Japanese cold weapon. It is known for its durability and reliability. In essence, it is a heavy and powerful club, often forged from iron or steel. The striking part (the head) of the weapon constituted half of its length, and it was often completely made of metal and equipped with metal spikes. In contrast, the kanabo (金棒, “metal stick”), a similar weapon, was mainly a wooden weapon with metal studs. Due to its heavy weight, a tetsubo provides immense crushing power.
Tetsubo is characterized by its length, which typically ranges from 80 to 120 inches (2 to 3 m), with a spiked head measuring between 25 and 35 inches (60 to 90 cm). This edged weapon usually weighed five times as much as a baseball bat, around 11 lb (5 kg), and was three times its length.
This heavy melee weapon possesses a distinctive shape reminiscent of a bat, featuring a substantial end and a gradually narrowing handle adorned with a pommel. Alternatively, it can maintain a straight body extending from the handle to the tip.
The shaft’s cross-sectional profile offers two possibilities: a circular shape or a polygonal structure composed of parallel surfaces symmetrically encircling the axis. A tetsubo could be coated with iron, copper, silver, or even gold if the user could afford it. The weapon was rather popular in the Sengoku period (1467–1615).
A tetsubo which is originally labelled as a “kanabo” by the museum. It looks more like a tetsubo with its ring handle and metal body material.
Tetsubo vs. Kanabo
Although tetsubo seems like kanabo, kanabo’s bludgeoning part that deals damage is not ironed with metal. However, the distinction between this ancient club and kanabo is often unclear due to a lack of definitive historical sources concerning the former. Thus, the two weapons are frequently confused.
Due to its iron composition, a tetsubo was typically quite heavy, which resulted in its infrequent usage among soldiers.
For comparison, most kanabos weighed from 4.5 to 11 pounds (2 to 5 kg), but according to some sources, this Japanese war club weighed as much as 11 to 20 lb (5–9 kg).
The tetsubo exhibits similarities to the kanabo, yet it possesses the distinct characteristic of being predominantly composed of steel or iron rather than wood. The dimensions of these weapons encompass a wide range, often featuring a smaller and more manageable size designed for one-handed use.
Use of the Tetsubo
Religion
A giant oni statue with a tetsubo, sits on top of a building. Photo by JolieBlanc, CC BY 3.0 / Cropped from original.
This heavy club is also more often mentioned in mythological texts. The Japanese believed that the brutal demons “oni” preferred them because of their immense size and strength made them feel at home while wielding the weapon.
They utilized this metal club against everything that stood in their way. Oni were lawbreakers. Indeed, in Japan, there is a saying that goes “giving a tetsubo [or kanabo] to an oni,” which signifies granting an advantage to someone who is already formidable from the beginning.
Samurai
On the other hand, samurai often engaged in battle with peasants who opposed their daimyo (the local ruler), and they also faced off against ninjas.
When the samurai had to choose between utilizing their pricey katanas, yaris, or naginatas and the cheap, unbreakable, and easy-to-replace tetsubo, they generally opted for the latter. Many villagers met their untimely end at the crushing hands of this iron club.
Monks
Among the medieval Buddhist monk soldiers sohei (“monk soldiers”) and yamabushi (Japanese mountain ascetic hermits), the tetsubo was one of the most preferred weapons.
Military
In battle, a tetsubo was used to crush the legs of opposing horses and defeat armored foes. Because the inertia of this heavy weapon would knock its user off balance if s/he missed a strike, mastering this armor-piercing club (also known as tetsubo-jutsu) required both considerable strength and skill.
There was a wide range of sizes and styles of tetsubo, with the biggest being two-handed and as tall as a human, and the smallest often being one-handed and no longer than a forearm.
The nyoibo, konsaibo, kanabo, and ararebo are all similar clubs. Samurai in feudal Japan utilized the konsaibo. The same samurai also utilized the ararebo, a form of spiked or studded two-handed variant.
On the other hand, the kanemuchi (or kanamuchi) and the aribo (a.k.a. kirikobo or gojo) are both solid iron weapons that lack any studs or spikes. These stick weapons were common in medieval Japan.
A common shape that they assumed was that of a simple metal rod. Some kanemuchi reached 39 inches (1 m) in length and were made from a single piece of iron.
Tetsubo at a Glance
What is the design and composition of a Tetsubo?
It is a club-style Japanese cold weapon known for its durability and reliability. It is a heavy and powerful club typically made of iron or steel. Like the rest of the weapon, the striking part of the weapon is completely made of metal and equipped with metal spikes.
How does Tetsubo differ from Kanabo?
While Tetsubo and Kanabo are similar weapons, there are distinct differences between them. Kanabo is mainly a wooden weapon with metal studs, while the other is predominantly composed of steel or iron. The weapon’s heavy weight provides immense crushing power compared to the relatively lighter Kanabo.
What were the common uses of Tetsubo?
The weapon found usage among various groups. Samurai often chose to wield this iron or steel club in battle due to its affordability, durability, and ease of replacement. Japanese mountain ascetic hermits and medieval Buddhist monk soldiers both favored it. In battle, it was employed to crush the legs of opposing horses and defeat armored foes.
What are the different types of Tetsubo?
This club came in various sizes and styles. The biggest variants were two-handed and as tall as a human, while the smallest were one-handed and forearm-length. Some notable types include nyoibo, konsaibo, kanabo, ararebo, kanemuchi, and aribo. These variations had different features such as spikes, studs, or solid iron construction.
References
Featured Image: Photo by JolieBlanc, CC BY 3.0 / Cropped from original.
A tekkan (“iron pipe”, 鉄管) is a truncheon-type blunt iron weapon, instrument, or self-defense tool fashioned into the form of a sword without a blade. This is why the weapon is also known as tetsu-ken or tettō (鉄刀) which literally means “iron sword” in Japanese. The tekkan was designed to bring down an opponent without needlessly killing or wounding them. This was achieved by using swordsmanship techniques while withstanding all the blows from the opponent’s blade with the sheer durability of tekkan. Thus, tekkan was also an arresting tool used by Japanese officers.
Tekkan Was a Sword-Shaped Club Designed to Crush Armor
The iron blade of the tekkan is slightly curved, like a Turkish kilij (lit. “sword”). This is because curved swords are better for cutting strikes, as we have learned from the Turko-Mongol sabers as old as the 7th century.
Although the tekkan is fashioned like a blade, it is more like a thick and heavy iron rod intended mainly not to break. It was an iron club shaped like a Japanese sword. The weight is there to make the weapon durable. Even tekkans that are only a wakizashi’s length (17.7 in; 45 cm) can weigh as much as a typical sword at 2.2 lbs (1 kg).
Most tekkans were between one and two “shaku” (12–24 in; 30–60 cm). The strength of tekkan was superior to a sword, and it was considered an anti-armor weapon similar to the kanabō. It could still cause injuries and fractures even if it was hit inadequately.
The weapon is sometimes confused with a kabutowari (“helmet splitter”) when it is at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length. This is especially the case when referring to pieces in museums and private collections. Also known as hachiwari, a kabutowari looks like a tekkan with a hook. Another Japanese iron sword that is confused with tekkan and kabutowari is the habikito.
But why did the Japanese need an iron sword without a blade?
Purpose of Tekkan
The tekkan didn’t strive for lethal precision and slashing like the katana, but rather for complete neutralization by striking the opponent. It was originally designed to be used against opponents who were putting on armor. That is why the iron weapon was made heavy to be used against the armor’s most vulnerable spots, usually the gaps between the joints.
During the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868) of the Edo period, bladed weapons were made illegal in Japan in the 17th century. A variety of non-sword weapons, as well as blades of varying disguises, saw a rise in favor as a result of this ban. During the Edo Samurai period, wealthy merchants and farmers used this single-handed iron blade along with the samurai.
In the 19th century, swords were once again banned from public use with the Haitō Edict. This time, the ban also included the samurai class. The aim was to do away with the samurai’s long-held rights.
Having no sharpness, tekkans were considered legal to own. Similar to the jitte, the tekkan was not equipped with a blade but was still formidable and adaptable enough to be used as both a defensive and offensive weapon. Although tekkan was designed mainly for self-defense. When the Sword Abolishment Edict came into effect in 1876, all samurai began carrying tekkan as a dependable backup weapon.
Origin of Tekkan
There are many theories regarding the origin of tekkan. Just like many iron weapons without a blade, the tekkan most likely received its name in the Muromachi period (1336–1573). However, it is likely that the design of the weapon originated centuries before that.
Japan never had sufficient iron deposits. And they got most of their iron through iron sand (satetsu). The lack of iron deposits meant that the blacksmiths had to work much longer to refine the quality of their steel to produce reliable steel weapons (steel is made from iron and carbon).
In most cases, they achieved this by ensuring their steel contained a constant percentage of iron and carbon. However, this required too much time, and whenever a war broke out, the blacksmiths had to mass produce various iron weapons along with steel ones to compensate for the lack of weaponry.
This was the case with the civil wars between the samurai and ashigaru during Japan’s Age of Warring States from 1543 to 1575 in the Sengoku period. Blacksmiths often came up with creative iron weapons such as tekkan to supply their samurai and ashigaru. It was at this time that the blacksmiths had to rely on the iron ore purchased from Europeans to continue producing steel swords.
Baton-like hitting weapons are common in Japan, and the “kanabō” (金棒) is one of them. This spiked or studded blunt weapon of the 14th century is literally known as the “metal club” in Japanese. It was created for the purpose of destroying armor that cannot be penetrated by swords and spears. It was mainly used by the samurai of feudal Japan. Japanese oak, chestnut, and yew were used to create the first kanabo weapons in the mid-1300s.
These two-handed clubs were between 4.6 and 6.6 feet (1.4 and 2 m) tall, with octagonal poles. According to various sources, the weight of a kanabo weapon ranged from 4.5 to 11 pounds (2 to 5 kg). However, some sources state as much as 15 to 20 lb (7-9 kg), which were either ceremonial or confused with tetsubo, a similar weapon sheathed with iron.
They were strengthened with square or diamond-shaped rivets and hoops called “hoshi.” This design is thought to have first emerged during the Nanboku-chō period between 1336 and 1392.
Sometime later, kanabo weapons had sheet metal or iron plates wrapped around them for reinforcement, creating what were known as “hirukanamono” and “nagafukurin,” respectively. Over time, the kanabos were made completely from iron, with an evolution from cast iron to wrought iron.
Kanabō’s History
Kanabo during the Genpei War 1180–1185.
The oldest document relating to the kanabo is from the 13th century. But considering its simplicity, the weapon was probably in use as early as the 8th century, during the Heian period.
The kanabo weapon was widely used by samurai lords and other officials in medieval Japan, and as such the weapon came to be seen as a sign of power and prestige. Bandits and martial monks (sōhei), both renowned for their brutality and prowess in battle, also employed this weapon.
The Japanese military had been using heavy weapons in combat continuously. The reason for this was that the majority of conflicts were conducted from atop a horse, where the extra weight of armor was negligible. Therefore, even with stabbing weapons, let alone blades, it was exceedingly difficult to pierce armor.
A samurai with a kanabo and Nanhoku-cho period armor, 1893. (Public Domain)
Since armor moves with the body, there were gaps at the joints, making the adversary vulnerable to harm. This led to tactics such as aiming for the neck by hitting the headpiece or cutting the joints of the armor.
But it was still too challenging to cut through armor, probably much harder than breaking through it with a well-placed blow. There were still instances in which a yari (Japanese spear) was able to break through armor.
The first lighter armors were developed during the Nanboku-chō era. However, breaking through the light armor remained challenging.
This led to the creation of weapons like the “kanabo” which were designed to strike. The weapon worked well because the arms and legs were usually vulnerable in Japanese armor.
Design of the Kanabo Weapon
The kanabo weapon was a hefty striking tool designed to cause serious damage to the target, particularly the head and chest. After being knocked off balance by the kanabo’s blow, an attacker had a better chance of killing their foe by crushing their neck or smashing their body with this weapon.
You can think of the kanabo as a giant club or mace. This blunt weapon weighed as much as 20 pounds (9 kg) due to the robust timber or metal from which it was crafted.
The weapon has a long handle for a two-handed grasp and a broad, rounder head covered in iron spikes. The tetsubo is a similar weapon to the kanabo that is made of iron.
Kanabo rods of a hexagonal or octagonal shape coated in iron plates or strengthened with iron bars were typically between 83 and 141 inches (212 and 360 cm) in length.
And kanabos of solid iron were typically around 59 inches (150 cm) in length. A species of this length weighed 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Most species were between 4.5 and 11 pounds (2 and 5 kg). Due to these numbers, the weapon could only be wielded by people with high physical strength.
Was Kanabo a Popular Weapon?
Yoshiyoshi Miura wielding a kanabo. He was the last head of the Miura clan in Sagami. Despite the average height of 5 ft (154 cm) at the time, Yoshiyoshi was 7 ft 5.4 in (227 cm) tall.
The kanabo weapon was apparently used in conflict, as evidenced by historical documents like a Japanese folding screen picture (byōbu) showing the famous 16th-century warrior Mogami Yoshiaki wielding the weapon. As a result of its sturdiness and weight, it was also fashioned into improvised assault weapons to smash through the entrances of various fortifications.
Along with the masakari (“war axe”) and great swords like ōdachi, and ōnaginata, the kanabo was another weapon that called for strong arms to handle effectively. A total of only eight instances of this weapon are recorded in the Taiheiki, a Japanese historical epic, despite its widespread usage during the Nanboku-chō period.
Within 20 years of the end of the Nanboku-chō period, the ōdachi’s reputation had already begun to wane, and by the Muromachi period (1336–1573), it was virtually extinct. Within the same timeframe, the Great Ōnaginata’s reputation had also diminished, with the smaller ōnaginata becoming more common during the Muromachi period.
In comparison to the eight instances of kanabo in the Taiheiki, ōdachi, and ōnaginata were mentioned 35 and 40 times, respectively. And these mentions were exclusive to the versions that exceeded “three shaku” (36 inches or 91 cm).
Kanabo Weapon in Folklore and Mythology
This heavy club was not just a lethal fighting instrument, but also a sign of strength and authority. For that reason, those in command would use it as a means of intimidation. The kanabo weapon plays a pivotal role in Japanese legend and tradition.
Oni– A monster or beast with horns, pointy fangs, and unruly hair, Oni are common in traditional Japanese art. Among their arsenal of tools is a big kanabo, which they use as a primary weapon.
Benkei – Benkei was a monk and fighter who served in the late 12th century under the renowned Japanese samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. He was rumored to be super muscular and a martial arts expert. He was also trained to use the heavy kanabo.
Shuten-doji – The fabled oni Shuten-doji was said to have abducted and devoured young women from the forests near Kyoto. He was typically shown with a massive kanabo in his hands.
Kanabo Weapon and Oni (Demon)
The demon ruler Oni, who was notorious for his fury and cruelty in combat, was rumored to favor the kanabo as his weapon of choice. The reason for that is that Onis are considered extremely strong.
The Japanese saying “Oni ni Kanabō” (鬼に金棒) depicts the iconic picture of a monster, or “oni,” wielding a kanabo, a sharpened metal weapon. The proverb literally means “giving a metal rod to a demon.”
According to the ancient military record Karasu-tengu-gassen, the “Kanatsubo” was a sort of metal club used in combat in the late 15th century, and it was from this club that the kanabo supposedly evolved. “The Oni should have a Kanatsubo,” reads the chronicle.
In 1645, with the publication of “Keifukusa,” the proverb “Oni ni Kanabō” made its first appearance. The Japanese also have a saying that reads “Oni ni Tetsujo” which means “An iron rod to a demon.“
The weapon’s spikes are believed to have evolved from rivets or fasteners used to connect iron plates to a hexagonal rod. The weapon was typically fashioned from a single piece of iron.
Similarly, the “Odawara Hojo-ki” records an account of a run-in with an Oni and includes a tale about an Oni and a Kanabo. A man who might have been a monk or a mountain ascetic was supposedly there in 1582, and he was standing near Nihonkindo.
Muscular and dark-skinned, he towered at around 6’6.8″ (2 meters) in height and slung what looked to be a Kanasai-bo over his shoulder. He requested the others to tell a woman who was expected to arrive later that he was harmless and was waiting for her.
Screams from the woman were later heard, and upon investigation, they uncovered a funeral ceremony. From their investigation, they deduced that the woman was a ghost, and the odd creature was an Oni from hell that was supposed to be located close to Nihonkindo.
Origin of the Kanabo Weapon
The kanabo is defined as a “metal rod” in the 6th Edition of the Kōjien dictionary. In the same entry, the weapon is also called the “Saibō” (also known as the “zaibō”).
In the dictionary, “Oni ni kin saibō” is given as a sentence and it means “a demon who is wielding a kanabo” which is from the 15th-century tale “Raven and Heron Battle Story” (Arokassenmonogatari).
The saibō was first mentioned in the 13th-century text “Kokon Chomonjū,” which describes its use by monks but not as a weapon. The “Minesōki,” an account of a crime group in Harima at the turn of the 14th century, mentions the use of a “sai-bō” several times.
Funny enough, in Japanese folklore, the saibō was seen as a stick representing the male genitalia, and it was thus referred to as “saiben-bō” or “zaifuri-bō.” Over time, the saibō progressively evolved into a form of martial art weapon.
The Japanese historian Yoshihiko Amino proposes that the first bow and arrow emerged in eastern Japan in the Jōmon period (14,000–3,000 BC). And weapons like the kanabo were invented to aim at the knees of the horses ridden by the archers. This is similar to the emergence of weapons like the inji (a slinging weapon) and ōnaginata during the medieval period.
He also implies that the kanabo was a western-style strategy weapon characterizing the battles of the Nanboku-chō period (a.k.a. the Northern and Southern Courts period).
The conflict between the Western forces, who used slinging stones and kanabo, and the Eastern forces, who used horses in combat, is what defines the time period. By utilizing slinging weapons and this heavy club, the Western forces caused trouble for the Eastern forces.
Chinese Influence on the Kanabo Weapon
During the Nanboku-chō period (1336–1392), unusual weapons like masakaris, hatchets, and kanabos began to appear alongside large swords like the ōdachi, ōnaginata, and yari.
But even in the Sengoku period (1467–1615), which succeeded the Muromachi period, they were never put to good use. So, how come these weapons were so popular from the Nanboku-chō era to the early Muromachi era?
The weapons used in China during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and the Sui and Tang regimes in China, which had a significant impact on Japan during the Heian period (794–1185), may have served as inspiration for these novel fighting weapons, such as kanabo and yaris (“spears”).
Long spears and straight swords were standard horse equipment during the age of horse riders. Also, during the Song dynasty (960–1279), which overlapped with the Kamakura period and was ruled by foreign ethnic groups like the Jin and Yuan, there were a lot of fortress battles. This was the beginning of the age of infantry-based combat.
The yari or spear was the primary tool of war in this region. Different lengths were created for different purposes, including shorter spears for assault strikes (about six shaku, or 6 ft; 1.85 m) and longer spears for fortress defense (25 shaku, or 25 ft; 7.7 m).
Axes, hatchets, bonedas (a long-handled mace), and clubs were also widely used alongside the strategies of the period due to the impact of non-native ethnic groups.
At the end of the Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori led the trade between Japan and the Southern Song kingdom (Song). This trade continued into the Kamakura period.
In addition to the normal trade route with the Southern Song, military groups in western Japan called “pirates” with bases in the Kinki area and on islets negotiated with different towns south of the Yangtze River to get supplies of Song coins, pottery, fabrics, and other goods.
When raiding the Chinese coast, these groups of pirates, called “Wokou,” fought troops from the Song, Yuan, and Korean Goryeo with spears and a wide variety of other weapons.
As a consequence, Kyushu, a place that had strong connections to China, gave rise to the “Kikuchi yari,” or spear of Kikuchi. It also wouldn’t be shocking to find Chinese influence in the widespread use of the axe, kanabō, and kanazuchi (“hammer”) in the Taiheiki.
Weapons Similar to Kanabo
The Sun Wukong’s nyoibo or Ruyi Jingu Bang. (Image: Smite®)
Nyoibo – Also known as “Ruyi Jingu Bang,” it is a longer version of kanabo often made of hardwood and sometimes having studs. It is the weapon of the immortal monkey Sun Wukong, and Goku in Dragon Ball.
Konsaibo – When compared to the kanabo, the konsaibo is very different. The iron studs gave the wood a tough and durable finish. But it still remained too bulky for use in a real conflict.
Tetsubō – Both the tetsubo and the kanabo are metal, but the tetsubo is made of iron and is longer. Since most metal staffs were originally forged from iron, they are functionally identical.
Ararebo – Ararebo was the one-handed, shorter version of the kanabo that was easier to use in combat. But it never became as popular as the other one due to being less powerful than its bigger brother.
Kanemuchi or aribo.
Kanemuchi (or kanamuchi) – This weapon did not have any spikes or studs. It was a long, tapering version of the kanabo and a common weapon in medieval Japan. It has been documented that some Kanemuchi reached a length of 39 inches (99 cm).
Aribo (a.k.a. gojo or kirikobo) – One of the preferred weapons in feudal Japan was the aribo. Similar to kanemuchi, it was a long, curved, octagon-shaped, forged iron cane.
Kanabo Weapon in Popular Culture
Banna wielding a kanabō in Naruto.
The weapon appears in many different video games. Among the ones that feature this weapon are For Honor, Nioh 2, Blade and Sorcery, Roblox, and State of Decay 2.
The weapon is also featured in various anime series. In the Dragon Ball series, the Oni of the Enma Realm, and Janenba favor the use of kanabo. In the Naruto series, the weapon is used by Banna, Tenten, and Gatai. The weapon is also featured in Samurai Jack (2001–2017).
Kanabo Weapon Today
Martial artists and collectors alike continue to hold the kanabo in high regard. The weapon has played a significant role in Japanese history and society, from its connection with Japanese mythology to its use by the warrior elite. This two-handed blunt weapon is an intriguing tool, whether you’re a fan of martial arts or just curious about Japan’s past.
Kanabo at a Glance
Is the kanabo still used in combat today?
The kanabō is not deployed in battle anymore. Its primary function is as an ornament or showcase item for martial artists and fans.
What materials are used to make a kanabo?
The head of this club is usually tipped with iron barbs, and it is constructed of hardwood or metal.
How heavy is a kanabo?
Depending on its structure, a kanabō can weigh as much as 11 pounds (5 kg). The lightest ones were around 4.5 pounds (2 kg).
Who used the kanabo in feudal Japan?
Samurai, military monks, and even criminals all used this heavy weapon in medieval Japan.
What is the significance of the kanabo in Japanese culture?
In Japanese society, this weapon represents control and power, and it is also linked with traits like tenacity and courage.
Jitte (十手), or Jutte, is a Japanese weapon and arresting tool for Samurai police. Japanese security officers of the Edo era (1603–1867) used this specialty weapon. Before the 19th century, the Japanese police introduced “iron rulers,” or jitte, to replace the extremely sharp katana. Woods like oak and chestnut are combined with metals like wrought iron, brass, or forged silver to create the jitte. The shaft, which is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) in length, ends in a hook.
You can use jitte to defend yourself from enemy blades, or you can use it to launch a powerful strike or thrust at your opponent. Occasionally, jitte is used in tandem with jujitsu methods to catch offenders by immobilizing and throwing them. The modern version of the weapon is 18 inches (45 cm) long. A jitte expert can easily jam the enemy’s sword and then attack the enemy’s wrist, throat, and other weak spots, or entangle the enemy’s weapon to disarm it.
Jitte vs. sword.
Meaning of Jitte
“Jitte” (十手) literally translates to “ten hands” in Japanese because the weapon is believed to be as effective as using ten hands. The weapon resembles a short rod with a hook.
Some martial arts organizations use the terms jutte, minorute (實手), or jitei for this weapon. The jitte is such an effective and popular weapon that the term “juttejutsu” (十手術) is reserved for the specific branch of martial arts that makes use of the jitte.
Even though the Japanese made a lot of changes to the jitte, it was never given to the army because it didn’t have a sharp blade or the weight of a blunt weapon.
This meant that it couldn’t do much damage to armor. Thus, it was unable to participate in the battle. But the local police liked to use the weapon a lot.
Origin of Jitte
Various jittes.
The Chinese and Japanese schools of martial arts both claim to have contributed to the creation of the jitte. According to the Chinese, the jitte was created from the ancient Sai (釵) weapon or was introduced by the Edo-period martial artist Chin Genpin.
In another version, the jitte was invented by the Japanese blacksmith Masamune or by his father. Both theories have been debunked.
Jitte is thought to have evolved from the striking weapon known as habiki (刄引). This is based on similarities in their use to control people, their handles, the use of lacquer, and the lack of a “tsuba” (the guard that protects the hands).
The weapon “kabutowari” (“helmet breaker”) was created by adapting the habiki by ditching the guard and adding a hook instead. Finally, the jitte was created when the hook’s size was increased and the curvature of the kabutowari was removed.
History of Jitte
The cover of the book Jitte torinawa jiten: Edo machibugyōsho no sōbi to taihojutsu, Goodreads.
During the Tokugawa shogunate’s ban on military weapons in the 17th century, bladed weaponry was banned for all citizens of Japan except samurai. A variety of non-sword weapons, as well as blades of varying disguises, saw a rise in favor as a result of this ban.
Jittes were not outfitted with blades but were strong and versatile enough to be used by ronin and citizens alike as a means of self-defense. Around this time, new “Shibukawa-ryu” and “Ikkaku-ryu” schools appeared.
They were two examples of specialized martial arts techniques that focus on the jitte method. Since it was commonly used by local police to deal with offenders, the jitte was also the ancestor of the Japanese police baton.
Since carrying a blade into the shogun’s castle was a capital offense for everyone except samurai, the royal guards were only allowed to carry a wide variety of non-bladed weapons.
Due to its effectiveness, jitte became the most popular weapon of choice at this time. As a powerful tool, they could be used both for offense and defense.
There are different types of jittes. (From the book Japanese Jutte of Edo period Vol. 2)
In juttejutsu or jittejutsu, the hook can be used to catch an opponent’s weapon. And with grappling methods such as hanbō (“half-staff”), jitte can be used to subdue an opponent by entangling their arms and legs.
The weapon was given to the Yoriki (police sergeant) and Doshin (patrol officer) of the Edo magistrate’s office during the Edo period (1603–1867) as a tool for the capture of criminals.
In the same era, jitte was also used illegally by the “samurai servants.” They were low-ranking assistants of samurai families, and they were never given the weapon in a legal way. As a result, they were often hired by others for dirty jobs because the jitte was an officer’s weapon. It was a badge or official identification tool for its carrier.
Today’s thick cord-wrapped handle with a tassel at the end that is sometimes seen on jitte in historical dramas is a holdover from the jitte’s use as a decoration in Kabuki performances during the Edo period. Because at the time, it was forbidden to imitate the actual weapon.
Jitte Was a Valuable Weapon
Typically, a person would keep their jitte in a tiny pouch called a “jittebukuro,” and they would then store it in their pocket. This was done for two purposes: one, to secure your possessions in the event of robbery or loss, and two, to conceal your identity in the event of monitoring or chasing. Because jitte served as both a restraint and a proof of identity.
Since higher-ranking officials than the Yoriki (police sergeant) didn’t usually work together to catch criminals and the Doshin (patrol officer) used their jitte more to give commands than to catch criminals, their jittes sometimes didn’t have hooks but instead looked like katanas (uchigatana).
Some jittes came with a tsuba. And some were elaborately embellished with mother-of-pearl, lacquer, and raden, while others featured brass or silver inlay (zogan or damascening), embossing, and plating.
Parts of the Jitte
The main parts of the jitte. (Photo: Lakkisto Jarkko, CC BY 3.0)
Shaft (boshin)
Forging and milling are the two main ways that the shaft of a jitte is made. The shaft can be as simple as a straight rod or tapered at both ends. The shaft’s cross-section is typically round, hexagonal, or octagonal.
From time to time, you’ll find equilateral triangles, squares, rectangles, dodecagons, and ovals. Or those that pierce a square hole in a hexagonal pattern, or those with a pentagonal base that expands into an octagon.
Some jittes can look more like a kabutowari or tekkan (“iron sword”). Still, others have a diamond-shaped cross-section or a “three-pronged” hook design to imitate Fudo Myoo’s (a Buddhist guardian deity) Kurikara sword.
For good measure, there are jittes, which are hollow steel tubes that store a hidden weapon that sticks out when you shake it. Finally, one type of jitte has a long chain attached to the tip, which turns the jitte into a ranged weapon.
Handle (tsuka)
Jittes with different handle designs.
If the shaft is cut into a grasp-friendly shape like a hexagon or octagon, then the bare surface can be used as a handle; alternatively, the shaft can be covered in a substance like brass to make it sturdier and easier to grab, even in the biting cold of winter.
Some implements have rattan, thin strings, or leather threads wound around the shaft for a firmer grasp, while other handles, like those made of wood or ivory, are designed to be more ergonomic in the hand or to cushion the shock of an impact. Another type of jitte handle covering is used on Japanese swords like the uchigatana and Wakizashi, and it is wrapped in sharkskin and then further wrapped with a tsukamaki or handle wrap.
Hook (kagi)
The term “kashime” (かしめ) refers to the fastener technique typically used to connect hooks to the shaft. To do this, the hook’s joint must be inserted into a mortise opening on the shaft’s handle end, which has been enlarged on one side and constricted on the other.
A rivet joint is formed when the hook is pushed into the narrow hole and the hook material is compressed into the enlarged hole on the opposite side while the joint is still hot and malleable.
About halfway through the Edo period, this jointing method was improved by folding and forge-welding hook steel to make a “kaeshi” that would fit into the mortise like a spearhead. This improves the joint’s overall stability.
A branch hook can also be made by severing the shaft and using the two pieces to make separate hooks, or by encircling the shaft with the hook material to create a loop and hammering it firmly. These modest techniques are unusual, but they do exist.
Jittes with different handles, hooks, shafts, tips, and rings.
Types of hooks
There is a wide variety of hook designs for jitte. Most jittes come with one hook pointing forward, or some with two hooks like hairpins. There are also jitte weapons, like the “Manji” (the way 卍 or swastika is read in Japanese), that have two hooks spanning each other at right angles. Some hooks have twists at various angles, such as those with enlarged tips or an “H” form.
For others, the two hooks open at an angle of 40–130 degrees from the rod’s shaft, creating two identical isosceles triangles. Some of the jitte hooks resemble a rosary in their design, with a single horizontal bar crisscrossed in the center. Some hooks feature a protective tsuba guard or knuckle guard like in sabers.
It is possible to place the three or four hooks in a symmetrical pattern around the rod’s shaft. Some jittes have iron rings or parts of the hook that are sharpened like blades, while others have hooks that mimic the shape of a three- or five-pronged pestle (vajra), a ritual weapon of Hinduism. Jitte’s hooks come in a wide variety of styles.
The Sizes of Jitte
An unusually long uchiharai jitte with a length of 33.5 inches (85 cm).
Jitte created for personal use ranges in size from about 4 to 21 inches (9 to 54 cm) in length. The standard size of a jitte as a loaned or gifted object is between 14 and 19 inches (35 and 48 cm). Uchiharai jitte, with a length of 24–45 inches (60–115 cm), is designed for use against a skilled swordsman or an enemy with a polearm.
A naeshi jitte decorated with a dragon inlay and silver fittings.
Some jittes can be equipped with shock-absorbing handles made of cylindrical or elliptical wooden handles. A tall naeshi jitte with a hardwood grip called “naganaeshi” also serves a similar function.
Various Facts About Jitte
Kikai Jitte or Marohoshi.
The “Kikai Jitte” (in the Ikkaku-ryū, “Marohoshi”) is a special design used by practitioners of the Enmei-ryū and the Ikkaku-ryū schools of Juttejutsu. It can be used as a weapon due to its big hook and cross-shaped tsuba, or it can be used as a hook due to its versatility.
Shinmen Munisai, Miyamoto Musashi’s father, was lauded as a master of the Juttejutsu of the Tori-ryū school by the legendary shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki himself.
Written manuscripts of the Tetsujin-ryū, which is closely linked to the Enmei-ryū, depict a person carrying a blade in their right hand and a jitte in their left, indicating that these methods were once practiced but have since been forgotten.
Martial Art Schools That Use Jitte
Takenouchi-ryū
Ikkaku-ryū juttejutsu
Komagawa Kaishin-ryū
Shibukawa-ryū
Rishin-ryū
Imaeda Shin-ryū
Tori-ryū
Variants of Jitte
Karakuri jitte
Kikai jitte or Marohoshi
Naeshi Jitte
Uchiharai jitte
Similar Weapons
Kabutowari
Tekkan (“iron sword”)
Sai
Jitte in Popular Culture
The Smoker character uses jitte in One Piece.
Manga and Anime
Throughout Darwin’s Game (2020-), Liu Xuelan employs Jitte in battles.
Jittes are issued to contracted hackers in Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990-1991) as a badge of office and service firearm.
In the anime and manga One Piece (1999-), Vice Admiral Smoker of the Straw Hats employs a lengthy jitte.
In Tokyo Mew Mew (2000-2003), Quiche makes use of two jittes during battle.
TV
During the events in the Message from Space: Galactic Wars (1979) TV series, both Hayato and Ryu, two of the series’ main protagonists, carry retractable jitte.
Video Games
Sodom’s go-to tool of choice in the Street Fighter series is the jitte.
Taki, a playable character in Soul Calibur IV, has access to jitte based on the outfit he wears.
