Eku Bo, Wooden Oar

The Eku, or fishermen's oar, was first used as a weapon in conflicts between fishermen, then against foreign assailants. It was also used to project sand into the opponent's eyes, while its pointed end enabled precise attacks.

One of the emblematic techniques, Tsugen Akachu's Eku, was handed down by Azato, a renowned warrior from the island of Tsukenjima, nicknamed Akachu (red-haired) because of a wine stain on his face.

The Eku's movements are reminiscent of those of Bô, with a preference for sharp attacks. Its handling, complex due to its imbalance, is reserved for practitioners of 4th Dan and above. It is the ninth weapon in the progression of traditional Okinawan Kobudo.

• 180 cm length
• 9 cm width
• 3 cm diameter
• available in noble Merbeau or Beech wood