New Tonfa

lordtariel · Black Belt

Since I'm getting close to the tournament season again, I was debating about getting a new pair Shureido tonfa since the old clunkers I have now are a bit beat up. I was wondering if anyone here has ever gotten a pair and could tell me if they're really worth the $105 price tag that's attached to them or if there's another set that's comparable in quality but a little cheaper somewhere else.
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Shorin Ryuu · Black Belt

I have a Shureido pair that are pretty nice... I didn't pay for them though, my instructor gave them to me. I also have a pair from Murasaki Kobudo which are pretty nice, I merely outgrew them. You can call up or email Sensei Gordon there and he will make them a custom fit provided you give him your measurements. It will end up being less than the Shureido pair.

www.murasakikobudo.com
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IRKguy · White Belt

You can get better tonfa slightly cheaper from Carbone, but it takes about three months, since they are custom made to fit you. He only makes the square type. These are heavier than what tends to show up in tournaments, though. I own Shureido weapons and have handled a pair of the tonfa. They are very well-made and will last for a long time. The pair I handled was over ten years old with no wobble at all. I've held barely-used Century tonfa that seemed like the handles were about to pop out. I've also used new Century tonfa whose handles did pop out with one good swing (fortunately, I was not facing the mirror). I've seen other people use Century tonfa for years with no complaint. It is a question of quality control. My only complaint with Shureido is the limited number of sizes they offer. If they have a size that fits you, I would say you should buy them. You will feel the difference. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. They are not heavy, but they are heavier than what you tend to see at tournaments. Good balance makes the weight less of a difference. Mass-produced competition tonfa are ash and are faster but don't hit as hard and will wear out. Shureido tonfa are oak. Peter Carone's tonfa are bubinja or jabota. I understand that some people are making them of purpleheart wood. If you do any contact with the tonfa, I would stay away from the lighter and mass-produced models.

As for whether they are worth the price, I'm still not sure. Unfortunately, there seems to be no middle ground between cheap weapons and premium weapons. However, I just got a circular in the mail from a sporting goods store and saw what people are paying for golf clubs. Suddenly I feel better about paying 100 bucks for a pair of tonfa.

a_ninja · Orange Belt

Ive never had a tonfa, but i dont think threre worth 105 dollars!!!
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lordtariel · Black Belt

So apparently my sensei has a pair of shuredo tonfas that he brought in for me to practice with the other day. These things feel rock solid, but at the same time, they're kind of strange to use. I'm not entirely sure I'm willing to shell out the money for them but they are pretty nice. Maybe if I finally decide to settle on tonfa as my primary weapon focus I'll pick up a pair.
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Holland · Blue Belt

I agree and disagree about the cabone vs. Shureido comments. I own a pair of each and think each has ups and downs. The Carbone are easier to use, but I think that the shureido look a little better in action. Both are fine weapons...but all things included...if you are not familiar with both then I would go with the shureido. You know what they look like, and most likely you have held a pair.

Most people use the middle sized pair of shureidos. I have a pair of the longer and the medium, but at 6'2 I prefer the medium sized pair.

Also, you can often find shureido tonfa on ebay. Mr. Carbone's stuff usually can't be purchased used.

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