Eku (Staff)
- Polearms & Spear
- Less than 1 min
By Crusader1307
Another of Okinawa's ''common items'' turned into weapons as matter of necessity, The ''Eku'' was originally a Boat Oar seen in the 14th Century AD. Fishermen would often fall prey to Bandits while fishing close to land. Without weapons, they were easy prey. To remedy this, some began to adapt their Oar, The Eku – into a stylized weapon. The Eku was a flat bladed (paddle) with a long and slender handle shaft. They were 5-feet in length. The stylized movement or ''Kata'' used, required mastery of The Bo Staff. Used to knock over an Opponent, they also served as both Club and Thrusting device. Many were used against Japanese Invaders as well. The Eku is still a staple in traditional Okinawan Martial Arts even today.
