Tonfas or Police Batons Buying Guide
Tonfas or police batons are effective self-defense weapons. They will, however, be more effective if you’ve bought the right model.
While pepper sprays are effective self-defense weapons, they work better at close distance and with perfect aim. Such conditions, however, are more difficult to achieve when you are feeling scared and anxious about facing an attacker. If you don’t want to risk your attacker to get close, you’ll need to take a more combative stance. Consider, for instance, using a tonfa.
A Brief History of the Tonfa
Back in the 15th century at Okinawa, natives of the region used the tonfa for grinding rice, soy beans, and other grains. The tonfa then was made completely of wood and inserted in the side hole of a millstone, serving as a handle. When disengaged from the machine, the tonfa could be turned into a self-defense weapon. They are often used as a pair and were effective for blocking attacks with its sides while the tips of the tonfa were used for offensive strikes and punches. Constant practice with tonfas also helps in improving coordination, overall balance, and strength.
How to Choose the Best Tonfa
There are different kinds of tonfas, also known as police batons, sold in the market today. For maximum safety, be sure to choose a tonfa that comes with the features listed below.
Durable and High Quality Structure
Wooden tonfas may be cheaper, but they won’t always be able to knock your opponent out with a single, powerful blow. The more time you spend fighting with your attacker, the greater chances you have of losing.
As such, it’s best to make use of tonfas with durable and high quality structures. Look for those made of sturdy metals like aircraft aluminum.
Secure Grip
It would be very fatal if you suddenly lose hold of your tonfa in the middle of fighting off your attacker. Thus, you need to find a tonfa that comes with a secure grip. A rubber covering or something similar would be preferable because its texture is the kind that sticks to your hold than slipping past it.
Length
The longer, the better! A longer length allows you to fight your attacker off at a greater distance. Consider buying telescopic tonfas. Such a design would allow you to enjoy greater length than what you’d enjoy with ordinary tonfas.
Ease of Use
If you are buying a telescopic tonfa, make sure its extendable length is quick to get out. Last but not the least, its handle must also be just as simple to install and disengage.