Kanabo

Kanabo (or Tetsubo) – Japanese Mace Weapon

Kanabo (or Tetsubo) was a mace or war club used by Japanese samurai. Kanabo were typically made from hardwood and covered in iron spikes or studs. Nevertheless, some Kanabo were made entirely from iron.

Wielding the Kanabo takes a great deal of strength so it was only suitable for more sturdy Samurai. The weapon was used to cause blunt trauma damage to opponents (i.e. to break bones and crack skulls) and was also used to break the legs of cavalry horses in order to bring down mounted opponents.

For additional information on traditional martial arts weapons, please visit the main Martial Arts Weapons section.

Picture of Samurai with Kanabo

Nanhoku-cho_period_samurai_from_%22Military_Costumes_in_Old_Japan%22%2C_1893.jpg

Reference Sources

  1. Picture is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org, Added – 05/07/15