Tonfa
The tonfa is a Japanese martial arts weapon from which the modern side-handled police baton is derived.
It traditionally consists of two parts, a handle with a knob, and at 90 degrees to the handle, a board or stick that lies along the hand and forearm.
There are numerous ways to defend and attack with the tonfa. Defensively, when holding the handle, the board protects the forearm and hand from blows, and the knob can protect from blows to the thumb. By holding both ends of the board, it can ward of blows. When holding the board, the handle can function as a hook to catch blows or weapons.
In attack, the board can be swung out to strike the target. By holding the handle and twirling the tonfa it can gain large amounts of momentum before striking. The knob can be used as a striking surface, either when held by the handle, or when holding the board, using it as a club. The board can also be maneuvered to stab at attackers. By holding the board and handle together, the tonfa can be used for holding or breaking techniques.
The tonfa was traditionally wielded in pairs, one in each hand.