Sasumata
Encyclopedia
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a koto
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
and sodegarami
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
Image:Sasumata.JPG| Edo period Japanese (samurai) sasumata, used by samurai police and security officials to help capture armed suspects and for crowd control.
Image:Sasumata1.JPG| Edo period Japanese (samurai) sasumata, used by samurai police and security officials to help capture armed suspects and for crowd control.
Image:Japanese_non-lethal_police_weapon.jpg| A modern sasumata
Koto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
The is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a kotoKoto (musical instrument)
The koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to the Chinese guzheng, the Mongolian yatga, the Korean gayageum and the Vietnamese đàn tranh. The koto is the national instrument of Japan. Koto are about length, and made from kiri wood...
bridge, so it is sometimes called a kotojibō. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
and sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. Together with those other implements it is part of the torimono sandōgu used for both firefighting and by police.
Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.
History
Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the EdoEdo
, also romanized as Yedo or Yeddo, is the former name of the Japanese capital Tokyo, and was the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868...
period. Don Cunningham claims that the firefighting version of the implement was also known as a chokyakusan, rinkaku, tetsubashira, and tokikama. He goes on to mention that there was a similar weapon in China known as a chang jiao qian, and sometimes called a cha gan or huo cha (fire fork), which may have had a similar firefighting role. The sasumata was used by firefighters to help disassemble burning buildings, raise ladders, and otherwise assist with their duties.
Law enforcement in Edo used the sasumata along with the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
(sleeve catcher) and tsukubō
Tsukubo
The is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
(thrusting pole) as the torimono sandōgu to restrain and arrest criminals. The head of the sasumata would be used to catch around the neck, arms, legs, or joints of a suspect and detain them until officers could close in and tie them up (using hojōjutsu
Hojojutsu
Hojōjutsu or Nawajutsu, is the traditional Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope.Encompassing many different materials, techniques and methods from many different schools, Hojojutsu is a quintessentially Japanese art that is a unique product of Japanese history and...
). Spikes and barbs would be affixed to prevent criminals from grasping the pole and wresting the weapon from the police officers. These could also be used to help catch sleeves and clothing, similar to the sodegarami
Sodegarami
The is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
. The opposite end of the weapon would often have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata
Naginata
The naginata is one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades in the form of a pole weapon. Naginata were originally used by the samurai class in feudal Japan, and naginata were also used by ashigaru and sōhei .-Description:A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved...
and other pole weapons.
Today, the sasumata is marketed as a tool for law enforcement as well as schools. A reported rise in school invasions has prompted some schools in Japan to keep sasumata available as a method for teachers to protect themselves or students and detain a potential threat until the authorities can arrive. (Mainichi Shinbun 2004).
See also
- SodegaramiSodegaramiThe is a Japanese pole weapon used to entangle sleeves. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with multiple barbed heads, facing forwards and backwards. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole,...
- TsukubōTsukuboThe is a Japanese pole weapon. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a T-shaped head. The head often has various metal spikes and barbs. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to...
- Torimono sandōgu
- Man catcherMan catcherA man catcher is an esoteric type of pole weapon which was used in Europe as late as the 18th century. It consisted of a pole mounted with a two pronged head. Each prong was semi-circular in shape with a spring-loaded 'door' on the front. This created an effective valve that would allow the ring to...
Gallery
Image:Sasumata.JPG| Edo period Japanese (samurai) sasumata, used by samurai police and security officials to help capture armed suspects and for crowd control.
Image:Sasumata1.JPG| Edo period Japanese (samurai) sasumata, used by samurai police and security officials to help capture armed suspects and for crowd control.
Image:Japanese_non-lethal_police_weapon.jpg| A modern sasumata