Torimono sandōgu

The torimono sandōgu (also torimono hogu or mitsu dogu)[1][2] were known as the three tools of arresting.[3] The torimono sandōgu were three types of pole weapons used by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan during the Edo period.[4]

Torimono sandōgu (three tools of arresting), weapons for capturing suspected criminals (from left) tsukubo, sodegarami, sasumata.

History

In Edo period Japan the samurai were in charge of police operations; various levels of samurai police with help from non-samurai commoners used many types of non lethal weapons in order to capture suspected criminals for trial. The torimono sandōgu was part of the six tools of the police station (bansho rokugin or keigo roku-go),[5] these were the kanamuchi, kiriko no bo, tetto, sodegarami, tsukubo, and the sasumata.[6] Samurai police were required to have these six tools or weapons on hand to effectively deal with disturbances. The torimono sandōgu were symbols of office and were often displayed in front of police checkpoints or used in processions, especially while convicted prisoners were being led to their execution.[7]

Description and use

The torimono sandōgu consisted of the sodegarami (sleeve entangler), sasumata (spear fork) and tsukubo (push pole).[8] All three implements were mounted on long hardwood poles usually around 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in length, sharp metal barbs or spines attached to metal strips covered one end of these implements to keep the person being captured from grabbing the pole. The opposite end of the pole would have a metal cap, or ishizuki like those found on naginata and other pole weapons. Torimono sandōgu implements were designed to entangle, restrain and obstruct criminals rather than injure them.[9][10]

See also

References
  1. Breaking barriers: travel and the state in early modern Japan, Volume 163 of Harvard East Asian monographs, Constantine Nomikos Vaporis, Publisher Harvard Univ Asia Center, 1994 ISBN 9780674081079, p.11
  2. Pauley's Guide - A Dictionary of Japanese Martial Arts and Culture, Daniel C. Pauley, 2009 P.116
  3. Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Martial Arts, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 ISBN 978-0-8048-3536-7, P.93-100
  4. Mol, Serge; Classical weaponry of Japan: special weapons and tactics of the martial arts, Kodansha International, 2003, p.126
  5. Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Martial Arts, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 ISBN 978-0-8048-3536-7, P.93-100
  6. Classical weaponry of Japan: special weapons and tactics of the martial arts, Author Serge Mol, Publisher Kodansha International, 2003, ISBN 978-4-7700-2941-6, P.206
  7. Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Martial Arts, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 ISBN 978-0-8048-3536-7, P.93-100
  8. Pauley, Daniel C.; Pauley's Guide - A Dictionary of Japanese Martial Arts and Culture Samantha Pauley, 2009, p112
  9. Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Martial Arts, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 ISBN 978-0-8048-3536-7, P.93-100
  10. Russo-Japanese war, Volume 3, Russo-Japanese War, Publisher Kinkodo pub. co., 1905, Original from the New York Public Library P.854
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