'''Okinawan weapons''' are a group of [[weapon]]s developed in [[Okinawa]] and employed in the [[fighting system]] known as [[Okinawan kobudo]], Ryūkyū Kobujutsu and also just as Kobudo.
{{dablink|'''Maui''' is also the name of the mythological demigod of various [[Polynesia]]n cultures, including that of [[ancient Hawaii|ancient Hawai'i]]; see [[Maui (mythology)]]; and a type of software; see [[Maui (software)]].}}
==Possible origins==
{| style="width: 20em; float: right; font-size: 95%; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-left: 1px solid #aaa; border-collapse: collapse;"
It is a popular story and common belief that Okinawan farming tools evolved into weapons due to restrictions placed upon the peasants that meant they could not carry arms. As a result, it is said, they were defenseless and developed a fighting system around their traditional farming implements. However, modern martial arts scholars have been unable to find historical backing for this story, and the evidence uncovered by various martial historians points to the [[Pechin]] Warrior caste in Okinawa as being those who practised and studied martial arts, rather than the Heimin, or commoner. It is true that Okinawans, under the rule of foreign powers, were prohibited from carrying weapons or practicing with them in public. But the weapons-based fighting that they secretly practiced (and the types of weapons they practiced with) had strong Chinese roots, and examples of similar weapons have been found in [[China]], pre-dating the Okinawa adaptations.
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| style="text-align: center; padding: 0.5em; background: #F7D79C; font-size: larger;" | '''Maui'''
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| style="text-align: center; padding: 0.5em 0;" | [[image:Maui.jpg|275px|Image of Maui taken by [[NASA]].]]
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{| style="margin-left: 1em; border-top: 1px #AAA solid;"
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Nickname'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | ''The Valley Isle ''
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Population'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | 117,644+
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Area'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | 727 sq. miles
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Rank'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | 2nd, Largest Hawaiian Island
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Highest Point'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | Haleakalā
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|'''Island flower'''
|style="padding-left: 1em;" | Lokelani
|}
|}
==Weapon types==
'''Maui''' is the second-largest of the [[Hawaiian Islands]] at [[1 E9 m²|727 square miles (1883 km²)]]. Native Hawaiian tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawai{{okina}}iloa, the [[Polynesia]]n navigator attributed with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. The story relates how he named the island of Maui after his son who in turn was named for the demi-god [[Maui (mythology)|Maui]]. According to legend, the demi-god Maui raised all the Hawaiian Islands from the [[Pacific Ocean|sea]]. The Island of Maui is also called the "Valley Isle" for the large fertile [[isthmus]] between its two volcanoes.
===Bo===
{{main|Bo (weapon)}}
The ''bo'' is a six-foot staff, tapered at either end. It was perhaps developed from a farming tool called a ''tenbin'': a stick placed across the shoulders with baskets or sacks hanging from either end. The bo was also possibly used as the handle to a rake or a shovel. The bo, along with shorter variations such as the ''[[Jo (weapon)|jo]]'' and ''[[hanbo]]'' could also have been developed from walking sticks used by travellers, especially monks. The bo is considered the 'king' of the Okinawa weapons, as all others exploit its weaknesses in fighting it, whereas when it is fighting them it is using its strengths against them. The bo is the earliest of all Okinawa weapons (and effectively one of the earliest of all weapons in the form of a basic staff), and is traditionally made from red or white oak.
Maui is part of the [[Hawaii|State of Hawai{{okina}}i]] and is the largest island in [[Maui County, Hawaii|Maui County]]. The island had a resident population of 117,644 in 2000—third within the state behind the islands of [[Oahu|O{{okina}}ahu]] and [[Hawaii (island)|Hawai{{okina}}i]]. The population is diverse, with many ethnic groups having originally arrived in the islands to work sugar cane and pineapple plantations from countries of the Western Pacific rim. Maui is part of Maui County, the other islands comprising the county being [[Lanai|Lāna{{okina}}i]], [[Kahoolawe|Kaho{{okina}}olawe]], and [[Molokai|Moloka{{okina}}i]]. The larger towns on Maui Island include [[Kahului, Hawaii|Kahului]], [[Wailuku]], [[Lahaina|Lāhainā]], and [[Kihei, Hawaii|Kīhei]]. See [[Maui County, Hawaii|Maui County]] for a list of towns.
==History=Sai===
{{main|Sai (weapon)}}
The '''sai''' is sometimes mistakenly believed to be a variation on a tool used to create furrows in the ground, however this is highly unlikely as metal on Okinawa was in short supply at this time and a stick would have served this purpose more satisfactorily for a poor commoner, or ''Heimin''. The sai appears similar to a short sword, but is not bladed and the end is traditionally blunt. Records from China prove its original existence although in a much more elongated form where it was known as Tsai and was used purely as a weapon. The weapon is metal and of the truncheon class with its length dependent upon the forearm of the user. The two shorter prongs on either side of the main shaft are used for trapping other weapons such as a sword or bo. The sai originally reached [[Japan]] in the form of the ''[[Jitte (weapon)|jitte]]'' or ''jutte'', which has only a single prong. Both are truncheon-like weapons, used for striking and bludgeoning. Sai were thought to be given to those in Okinawan society that the Japanese could trust to maintain order. Sai are traditionally carried in threes, two are used in combat and the third is used as either a precursor to the actual fight and is thrown at the enemy, or as a spare in the event that one is knocked from the hand. There are many other variations on the sai with varying prongs for trapping and blocking, and the ''monouchi'', or shaft, can be round or octagonal. Sai were also used as handcuffs and were a symbol of authority in Okinawa. Two sai are called zai.
Polynesians, from [[Tahiti]] and the [[Marquesas]], were the original peoples to populate Maui. The Tahitians introduced the [[kapu]] system, a strict social order that affected all aspects of life and became the core of Hawaiian culture. Modern Hawaiiian history began in the mid-1700s. [[Kamehameha I of Hawaii|King Kamehameha I]] took up residence (and later made his capital) in Lāhainā after conquering Maui in the bloody '''Battle of Kepaniwai''' in [[1790]] in the [[Iao Valley|Ī{{okina}}ao Valley]].
===Nunchaku===
<div style="float:right;margin:0 1em 0 1em;text-align:center;">[[image:iaovalley_sm.jpg|Ī{{okina}}ao Valley]]<br><small>Ī{{okina}}ao Valley</small></div>
{{main|Nunchaku}}
[[James Cook|Captain James Cook]] "discovered" Maui on [[November 26]], [[1778]], although he never set foot on the island, being unable to find a suitable landing. The first European to visit Maui was the [[France|French]] admiral Jean François de Galaup de La Perouse, who landed on the shores of what is now known as La Perouse Bay on May 29, 1786. More Europeans followed: traders, whalers, loggers (e.g., of sandalwood) and missionaries. The missionaries began to arrive from [[New England]] in 1823, choosing Lāhainā because it was the capital. They clothed the natives, banned them from dancing [[hula]], and greatly altered the culture. They tried to keep whalers and sailors out of the bawdy houses. The missionaries taught reading and writing, created the 12-letter [[Hawaiian alphabet]], started a printing press in Lāhainā, and began writing the islands' history, until then existing only as oral accounts. They started the first school in Lāhainā, which still exists today: Lāhaināluna Mission School. The Mission school opened in 1831 and was the first secondary school to open West of the Rockies.
<div style="float:left;margin:1em 1em 1em 0;text-align:center;">[[Image:haleakala_sm.jpg|Haleakalā]]<br><small>''Looking into {{Unicode|Haleakalā}} "crater"''</small></div>
A '''nunchaku''' is two sections of wood (or metal in modern incarnations) connected by a cord or chain. There is much controversy over its origins: some say it was originally a Chinese weapon, others say it evolved from a threshing flail, while one
At the height of the [[whaling]] era (1840-1865), Lāhainā was a major whaling centre with anchorage in [[Hawaiian_islands_channels|Lāhainā Roads]]; in one season over 400 ships visited Lāhainā and the greatest number of ships berthed at one time was about 100. A given ship tended to stay months rather than days which explains the drinking and [[prostitution]] in the town at that time. Whaling declined steeply at the end of the 19th century as [[crude oil]] ([[petroleum]]) replaced [[whale oil]].
theory purports that it was developed from a horse's bit. Chinese nunchaku tend to be rounded, whereas Japanese are octagonal, and they were originally linked by horse hair. There are many variations on the nunchaku, ranging from the [[three sectional staff]] (''san-setsu-kon nunchaku''), to smaller multi-section nunchaku. The nunchaku was popularized by [[Bruce Lee]] in a number of films, made in both [[Hollywood]] and [[Hong Kong]].
===Tonfa===
Kamehameha's descendants reigned in the islands until 1872. They were followed by rulers from another ancient family of chiefs, including [[Liliuokalani of Hawaii|Queen Lili{{okina}}uokalani]] who ruled in 1893 when the monarchy was overturned. One year later, the [[Republic of Hawaii|Republic of Hawai{{okina}}i]] was founded. The island was annexed by the [[United States]] in [[1898]] and made a territory in [[1900]]. Hawai{{okina}}i became the 50th state in U.S. in [[1959]].
{{main|Tonfa}}
The ''tonfa'' is more readily recognized by its modern development in the form of the [[police]] [[nightstick]], although its usage differs. It supposedly originated as the handle of a [[millstone]] used for grinding grain. The tonfa is traditionally made from red oak, and can be gripped by the short perpendicular handle or by the longer main shaft. As with all Okinawan weapons, many of the forms are reflective of "empty hand" techniques.
Maui was centrally involved in the Pacific Theatre of World War II as a staging centre, training base, and for rest and relaxation. At the peak in 1943-44, the number of troops stationed on Maui exceeded 100,000. The main base of the 4th Marines was in Haiku. Beaches (e.g., in {{Unicode|Kīhei}}) were used for practice landings and training in marine demolition and sabotage.
===Tekko===
==Modern Development==
{{main|Tekko}}
[[image:maui_map_sm.png|right|Map of Maui]]
The island has experienced rapid population growth in recent years (e.g., 4.6% in 2001/2002) with Kīhei one of the most rapidly growing towns in the U.S. (see chart). The growth is occurring because many people, having visited Maui, decide to move or retire to the island.
The '''Tekko''' or 'Tecchu' is a form of [[knuckleduster]], and primarily takes its main form of usage from that of empty-hand technique, whilst also introducing slashing movements. The Tekko is usually made to the width of the hand with anything between one and three protruding points on the knuckle front with protruding points at the top and the bottom of the knuckle. They can be made of any hard material but are predominately found in aluminium, iron, steel, or wood.
<center>
<TABLE>
<TR>
<TD COLSPAN=6><center><b>
[[Maui County, Hawaii|Maui County]] Population, 1960-2000</b></center>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD WIDTH=10%></TD>
<TD WIDTH=10%>1960</TD><TD WIDTH=10%>1970</TD><TD WIDTH=10%>1980</TD><TD WIDTH=10%>1990</TD><TD WIDTH=10%>2000</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>Total</TD>
<TD>42,576</TD>
<TD>45,984</TD>
<TD>70,847</TD>
<TD>100,374</TD>
<TD>128,094</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>Change</TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD>3,408</TD>
<TD>24,863</TD>
<TD>29,527</TD>
<TD>27,720</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD>Percent Change</TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD>8.0%</TD>
<TD>54.1%</TD>
<TD>41.7%</TD>
<TD>27.6%</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
<TD COLSPAN=4></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=2>
<small>source: [http://www.censusscope.org/us/s15/c9/chart_popl.html/ CensusScope] 2000 Census analysis</small></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</center>
===Tinbe-Rochin===
Population growth—partly due to an influx of new people typically from Canada and the U.S. mainland—is producing strains, including growing congestion on many of the major roads. There is concern about the availability of affordable housing and access to water. Property prices have risen to levels that families on average incomes find it difficult to afford housing (either renting or buying). Property developers have insufficient regulatory or financial incentive to build less expensive (affordable) homes. Maui County Council has been investigating ways of changing the situation.
{{main|Tinbe-Rochin}}
<!-- Err... could someone seriously cleanup the prose in this section. I'm not at all sure what it means. -->
There have been long-term concerns about the reliability of supply of [[potable water]]: droughts have been declared in most recent years and the '''Ī{{okina}}ao aquifer''' has been drawn down at what are believed may be unsustainable rates of above 18 million US gallons (68,000 m³) per day. Whilst the situation remains unclear, and reliable supply has not been secured, recent estimates indicate that the total potential supply of potable water on Maui is, at an estimated 476 million US gallons (1,800,000 m³) per day, many times greater than foreseeable demand.
The '''Tinbe-Rochin''' is one of the least known of of the Ryūkyū system and exudes a feeling of history long gone. The usage is, at first glance, visually reminiscent of a combination of [[Zulu]] fighting and European [[sword]] and [[buckler|small shield]] fighting, and weapons of this nature can be found in most cultures throughout the world. The Tinbe (Shield) can be made of various materials but is commonly found in vine or cane, metal, or more historically, in turtle shell. (The [[Ryūkyū Island]]'s historical primary source of food - fishing - provided a reliable supply of turtles). The shield size is generally about 45 cm long and 38 cm wide. The Rochin (Short spear) is cut with the length of the shaft being the same distance as the forearm to the elbow if it is being held in the hand. The spearhead then protrudes from the shaft and can be found in many differing designs varying from spears to short swords and machete-style implements.
===Surujin===
There is a great deal of discussion about the meaning of, and the way to achieve, smart development. There is clearly a tension between economic growth and urbanisation on the one hand, and the wish to preserve the beauty of Maui and a relaxed way of life on the other. In the past there existed a pro-growth bias in policy with developers and politicians working to stimulate the economy; now the balance has swung toward more sensitive consideration of community concerns (about the dangers of unwise growth/development) and developers no longer have everything their way.
<!-- Does this not have a main article? If it does, insert: {{main|Surujin}} -->
The Surujin consists of a weighted chain or leather cord and can be found in two kinds: 'Tan Surujin' (short) and 'Naga Surujin' (long). The lengths are about 150-152 cm and 230-240 cm respectively. It is a weapon which can be easily hidden prior to use, and due to this fact can be devastatingly effective. Traditionally found with a bladed instrument at one end and a weight at the other, the Surujin techniques are very similar to those of the Nunchaku.
Leather cords are used for practice or kumite, whereas chains are favoured for demonstration.
Historically used by fishermen to allow them to pull their boats in where they might not be able to paddle, the word ''suru'' refers to the hemp rope that was originally used, as this material is rot- and mold-resistant, and ''jin'' (or ''chin'') refers to a weight as used to hold down rice paper while writing. Based on its fishing origins, the first suruchin were most likely made from flat rocks with holes drilled in them.
==Economy==
===Ieku===
The major industries are [[agriculture]] and [[tourism]]. Maui Land & Pineapple and Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar (HC&S, a subsidiary of Alexander and Baldwin Company) dominate agricultural activity. HC&S produces sugarcane on about 37,000 acres (150 km²) of the Maui central valley, the largest sugarcane operation remaining in Hawai{{okina}}i. The cane is irrigated mostly with water drawn from aqueducts that run from the windward (northern) slopes of [[East Maui Volcano]] (Haleakalā) that receive considerable rainfall. A controversial feature of sugarcane production is the burning that is done for about 9 months of the year. These are controlled burns of fields to reduce the crop to bare canes just before harvesting. The fires produce smoke that towers above the Maui central valley most early mornings, and ash (locally referred to as "Maui snow") that is carried downwind (often towards north Kīhei).
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The Okinawan style of oar is called an ieku; the favorite type of wood used for these was "eku", hence the name. Noteworthy hallmarks are the slight point at the end, a curve to one side of the paddle and a roof-like ridge along the other. One of the hojoundo (basic moves) for this weapon utilizes the fact that a fisherman would be able to fling sand at an opponent. While not having the length, and therefor reach, of the [[bo]], the rather sharp edges can inflict more penetrating damage when wielded properly.
===Kama===
The retail center for Maui residents is [[Kahului, Hawaii|Kahului]].
{{main|Kama (weapon)}}
The final major Okinawa weapon is the '''kama'''. It is the traditional farming sickle, and considered one of the hardest to learn due to the inherent danger in practicing with such a weapon. The point at which the blade and handle join in the traditional model normally has a nook with which a bo can be trapped, although this joint proved to be a weak point in the design, and modern day examples tend to have a shorter handle with a blade that begins following the line of the handle and then bends, though to a lesser degree than the difference in orientation of the traditional model; this form of the kama is known as the ''[[natagama]]''.
Maui is also an important centre for [[astronomy]] with the Haleakalā High Altitude Observatory Site being one of the five best astronomical and space surveillance sites in the world.
==Topography==
[[Image:AerialMaui.JPG|300px|thumb|Aerial view of Maui]]
Maui is a [[volcano|volcanic doublet]]: an island formed from two volcanic mountains that abut one another to form the isthmus between them. The older volcano, [[Mauna Kahalawai]], is much older and has been eroded considerably; it is now called the West Maui Mountain. The larger volcano in the East, East Maui Volcano (more commonly called [[Haleakala|Haleakalā]] after its famous summit depression) — rises above 10,023 feet (3,050 m). The last eruption occurred around 1790, and the lava flow can be viewed between {{okina}}Āhihi Bay and [[La Perouse Bay]] on the southwest shore of East Maui. Both volcanoes are [[shield volcano]]es and the low viscosity of the Hawaiian [[lava]] makes the likelihood of large explosive eruptions negligible.
==Climate==
At sea level Maui has a remarkably stable tropical climate with highs in the region of 29 °C (80 to 85 °F) and lows around 20 °C (65 to 70 °F); rainfall is greater in the northern hemisphere winter (wet season is November through April). However, because of the two volcanic mountains that dominate the topography, Maui has a very wide range of climatic conditions depending on elevation and whether an area faces toward or away from the prevailing Tradewinds (blowing from the northeast). For example the top of the West Maui mountain receives over 400 inches (10 m) of rainfall per year, whereas Kīhei receives less than 10 inches (250 mm), being in the [[rain shadow]] of East Maui Volcano (''see [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Orographic precipitation]]''); Kahului airport (the main airport on Maui) has average rainfall of about 19 inches (480 mm), whereas Olinda (upslope from the airport) receives about 73 inches (1.8 m).
Maui has an unusual weather feature known as the ''Maui vortex'', an area of clear sky that often forms over [[Kula|Pukalani]] due to the swirling of air (a vortex) as it enters the central valley after being forced to move around Haleakalā.
Maui, like the whole of the Hawaiian Islands, has a hurricane season in the late summer and fall, with tropical storms typically approaching from the southeast. Storms initiated by hurricanes or tropical depressions that approach from the southeast are known locally as Kona storms.
==Tourism==
Maui welcomed 2,225,060 tourists in 2002. The main tourism centres are Lahaina to Kapalua and Kīhei-Wailea, each of which has several luxury resort hotels. Whereas O{{okina}}ahu is most popular with Japanese tourists, Maui tends to appeal especially to visitors from the US mainland and Canada. Wailea hosts the annual [[Maui Writers Conference]].
Maui is a leading whale-watching center in the Hawaiian Islands due to the fact that many [[Humpback whale]]s winter in the sheltered [[Hawaiian islands channels|{{okina}}Au{{okina}}au Channel]] between the islands of Maui county. The whales migrate approximately 3,500 miles (5,600 km) from [[Alaska|Alaskan waters]] each autumn and spend the northern hemisphere winter months mating and birthing in the warm waters off Maui. The whales are typically sighted in pods: small groups of several adults and one or more calves. Humpbacks are an [[endangered species]] protected by U.S. federal and Hawai{{okina}}i state law. There are estimated to be about 3000 humpbacks in the North Pacific.
Among the many features on Maui popular with tourists are the "Road to Hāna" (the drive from the central valley to Hāna and beyond), the drive up to Haleakalā crater, Makawao (and Maui's Upcountry region), the [[Iao Valley|Ī{{okina}}ao Valley]], and Lindbergh's grave (near Kaupō on East Maui).
A few popular sporting events bring fans from all over, including the [[Maui Invitational]] [[college basketball]] tournament in [[November]].
<table border=0><tr><td>[[image:hanaroad_sm.jpg|Road to Hāna]]</td><td>[[image:wainapanapa_sm.jpg|Wai{{okina}}anapanapa]]<tr>
<td>''Road to Hāna''</td><td>''Wai{{okina}}ānapanapa''</table>
The Maui Chamber of Commerce issues medals, called [[Maui Dollars]], that can be used as currency in local shops and are valued as collectables.
==See also==
*[[Bojutsu]]
* [[Phantom cat|Maui "phantom" cat]]
*[[Kubotan]]
*[[Karate]]
{{KobudoWeapons}}
==External links==
{{commons|Maui}}
* The ''[http://www.mauinews.com/ Maui News]'' ~ main local newspaper
* ''[http://www.mauisfreepress.com/ Haleakalā Times]''
* ''[http://www.co.maui.hi.us/ Official site of Maui County]''
* [http://www.terragalleria.com/pacific/maui Photos of Maui - Terra Galleria]
[[Category:Weapons of Japan]]
{{Hawaii}}
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