What is "shugijutsu"

Shugijutsu (Tanbojutsu) is a Japanese martial art which uses short sticks. It is a part of jōdō. The techniques where used by farmers in the Kai Province (today Yamanashi Prefecture), the land of the Takeda, when they had to fight against thieves and bandits. They picked up any stick available and defended themselves. Very efficient locks for throwing the opponent to the ground, strikes and blocks are also comprised in this martial art.

It is also thought that the actual shugi was developed to imitate the shape of the tantō scabbard which was used in old time's close combat.

In Takeda Ryu Nakamura Ha Sobudo, shugijutsu use at least two short sticks with an oval section. The special geometry of the sticks increase the pain during locks and blocks. In some occasion, sticks can be used as throwing weapons.

The martial art practiced by the Athosians in the science fiction program "Stargate: Atlantis" is based on this discipline.