The Tonfa is made of hardwood. It is between 15 to 20 inches in length with a projecting side handle about 6 inches down the from the front end. The Ushiro Tsukagashira should extend 1 to 3 inches past the elbow. The body of the Tonfa may be square or round.
The Tonfa was used as a handle to turn a hand operated millstone when grinding rice. Like the Sai, the Tonfa is used in pairs
The Tonfa takes time to develop smooth techniques. Each Tonfa must work in harmony with the other. Proper spinning, rotation, and control require many hours of practice.
The Tonfa is gripped so that the thumb and index finger are at the Tsuka and the Yoko Nage is on the bottom of the forearm. It can be used for punching and blocking as in karate. The true power of the Tonfa comes from the swinging motions used for striking and blocking.