Torimono_sandogu_(tools_for_capturing_criminals)

The is a

pole weapon A polearm or pole weapon is a close combat weapon in which the main fighting part of the weapon is fitted to the end of a long shaft, typically of wood, thereby extending the user's effective range and striking power. Polearms are predominantly ...

that was used by the

samurai were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...

class and their retainers in feudal Japan.

History and description

The ''sodegarami'' is a type of

man catcher A man catcher, also known as catchpole, 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 "do ...

. It is around in length, with multiple barbed heads facing forwards and backwards. The pole is sturdy hardwood with sharp metal barbs or spines attached to metal strips on one end to keep the person being captured from grabbing the pole. The opposite end of the pole has a metal cap or ''ishizuki'', like those found on ''

naginata The ''naginata'' (, ) is a pole weapon and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (''nihontō''). ''Naginata'' were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei ( ...

'' and other pole weapons. The ''sodegarami'', ''

tsukubō The (push pole) was a pole weapon used by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. History and description In Edo period Japan the samurai were in charge of police operations, various levels of samurai police with help from non-sa ...

'' (push pole), and ''

sasumata The is a pole weapon used by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan. Description and use Although some sources place the origin of the sasumata in the Muromachi period, most sources discuss its use in the Edo period. In Edo peri ...

'' (spear fork) comprise the ''

torimono sandōgu The ''torimono sandōgu'' (also ''torimono hogu'' or ''mitsu dogu'') were known as the ''three tools of arresting''. The torimono sandōgu were three types of pole weapons used by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan during the ...

'' (three implements of arresting) used by samurai police to capture suspected criminals uninjured. The ''sodegarami'' was used to entangle the sleeves and clothing of an individual who could then be more easily disarmed or dealt with. The ''sodegarami'' evolved from the ''yagaramogara'', which was a long pole implement employed by naval forces. That instrument in turn was derived from the Chinese

langxian The ''langxian'' was a branched, multi-tipped spear with blades attached to the branches. The blades could be dipped in poison. The ''langxian'' was a weapon well suited for defense, as it would be difficult for an opponent to assault the wielder ...

, which was used to defend against

Japanese pirates ''Wokou'' (; Japanese language, Japanese: ''Wakō''; Korean language, Korean: 왜구 ''Waegu''), which literally translates to "Japanese pirates" or "dwarf pirates", were pirates who raided the coastlines of China and Korea from the 13th centur ...

during the

Ming dynasty The Ming dynasty (), officially the Great Ming, was an Dynasties in Chinese history, imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol Empire, Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last ort ...

(1368-1644). Alternative names for the ''sodegarami'' include ''roga-bō'', ''shishigashira'', ''neji'', and ''tōrigarami''.

Gallery

File:Sodegarami.JPG, Edo period sodegarami, used by samurai police and security forces to capture armed suspects. File:Sodegarami sasumata.jpg, Sodegarami and sasumata.

References

Sources

* Cunningham, Don. ''Taiho-jutsu:Law and Order in the Age of the Samurai''. Boston; Rutland, Vermont; Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2004. * 神之田常盛. ''剣術神道霞流''. 萩原印刷株式会社, 2003. * Mol, Serge. ''Classic Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts''. Tokyo; New York; London: Kodansha International, 2003.

External links

Samurai police weapons Polearms of Japan Samurai polearms {{Polearm-stub