Tekko — 鉄甲 (Knuckle Guards)
The tekko (鉄甲, also written 鉄甲 or テッコウ) are metal knuckle guards worn over the fist. The weapon is believed to derive from a horseshoe or similar iron fitting. Of the eight Taira curriculum weapons, tekko is the only one worn rather than held.
Physical Characteristics
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form | Metal arc fitting across the knuckles |
| Projections | One or more short points on the striking surface |
| Material | Iron or steel |
| Usage | Worn, one per hand — or one hand only in some kata |
Technique
Because the tekko is worn, the hand retains its ability to grip and strike normally — but every punch, block, and grab is now augmented by the metal surface. Key applications include:
- Augmented punching — adding cutting or impact from the metal surface
- Clawing and hooking — using the projections to seize or damage
- Close-range blocks — the metal deflects or traps blade attacks
The tekko kata therefore closely resemble empty-hand karate sequences, performed with the additional tactical options the weapon creates.
Kata in the Taira Curriculum
- Maezato no Tekko (前里の鉄甲 — first kata)
- Tekko no Ni (鉄甲の二 — second kata)
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Detailed kata descriptions and technical analysis will be added here.