About Us
Custom handcrafted weapons for the serious martial artist.
Custom Kobudo is owned by David Rive from Stouffville, Ontario. David is a retired software executive and also a retired Canadian Army Reserve officer. For the last 14 years he has trained with Northern Karate Schools. David particularly enjoys kobudo, and also helping teach junior students in the dojo. David has always enjoyed woodworking and is a graduate of the cabinetmaking program at Humber College in Toronto. NOTE: Our prices are in Canadian dollars. We do not charge HST.
What We Do ...
Serious martial artists prefer to use quality gear that is sized for them. These weapons are made to your personal requirements, and hand crafted from the finest grades of hardwood available, in the traditional Okinawan style. Delivery is within 30 days – because these are personalized weapons, we do not maintain inventory. Weapons can be engraved with your initials at no charge.
Our Philosophy
We guarantee your complete satisfaction. If our weapon fails to meet your expectations, please return it prior to heavy use, for replacement, revision, or refund of your purchase price. WEAR AND TEAR: Normal denting may occur in the wood surface during training - this is not covered. If the grip of a tonfa ever becomes loosened, we will repair at no charge.
Our Weapons
Bo
Please send us your requirements. Tell us your preferred length in inches or centimeters, and whether you want a round or octagonal bo. Standard diameter is one inch. Let us know if you have very small hands - we can reduce the diameter for you. Note that we do not taper the ends of our bos. Your initials can be stamped into the end of the bo.
White Oak
This is a round white oak bo. Canadian white oak is a very strong wood, suitable for weapon on weapon drills, but light enough for kata performance.
Other Woods
Dealing with age and sore joints? (like me) Consider a walnut bo. It is best suited for performance, and is not really hard enough for weapon on weapon drills. Other exotic tropical woods may be available ... if you have something in mind, contact us to discuss.
Eku
Made in the traditional Okinawan style, this Eku is finely balanced for easy handling. Please send us your desired length by Facebook Messenger. The standard length is the distance from the floor to your mouth.
Red Oak
Red oak is our standard eku. A strong bo for every day use.
Black Walnut
A luxurious "presentation grade" wood, walnut is a light weight wood, recommended for performance only.
Tonfa
Based on traditional Okinawan designs, these tonfa can be ordered with either round or square bodies. The standard wood is white oak. For those who prefer a little more weight and durability, purpleheart is the wood of choice. Tonfa are sized to your exact measurements - grasp a broom handle in one hand. Now measure the distance from the point of your bent elbow to the broom handle. This is “Length”. Now measure the height of your fist holding the broom handle. This is “Height”.
White Oak - Round or Square
White oak is the traditional Okinawan wood for kobudo weapons.
Two Wood Square Tonfa
This traditional Okinawan design combines white oak and purpleheart, for those who prefer the "square" tonfa shape. Other woods such as tiger maple and exotic tropical woods are available for those seeking something unique. Ask us for a quote.
Kama
These weapons combine a polished stainless steel blade with traditional oak handles.
Stainless Blade
NOTE: For training safety, these blades are not sharpened.
Wooden Blade
Weapons Racks
Personal Rack for Home
Made from fine red oak or black walnut, this compact rack is perfect for home use. It will hold up to 9 long weapons and 6 short weapons. For black walnut, add $20.
XL Rack for Home
This rack, also in either red oak or black walnut, will hold up to 14 long weapons and 8 short weapons. For black walnut, add $25.
Custom Woodworking
We do custom woodworking for dojos. Call or write with your requirements.