In the 17th century, Japan annexed Okinawa and outlawed normal military weapons.
The populace learned to use everyday tools and farming implements as weapons.

	Sensei Bob Wilson Our NEW Matayoshi Kobudo Site Kobudo News Kobudo Curriculum Kobudo Kata Videos Matayoshi Kobudo (Wikipedia) History of Matayoshi Kobudo Our Dojos Photo Album
Modern day kobudo practices the techniques learned by the Okinawans, and uses items such as these.