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WABUKAN Arsenal · Shields and protection · Japan

Tessen

A folding fan with iron ribs. Samurai could carry it where swords were not allowed and use it to parry and strike.

Tessen
Tessen WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

鉄扇 · gunsen; tetsu-sen; gunbai (related)

Origin and history

Iron or iron-ribbed folding fans were carried by samurai, especially where swords had to be left at the door. Commanders used related fans (gunsen, gunbai) to signal troops; the art of the fan is called tessenjutsu.

Martial arts that use it

Jujutsu

Construction

A folding fan with outer ribs of iron, or a solid iron bar shaped like a closed fan, about 25–35 cm. Some had real paper leaves, others were only imitations.

Basic techniques

Training

Protective equipment is part of training itself: students learn to put it on correctly, check straps and padding, and move and breathe while wearing it before any contact work.

Safety

Protection only works if it fits: replace cracked, torn or compressed padding, check helmets and grilles regularly and let damp gear dry fully to avoid skin infections.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

A popular tradition says Takeda Shingen parried Uesugi Kenshin’s sword with his war fan at the fourth battle of Kawanakajima (1561).

More weapons

Tinbe-rochin Buckler Boxing gloves Bogu

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Tessen