 A similar weapon, consisting of a handle mounted on an antelope horn, was used as a crutch and served as a self-defense implement for the jogi who were forbidden by their order to carry conventional weaponry.The maru is a primarily defensive weapon favoring a low stance, in which the wielder strives to stay lower than the opponent thereby reducing any openings to the body's vital points.Typically, the maru-wielder will block or parry attacks before countering with a thrust, choke, lock or disarm.