Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts Weapon

by Century Martial Arts Supply

printed by Koch Martial Arts & Fitness Supply (Century brand seller)

This section provides resources to novice martial artists who desire more information on choosing a weapon.

Weapons:

Bo, Sword, Nunchaku, Sai, Kama, Escrima, Tonfa.

How to choose a Bo

The Bo and Staff were traditionally used by all members of ancient Okinawan society to balance water and other loads across the back.  The staff was also used as a walking stick or cattle prod.  Samurai, priests, and commoners alike all used the bo, as its length made it an apt weapon against swordsmen.  The user could remain at a safe distance while disarming the opponent.  Today this weapon is used in Kata performance, and for physical conditioning  to improve balance and upper body strength.

For Demonstration:  The goal is for the bo to be as light as possible, allowing greater speed and control.  Depending on the demonstration, eye-catching features such as color and chrome will help you dazzle your audience.

For Combat Training:  Accidental contact during bo training and unintentional hard strikes can result in serious injuries.  Softer woods such as white wax and rattan are preferred over the hardwoods for martial artists in training. 

For Strength and Speed Training:  Training with a heavier bo helps increase your strength and stamina, giving you an edge during combat or competition.  The hardwood bos and staffs are excellent choices for this type of training.

Bo - How to Size:  Most bo practitioners choose a bo that is a few inches longer or shorter than their own height.  A longer bo extends your reach, while a shorter bo is easier to manage.  You should be able to make a solid fist while gripping the bo at its widest point.  Pay particular attention to tapered versus straight bos and consider strength when choosing weight and size.  Last, but not least, make sure to choose a bo that you can easily grip.

How to choose a Sword

Sword sizing varies depending on the type and usage of the sword.

The three major lengths for a Samurai Sword are as follows:

Tanto - Short sword or dagger, usually 16-20 inches.

Wakizashi - Medium sword, usually two feet or more in length. 

Katana - Long sword, usually four to five feet in length.

Sword Components:

Tang - Portion of the blade that is covered by the handle.  Lends stability and balance to the sword.

Scabbard - Protective covering that protects the blade from the elements.

Temper line - A shaped line which lends strength to the blade.

Pins - Connecting point to secure the tang inside the handle.

Tsuba - Handle or hilt of the sword.

Kurigata - Cord knob which balances the blade when lain on its side.

Cords - Wrapping material on handle to enhance grip.

Blood Groove - Wide, deep groove often found on the length of the sword.

Full Tang - The tang extends the entire length of the handle and is secured by pins.  Its completely unites the blade and handle for ideal balance and weight.

Half Tang - The tang extends half-way through the handle and is secured by pins.  It effectively unites the blade and handle for ideal balance and weight.

How to choose a Nunchaku

Many theories surround the origin of the nunchaku.  Some say it descended from a rice flail, a night-watchman's rattle, or maybe a tool for barking banana trees.  Despite this disparity or origin, they are now defensive weapons which are said to possess a unique spirit & character.

Nunchaku attached with cords will not rotate as fast as those attached with ball bearing chains.  Corded chuks are also more prone to wear and tear, but weigh less.   Most beginners choose the corded variety, then move to ball bearing when they become more acclimated to the weapon.

For Beginners:  Padded styles are often preferred for the beginner.  Padding reduces the force of impact and is also easier to grip.  These chuks are also lighter weight.

For muscle conditioning and speed development:

Increase speed and muscle development by using a heavier hardwood chuk.  The extra weight builds muscles, and increases speed and ease of motion when moving to a lighter nunchaku for demonstrations.

For demonstrations:

For demonstrations, a lighter weight and faster ball bearing attachment nunchaku is preferred.  Demonstration nunchaku are generally made with plastics, acrylic, or extremely lightweight wood such as rattan or white wax.

Nunchaku - How to Size:  The most common lengths for adults are the 12" and 14" and the most common diameter is 1".  Younger practitioners usually prefer the 8" and 10".

How to choose a Sai

Believed to have evolved from an agricultural tool for preparing soil for seeds, the basic form of a sai is that of an unsharpened dagger with two long dull points projecting from the handle.  Early martial artists carried a sai on each side of the body to defend against a sword, bo or other weapon.  A third sai might be tucked behind in case one was disarmed.

For Demonstration:  Lighter sais are preferred for demonstrations.  Some martial artists choose sais with reflective materials to add flash to their performance.  The alumimun sai is lightweight and the preferred choice for demonstrations.  The hexagonal shape reflects more light, making a sai demonstration more impressive.

For strength and speed development:  To develop muscle strength and increase speed, use a sai made from a heavier material, such as chrome.  This will increase strength in your arms and wrists.  Then, when switching to a lighter sai for demonstrations or sparring, you will naturally move faster.

Sai - How to Size:  Hold the handle in the hand with the blade extending backward along the forearm toward the elbow.  The blade should extend one inch past your elbow so that the sai may fully protect the forearm.

How to choose a Kama:

This sickle-like weapons were traditionally used by farmers for reaping crops.  Used in pairs, kama can be flexible reversed in the hand for both slashing and striking in many directions, or used to trap a sword or Bo.

For Demonstration:  Lightweight Kamas with shorter handles are preferred.  Often, blades for competition are vented with large circular holes to further reduce weight and increase the speed of the Kama.  Handles are also planed, or shaven slightly in the direction of the blade and like tapering, increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the weapon, making it cut through the air more quickly.

For Training:  Most students begin their training with non-metal bladed kamas for safety and to become familiar with the weapon.  Wooden, plastic or padded blades are good choices for the beginner.

For Strength and Speed Development:  Heavier, wooden kamas with metal blades are used to develop strength.  The heavier materials will work with and develop the muscles, along with making the transition to lighter demonstration style Kamas easy and natural.

Kama - How to Size:  The most common lengths for adult range from 14-18".  Younger practitioners usually prefer a length of 8-12".

How to choose an Escrima:

Escrima sticks emerged when ancient martial artists were stripped of edged weapons during political unrest.  They were forced to conduct training in secret by masking it with ritual dance and music while using sticks symbolically as swords.  Today, escrima stick combat is a dynamic, fast paced sport common to both Filipino and Asian art forms.

For Demonstration:  Lighter weight sticks are preferred for demonstration.  Some martial artists choose sticks with designs or reflective materials that add flash to their performance.

For Combat practice:  Padded Escrima sticks are generally used for combat practice.  The foam padding protects both the user and his/her sparring partner from harmful impacts during intensive training.

For Strength and Speed Development:  To develop muscle strength and increase speed, use an Escrima stick made from a heavier wood, such as hickory.  This increases your strength and acclimates you to heavier sticks.  Then you will be able to easily switch to a lighter stick for demonstrations or sparring and you will naturally move faster.

Escrima - How to Size:  The standard length size is 26" to 28".  There are so many different varieties of martial arts using Escrima sticks, it is wise to ask your instructor exactly what length he considers appropriate for his class.

How to choose a Tonfa

The tonfa was used in ancient times by farmers as a bean or rice grinder.  Because of the circular motion of the tonfa, its function naturally evolved into rotating strikes.  Often used in pairs, the tonfa is effective against armed assailants for blocks and punches.  Today, this popular training aid is used by many police forces.

For Demonstration:  A light, smooth and round Tonfa is most often preferred for demonstration.  You may also want to consider a tapered end.  All of these features will contribute to faster rotational velocities and smoother turns.

For Combat Practice:  In combat practice situations,  thicker squared off Tonfas with tapered ends are used.  The square edges help in blocking and deflecting while the tapered edge  reduces the chance of hitting your wrists while spinning the Tonfa.

For Strength and Speed Development:  Heavier wood and bulkier square designs are preferred in training to increase strength, stamina and speed.

Tonfa - How to Size:  In general, your tonfa should not extend more than one inch past your elbow when gripped.  For correct sizing, measure from the tip of the extended index finger to the end of the bent elbow, then subtract 1/2 inch.