- Originally used to dig up planting soil, the sai is a three-pronged metal weapon resembling a hand-held pitchfork. The sai are usually used in pairs, allowing the fighter to snag an opponent with one hand and thrust a strike with the other. The long middle prong can be used to stab, the shorter side prongs can be used to hook an attacker's arm or neck and the butt of the handle can be used to punch.
- The nunchuku gained worldwide fame when Bruce Lee demonstrated both grace and intimidation while using the weapon in the film "Enter the Dragon." Lee's nunchaku was made from two metal bars connected with a chain. The traditional nunchaku is made from two one-foot pieces of hardwood connected with a string. It evolved from a tool that farmers had once used to beat rice in the paddies. Although it is noted for being spun and twirled, a fighter can also use the nunchaku to crack a limb with leverage and to choke an attacker.
- The bo is a rounded wooden staff, usually measuring six feet in length, that was once considered a useful tool of both the "bushi" (military warriors) and the common farmers in 17th-century Asia. Possibly evolving from a rake handle or an oar, techniques for its use as a weapon include twirling, swinging, overhead striking (axe striking) and poking. When thrust horizontally, the bo can deflect attacks to the ribcage, knees or temples. When thrust vertically, it can deflect attacks to the head, shoulders or groin. The length of the bo allows the fighter to maintain distance between himself and his attacker, minimizing the risk of injury.
- The kama is a small sickle-shaped blade attached to a wooden handle at a 90-degree angle. It was originally used by farmers to hack down tall grass and harvest rice. As a weapon, kama are commonly used in pairs. The twirling and slashing motions can slice an attacker's flesh. A hooking motion can dislodge a weapon from an attacker's grip and even hack off fingers. The fine point at the very end of the blade can be used to stab an attacker's chest or poke his eyes.
- The tonfa is a wooden bar with a knob at one end that measures nearly the length of the fighter's forearm. Resembling the modern-day police baton, the weapon is believed to have evolved from a tool that was used to grind rice or beans. The tonfa are typically used in pairs. Starting position has them held up against the forearm as protection. From there, they can be thrust forward to reinforce punches, or spun out to either deflect attacks or strike from different angles.
