How to Buy Weapons for Martial Arts Practice

In the martial arts, weapons are an essential training element used in many styles. Here are a few points to consider before you buy a weapon for practice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Videos

1. Determine your martial arts needs. Regular class practice in self-defense may require nothing more than practice-grade weapons, such as a rubber knife or a wooden gun.

2. Ask the supplier about the grade of a weapon. Swords can look similar on a Web site, regardless of grade. Yet the difference between an aluminum-grade practice sword and a hand-forged steel blade can be several hundred dollars.

3. Identify weapons as practice, competition or actual. A tai chi staff made of rock maple may protect you in an actual fight, but its weight reduces its speed and mobility, making it less suitable for competition and practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the postmaster in your area before purchasing a martial arts weapon. You will take the responsibility, not the supplier, for purchasing an illegal weapon.
• Short-range weapons are those under 2 feet in length and include the knife, sickle (kama), club and short sword (tonto), among others. Medium-range weapons range in length from 2 to 4 feet and include the short staff, nunchaku (two short pieces of wood attached by a short cord or chain), sword, etc. Long-range weapons are 5 feet or more in length and consist of staffs, spears and lances. Projectile weapons are considered long-range weapons.
• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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