How to Buy Gifts for the Martial Artist

Want to find a gift for that martial artist friend of yours, but have no idea what to buy or where to look? These suggestions will get you started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Uniforms
• Martial Arts Videos

1. Determine the martial arts needs of your friend. Is old sparring gear in need of replacement? Would an extra uniform help out? Call the school for gift suggestions.

2. Consider what type of gift the martial artist might buy for another practitioner. It will give you a good idea of what to buy the gift giver.

3. Look at current equipment, clothing, weapons, and then think about how to upgrade with a gift. A stainless-steel sword is a step above a practice weapon made of low-grade aluminum.

4. Look for books or videos about martial arts training within and across styles. A book on judo throws, for instance, can strengthen the training of a karate student.

5. Select T-shirts, jewelry or other items with a martial arts theme. Major martial arts suppliers typically offer items such as casual street clothing, coffee mugs, and pens with emblems and symbols representing a variety of martial arts styles.

6. Purchase gift certificates from the school or from martial arts suppliers. Most major suppliers with an Internet site offer certificates for online purchase.

7. Buy a therapeutic massage for the martial artist to use after a tough workout or before the big tournament.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask Internet companies if they carry their own inventory. You'll get faster delivery service than one that operates as a drop shipper.
• Ask the vendor if they have a return policy.
• Children involved in the martial arts love patches they can put on their uniforms. Just be sure the school allows the particular patches to be displayed.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[overstreet1983]

on 3/14/2009 In response to Bujutsuka ... it is true that stainless steel is not "battle ready". However, stainless steel IS used in Iaito training swords, and as the article points out, IS a step up above aluminum practice swords. Iaito swords are not sharpened, so carbon steel is unecessary, and the stainless steel has the added benefit of never rusting.http://www.swordwares.com/store/home.php?cat=94

[Bujutsuka]

on 10/5/2008 Great article. However a stainless steel sword is not a weapon or a real sword at all; it is a wallhanger and to wield and use it as a real sword is an act of great disregard for the safety of oneself and those around.

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