A study of martial arts students in 2002 at the University of Wisconsin found that the majority of participants felt the exercise benefited them both physically and mentally. "Martial arts" is the collective term used to describe the many organized forms and styles of personal defense and combat. Some martial styles use weapons, while others employ only the body. Many non-weapon styles have been adapted to incorporate the use of weapons. Teachers who are trained in more than one type of martial arts often incorporate one style's weapons into training for another. The types of weapons used in martial arts as a whole may be grouped into general categories, with the understanding that their use can overlap from one style to another.
Swords
Swords are used in both traditional and modern martial arts. Martial artists use the katana, bokken and naginata swords. Samurai used the katana in battle and wore it as part of their traditional dress. The bokken was a wooden sword used by samurai for training to perfect blocking techniques. Modern competitions frequently feature both the bokken and the katana. The naginata, also known as the reaping sword, is another traditional weapon that was created from working tools. The sword is a popular exercise tool today in Japan.
Sickles
The sickle is known in karate as a kama. This weapon was developed after 1470 in Japan. Short sickles used in agriculture were adapted with longer spears to extend the reach of the tool, creating a fighting weapon called a kusarigama. Sickles are demonstrated in martial arts today during kata competitions.
Bow and Arrows
This category of weapons has traditional origins and includes the Japanese longbow known as the yumi, the crossbow and the reflex and compound bows. The English longbow is also used in demonstrations and competitions.
Knives
The use of the knife has its origin in traditional fighting. The samurai wore a knife called the tanto. Other knives used in martial arts are the kukri, kirpan, kris, kunai, makhaira, rondel, balisong, vettukathi and the Chinese baguazhang.
Spears
The modern nunte, a Japanese weapon popular in demonstrations, was adapted from a traditional fishing spear. The many-pronged, handcrafted metal nunte, mounted on a wooden spear, is thrown at an opponent or used to block other weapons. Other spear weapons include the sibat, yari and qiang.
Staffs
Japanese martial artists of the Te (or hand) school use a staff called the bo as one of their five major weapons. Early martial arts in Japan, known as bungei, used the bo in ceremonies conducted by religious officials. The bo was also used by the samurai. The staff is a versatile weapon used today in demonstrations both for blocking and striking, as well as for teaching basic performance and basic training exercises. Other staff weapons include jogo do pau, pudao and the kanabo.
Member Comments