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For the final part of this series we will be looking at the various sounds that weapons make in martial arts. Although they are not as noticeable as the kiai or take as much focus as making a uniform ‘snap’, the weapons used in martial arts have an impact on the martial artists’ performance by amplifying the sounds they make. To help show some of the sounds heard in martial arts, we asked 9x World Champion Christine Bannon-Rodrigues to send us some videos of her …

Weapons training not only increases your power, defense, and coordination, but it also opens a whole world of competitions where you can test your skills and learn from other martial artists. One especially fun, beautiful, and powerful weapon is the Bo. This versatile tool is favored by martial artists worldwide, and no matter what your goals are, you should take these three factors into account when choosing a bo: length, weight and flash. Length – Most martial ar …

Martial arts has evolved over the years into a heavily practiced form of physical exercise and way of life for many people. Its practice promotes discipline and confidence, teaches self-defense skills, and helps students build a more centered and balanced life. It also requires a combination of meditation, self-awareness, and repetition of movements to fully master the craft. However, despite many differences in origin and style, there are some basic moves shared by almost every form of martial …

China’s long and rich history has been responsible for many innovations, and their weapons are no exception. The relationship between the dao and jian is one example, as each went through many updates and changes in use over the course of China’s history. Referred to as “The General of All Weapons”, the dao is a short-to-moderate sized, single-edged sword that is known for its slight curve. Most commonly compared to the English broadsword, the dao was …

Martial Arts Weaponry encompasses a wide spectrum of tools that can be found in many forms of traditional martial arts. The weapons we see in martial arts forms and demonstration today have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Asia, and the practice has developed into an amazing art from. It takes extreme discipline and focus to master these weapons.  Many practices believe they are an extension of the body, as they can increase force and balance. Read on to learn about …

When shopping for martial arts weaponry, you may notice there are a lot of materials for you to choose from: wood, aluminum, bamboo, etc. So what’s the best material to go with? That depends on your intention for practicing. Use our guide to pick the right material for you. Below is an introduction to a few of the different materials you may come across when shopping for a martial arts weapon. Always consult your instructor before making a decision!  Wax Wood is f …

One of the oldest techniques for protection is the use of a staff or stick as a weapon. They were easily accessible, effective and efficient. The evolution of this weapon created two different forms: the Bo and Jo. But what is the difference between the two? This guide walks you through the rich history behind the weapons to discover their differences and similarities. History of the Bo:  The bo used in kobudo and bojutsu emerged in Okinawa in the early 17th century when Okinawa wa …