Martial arts weapons

The history of martial arts weapons is rich and interesting. Probably the most well known of all martial arts weapons is the Nunchaku. This was popularized by Bruce Lee and other kung-fu movie stars and has fascinated young student of karate ever since. The Nunchaku originated from Okinawa and was devised through necessity. In 1477, the emperor banned all swords and weapons from Okinawa and collected them in his royal castle. In 1600, the Japanese invaded Okinawa taking advantage of the unarmed people. The Japanese samurai carried swords and the people of Okinawa were unarmed.

This unfair advantage inspired the people of Okinawa to get creative with the resources they had available. The Nunchaku was a tool used for trashing rice and to the Japanese looked like two harmless wooden sticks held together with a length of rope. As we know now, the seeming harmless Nunchaku was anything but. These infamous martial arts weapons require the artist to be proficient with either hand as the Nunchaku can be switched as needed.

The Bo staff also began on the island of Okinawa. Peasants, monks and samurai used the Bo. The Bo was disguised as a way to carry water bucket over the shoulder and when needed, the staff could disarm a sword from an opponent and keep the practitioner at a safer distance. The skills used with a Bo staff can be applied to everyday items such as mop and broomsticks and even an umbrella.

In the right hands, any item can be an efficient and effective martial arts weapon. The Shaolin Monks, who are widely known for their prowess and dazzling techniques, can throw a needle through a pane of glass. This is no easy task, and just goes to show, that with the right training and ability, the simplest of objects can become effective martial arts weapons.