The ISA's guide to Martial Arts Weapons

It is easy to underestimate how much a weapon can become one of the stars of a film. Often whole sequences are choreographed around them. As part of our studies at The ISA we teach and train with a variety of weapons. So, we thought we'd write a quick reference guide to help you know your Katana from your Kusarigama...

Martial arts weapons have played a significant role in the history and development of various martial arts styles around the world. In this article, we will explore an extensive and detailed list of martial arts weapons, their origins, and main uses or features.
​

1. Katana
   Originating in Japan, the Katana is a curved, single-edged sword with a long grip designed to be used with both hands. The Katana was traditionally used by Samurai warriors and is now commonly used in modern martial arts such as Kendo and Iaido. Its main use is for cutting and slicing, and it is often considered one of the deadliest weapons in martial arts.
   
   
2. Nunchaku
   The Nunchaku originated in Okinawa, Japan, and consists of two wooden sticks connected by a chain or rope. It was originally used as a farming tool but later became a popular weapon among martial artists. The Nunchaku is primarily used for striking and blocking techniques and requires a great deal of skill to master.
   
   
3. Bo Staff
   The Bo Staff is a long, cylindrical weapon made of wood or bamboo, originating from Okinawa, Japan. It was originally used as a tool for farming but later became popular as a weapon among martial artists. The Bo Staff is primarily used for striking and blocking techniques, as well as for joint locks and throws.
   
   
4. Sai
   Originating from Okinawa, Japan, the Sai is a three-pronged metal weapon with a long handle. It was originally used as a farming tool but later became popular as a weapon among martial artists. The Sai is primarily used for blocking, striking, and joint-locking techniques.
   
   
5. Kama
   The Kama is a traditional farming tool that originated in Okinawa, Japan, and consists of a curved metal blade with a wooden handle. It later became popular as a weapon among martial artists. The Kama is primarily used for slashing and cutting techniques, as well as for blocking and disarming techniques.
   
   
6. Tonfa
   The Tonfa is a wooden or metal weapon that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It consists of a long handle with a perpendicular handle protruding from it. The Tonfa is primarily used for blocking and striking techniques, as well as for joint locks and throws.
   
   
7. Jo
   The Jo is a long, thin weapon made of wood or bamboo that originated in Japan. It is similar to the Bo Staff, but shorter in length. The Jo is primarily used for striking, blocking, and joint-locking techniques.
   
   
8. Kendo Sword
   The Kendo Sword, also known as the Shinai, is a bamboo sword used in the martial art of Kendo, which originated in Japan. It is used for striking techniques and is designed to simulate the use of a real sword in a safe and controlled manner.
   
   
9. Escrima or Kali Stick
   The Escrima Stick, also known as the Arnis Stick or Kali Stick, is a short, wooden weapon used in the Filipino martial arts of Escrima, Arnis, and Kali. It is primarily used for striking, blocking, and joint-locking techniques.
   
   
10. Jian
    The Jian is a straight, double-edged sword with a long grip, originating from China. It is primarily used for thrusting and cutting techniques and is often considered one of the four major weapons in Chinese martial arts.
    
    
11. Dao
    The Dao is a curved, single-edged sword with a long grip, originating from China. It is primarily used for slashing and cutting techniques and is often considered one of the four major weapons in Chinese martial arts.
    
    
12. Gun (traditional)
    The Gun is a long, flexible staff made of waxwood, originating from China. It is primarily used for striking and blocking techniques.
    
    
13. Kusarigama
    The Kusarigama is a Japanese weapon consisting of a sickle attached to a chain, which is in turn attached to a weight or a metal ball. It was primarily used by ninjas and is still used in some modern martial arts styles. It is used for striking, grappling, and entangling techniques.
    
    
14. Shuriken
    The Shuriken, also known as throwing stars, are small, handheld weapons with sharp edges. They were originally used by Japanese warriors for throwing at enemies to cause injury or distraction. They are now popular in modern martial arts styles such as Ninjutsu.
    
    
15. Jitte
    The Jitte is a Japanese weapon that resembles a truncheon with a metal blade attached to the handle. It was primarily used by samurai police officers and is still used in some modern martial arts styles. It is used for striking, blocking, and joint-locking techniques.
    
    
16. Kukri
    The Kukri is a curved knife with a thick, heavy blade, originating from Nepal. It is primarily used by the Nepalese army, but it is also used in some martial arts styles such as Kukri fighting. It is used for hacking, slashing, and chopping techniques.
    
    
17. Tekko
    The Tekko, also known as knuckle dusters, are handheld weapons designed to fit over the knuckles. They are made of metal and can be used for striking, blocking, and grappling techniques.
    
    
18. Wing Chun Butterfly Swords
    The Wing Chun Butterfly Swords, also known as Baat Jaam Do, are a pair of short, curved swords used in the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun. They are primarily used for slashing, thrusting, and blocking techniques.
    
    
19. Tomahawk
    The Tomahawk is a single-handed axe, originally used by Native Americans for hunting and warfare. It is now used in some modern martial arts styles such as Tomahawk fighting. It is used for hacking, chopping, and throwing techniques.
    
    
20. Katar
    The Katar is a short, straight knife with a vertical grip, originating from India. It was primarily used by Indian warriors and is still used in some modern martial arts styles. It is used for thrusting and stabbing techniques.
    
    
21. Shen Biao or Rope Dart
    The Shen Biao, also known as the rope dart, is a Chinese weapon consisting of a length of rope or chain with a metal dart or weight attached to the end. It is primarily used in the martial arts of Wushu, Shaolin Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. The rope dart is a versatile weapon that can be used for striking, grappling, and entangling techniques. It can be spun and thrown to strike targets from a distance, and the rope or chain can be used to entangle an opponent's weapon or limbs. The Shen Biao requires a great deal of skill and practice to master, as it is a complex weapon that requires precise timing and coordination.
    ​
22. Sanjiegun or '3 Section Staff' The 3 section staff, also known as the Sanjiegun, is a Chinese weapon that consists of three wooden or metal sections connected by chains or ropes. It is used in the martial arts of Kung Fu, Wushu, and Tai Chi. The three sections of the staff can be used for striking, blocking, and joint-locking techniques. It can be swung in a variety of ways, making it difficult for an opponent to predict and counter. The 3 section staff requires a great deal of skill and practice to master, as it is a complex weapon that requires coordination and dexterity. It can be used to disarm an opponent or to defend against multiple attackers.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of martial arts weapons used around the world. Each weapon has its unique characteristics, history, and techniques associated with it, making them fascinating and important components of various martial arts styles.