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Weapons
Karate Weapons
There are dozens of different kinds of weapons used in karate. Different styles of the martial art study different weapons. Most of these are variations of five main types. These are the bo staff, nunchaku, tonfa, sai, and kama. They are traditional karate weapons developed on the island of Okinawa by the original practitioners of karate. All of these karate weapons evolved from simple farming tools. They were developed when swords and other obvious weapons were outlawed for peasants in feudal Japan.
Bo Staff
The
simplest and most basic karate weapon is the bo staff. It is
essentially a long stick. At first glance it might not seem
threatening, but in the hands of an experienced martial artist it can
be a deadly weapon. A standard bo staff is six feet long and about one
inch thick in the middle. The ends are slightly tapered and rounded.
The bo developed as a karate weapon because it could be used to disable
a man with a sword from a distance. The long length of a bo staff is
its advantage.
Nunchaku
The
nunchaku is a pair of short sticks connected by a short string or
chain. The force produced by whipping the sticks around is many times
greater than the force that can be generated by a single stick. The
flexibility of the connected design also allows for much greater
mobility and speed. The nunchaku developed as a karate weapon from
simple grain thrashing instruments. They are so dangerous in the hands
of an experienced martial artist that they are illegal in many states.
Tonfa
Tonfa
consist of a stick slightly longer than the length of a man's forearm
with a handle attached. All the edges on a tonfa are smooth so that the
weapon can be swung around. Tonfa are held in each hand by the handles.
The long stick part can be pressed against the forearm for blocking or
swung around for striking. Many modern police batons resemble tonfa.
They are utilized for their versatility in both offensive and defensive
techniques.
Sai
Sai
resemble miniature pitchforks. They consist of a handle, a long central
spear, and two shorter curved points on the sides. Despite its
relatively small size, sai are quite potent as both an offensive and
defensive instrument. Swords can be trapped in the shorter prongs and
the center point is an effective stabbing tool. Sai can also be thrown
at an opponent.
Kama
Kama
are sickle shaped weapons but are much smaller than farm tools. They
consist of a short handle with a curved blade at the end. The inside
edge of the blade is sharpened as is the point. Kama are traditionally
used in pairs with one in each hand. They are swung at opponents, used
for blocking, and spun around in the hand.
Knife Jab Defense
The hapkido knife jab defense is a way for a martial artist to disarm an attacker trying to jab a knife into their belly. It involves deflecting the knife jab then turning the blade around so that it can be taken away from the attacker with ease. The hapkido knife jab defense requires perfect timing and precision of movement. This is an advanced technique and should only be performed by an experienced martial artist.
Watch for clues that the attacker is about to attempt a knife jab. The attacker will pull their arm back and lunge their body toward you. The knife will be coming at the soft part of your abdomen. They will need to be close to make this work. Sometimes the attacker will attempt to grab you with their other hand and pull you toward them as they jab the knife into your stomach. You must initiate your defense before the knife gets to you.
Stop the knife jab with a cross hand block. Cross your arms in an "X" and shoot them down at the top of attacker's forearm when they jab. Be sure to block above the knife or you will get cut. The cross arm block should be forceful. You are deflecting the path of the knife downward and away from your belly. It is essential that your right arm is on top if the attacker has the knife in their right hand. If the knife is in their left hand then your left arm should be on the top of the cross hand block.
Move your middle. At the same time you are blocking the knife arm, force your hips backward and lean forward. This simultaneous motion moves the target of the knife and replaces it with a downward block. Timing is key. Your block must arrive at the exact moment the knife does.
Bend your top wrist over and grab the back of the attacker's knife hand. Wrap your fingers around the meaty part of the bottom of their hand. You must now pivot your body so you are standing to the side of the attacker on their knife hand side. If the knife is in their right hand, you do this by pivoting on your left foot and swinging your right foot behind you. As you do this use the hand on top of the attacker's hand to turn their hand over so their palm is facing their face and their fingers are pointed up. Bring your other hand around to help. When you have completed this motion the attacker should be bending over with pain in their wrist.
Bend the attacker's wrist toward their head with both hands. Concentrate on bending it at the wrist and not pushing the attacker over. Hold the wrist tight as you kick the attacker in the face. Since they are leaning over this will be a waist high kick. Next, do an ax kick to the back of their head. This will drive them face first into the ground. Step on their neck and bend the knife hand wrist hard toward their head. The knife will come right out of their wrist into your hands.
You can seriously hurt someone with this technique. Do not perform it on anyone unless your life is in danger. Never practice with a real knife. Use a wooden knife or similar substitute. If you are facing someone with a real knife do everything you can to avoid confrontation before attempting any martial arts technique. This includes running away if you can.
The hapkido knife jab defense is a way for a martial artist to disarm an attacker trying to jab a knife into their belly. It involves deflecting the knife jab then turning the blade around so that it can be taken away from the attacker with ease. The hapkido knife jab defense requires perfect timing and precision of movement. This is an advanced technique and should only be performed by an experienced martial artist.
Watch for clues that the attacker is about to attempt a knife jab. The attacker will pull their arm back and lunge their body toward you. The knife will be coming at the soft part of your abdomen. They will need to be close to make this work. Sometimes the attacker will attempt to grab you with their other hand and pull you toward them as they jab the knife into your stomach. You must initiate your defense before the knife gets to you.
Stop the knife jab with a cross hand block. Cross your arms in an "X" and shoot them down at the top of attacker's forearm when they jab. Be sure to block above the knife or you will get cut. The cross arm block should be forceful. You are deflecting the path of the knife downward and away from your belly. It is essential that your right arm is on top if the attacker has the knife in their right hand. If the knife is in their left hand then your left arm should be on the top of the cross hand block.
Move your middle. At the same time you are blocking the knife arm, force your hips backward and lean forward. This simultaneous motion moves the target of the knife and replaces it with a downward block. Timing is key. Your block must arrive at the exact moment the knife does.
Bend your top wrist over and grab the back of the attacker's knife hand. Wrap your fingers around the meaty part of the bottom of their hand. You must now pivot your body so you are standing to the side of the attacker on their knife hand side. If the knife is in their right hand, you do this by pivoting on your left foot and swinging your right foot behind you. As you do this use the hand on top of the attacker's hand to turn their hand over so their palm is facing their face and their fingers are pointed up. Bring your other hand around to help. When you have completed this motion the attacker should be bending over with pain in their wrist.
Bend the attacker's wrist toward their head with both hands. Concentrate on bending it at the wrist and not pushing the attacker over. Hold the wrist tight as you kick the attacker in the face. Since they are leaning over this will be a waist high kick. Next, do an ax kick to the back of their head. This will drive them face first into the ground. Step on their neck and bend the knife hand wrist hard toward their head. The knife will come right out of their wrist into your hands.
You can seriously hurt someone with this technique. Do not perform it on anyone unless your life is in danger. Never practice with a real knife. Use a wooden knife or similar substitute. If you are facing someone with a real knife do everything you can to avoid confrontation before attempting any martial arts technique. This includes running away if you can.
Knife Slash Defense
The hapkido knife slash defense is a way for a martial artist to disarm an attacker slashing at them with a knife. A knife slash is a sideways swipe at the body or face intended to cut with the sharp edge of the blade. It is often used by attackers who are not trained in knife fighting. The knife slash is not very effective and primarily meant to intimidate a victim. This is to the advantage of the martial artist performing the hapkido knife slash defense.
Watch for signs that the attacker is about to attempt a knife slash. This is usually pretty obvious. The attacker will swing their arm backwards with the knife showing and prepare to swing it at you. The attacker will expect you to back up when the knife approaches.
Step inside the attack. Instead of backing up like the attacker expects, move within the arc of the knife swing. The only place where you are in danger of a knife slash is along the arc of the blade edge. Inside the knife swing is a much safer than staying where you were. Step toward the attacker so that your body is facing the arm with the knife. You should be between the knife and the attacker's body.
Block the arm swinging the knife. Do this at the same time you step in. Bring both of your arms up and block the attacker's knife arm at the wrist and the elbow. Do not block the hand or you might get cut. Since you are inside the hand, it takes much less force for you to block the swing than the attacker is putting into the swing.
Grab the attacker's arm at the wrist and the elbow. Pull the elbow up while pushing the wrist down. As you do this, step around the back of the attacker. Their hand with the knife in it will bend behind their back.
Bend the attacker's wrist with the knife in it toward the attacker's elbow. Keep holding the attacker's elbow tight while you do this. This will cause the attacker great pain and force them to let go of the knife. The blade will slide out of the attacker's hand and into yours.
Move the hand on the attacker's elbow to their shoulder. Kick the back of one of their knees while you pull them backwards from the shoulder. The attacker will fall on their back and you have the knife.
Never practice with a real knife. Use a wooden knife or similar substitute. If you are facing someone with a real knife do everything you can to avoid confrontation before attempting any martial arts technique. This includes running away if you can.
The hapkido knife slash defense is a way for a martial artist to disarm an attacker slashing at them with a knife. A knife slash is a sideways swipe at the body or face intended to cut with the sharp edge of the blade. It is often used by attackers who are not trained in knife fighting. The knife slash is not very effective and primarily meant to intimidate a victim. This is to the advantage of the martial artist performing the hapkido knife slash defense.
Watch for signs that the attacker is about to attempt a knife slash. This is usually pretty obvious. The attacker will swing their arm backwards with the knife showing and prepare to swing it at you. The attacker will expect you to back up when the knife approaches.
Step inside the attack. Instead of backing up like the attacker expects, move within the arc of the knife swing. The only place where you are in danger of a knife slash is along the arc of the blade edge. Inside the knife swing is a much safer than staying where you were. Step toward the attacker so that your body is facing the arm with the knife. You should be between the knife and the attacker's body.
Block the arm swinging the knife. Do this at the same time you step in. Bring both of your arms up and block the attacker's knife arm at the wrist and the elbow. Do not block the hand or you might get cut. Since you are inside the hand, it takes much less force for you to block the swing than the attacker is putting into the swing.
Grab the attacker's arm at the wrist and the elbow. Pull the elbow up while pushing the wrist down. As you do this, step around the back of the attacker. Their hand with the knife in it will bend behind their back.
Bend the attacker's wrist with the knife in it toward the attacker's elbow. Keep holding the attacker's elbow tight while you do this. This will cause the attacker great pain and force them to let go of the knife. The blade will slide out of the attacker's hand and into yours.
Move the hand on the attacker's elbow to their shoulder. Kick the back of one of their knees while you pull them backwards from the shoulder. The attacker will fall on their back and you have the knife.
Never practice with a real knife. Use a wooden knife or similar substitute. If you are facing someone with a real knife do everything you can to avoid confrontation before attempting any martial arts technique. This includes running away if you can.
Throwing Knife
You can use a throwing knife life a pro with proper instruction and a lot of practice. The basic throwing motion for hurling a throwing knife is straightforward. Getting used to the mechanics of the throw so you can repeat them on a consistent basis will take several hundred repetitions. Hitting a target with reasonable accuracy requires several thousand repetitions.
Get the right equipment. You can not throw just any knife. Throwing knives are specifically balanced for throwing so that they spin in the air, fly straight and land point first. Only throw knives specifically designed for throwing.
Hold the throwing knife on the point side between your thumb and bent index finger. The tip should pointed at your palm. This assumes that you are using a pointed throwing knife that does not have sharpened edges. If one edge of the blade is sharp then slide the blade down your palm and hold it with two fingers and your thumb. Naturally keep the sharp edge facing outward. Double edged throwing knives are a bad idea. They will cut you.
Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and one foot a step ahead of the other. If you are throwing the knife with your right arm your left leg should be forward. Reverse this if you are throwing with your left arm. Bend both knees and rest about 70% of your weight on your back foot.
Point both arms at the target and fix your eyes on the desired strike point. The current position of your throwing arm will be your release point.
Slowly raise your throwing arm straight upward and backward so the knife is over and behind your head. This is your starting position.
Snap the knife forward with a crisp and speedy motion. Follow the same path down that you used raising the throwing knife. As you snap your arm down shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot. The faster your arm moves the truer the knife will fly and the better it will stick.
Keep your wrist straight and your shoulder still throughout the entire knife throwing motion. Only your arm should move. If you alter the position of your wrist or shoulder the throwing knife will fly off in unpredictable directions hitting the ground, soaring skyward or hooking wide of the mark.
Release the throwing knife when it reaches the release point. This will be when your throwing arm is in the exact same position as your other arm that is pointing at the target.
Follow through. Continue to move the throwing arm along the same path after you release the knife. This will help it stick in the target.
You can use a throwing knife life a pro with proper instruction and a lot of practice. The basic throwing motion for hurling a throwing knife is straightforward. Getting used to the mechanics of the throw so you can repeat them on a consistent basis will take several hundred repetitions. Hitting a target with reasonable accuracy requires several thousand repetitions.
Get the right equipment. You can not throw just any knife. Throwing knives are specifically balanced for throwing so that they spin in the air, fly straight and land point first. Only throw knives specifically designed for throwing.
Hold the throwing knife on the point side between your thumb and bent index finger. The tip should pointed at your palm. This assumes that you are using a pointed throwing knife that does not have sharpened edges. If one edge of the blade is sharp then slide the blade down your palm and hold it with two fingers and your thumb. Naturally keep the sharp edge facing outward. Double edged throwing knives are a bad idea. They will cut you.
Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and one foot a step ahead of the other. If you are throwing the knife with your right arm your left leg should be forward. Reverse this if you are throwing with your left arm. Bend both knees and rest about 70% of your weight on your back foot.
Point both arms at the target and fix your eyes on the desired strike point. The current position of your throwing arm will be your release point.
Slowly raise your throwing arm straight upward and backward so the knife is over and behind your head. This is your starting position.
Snap the knife forward with a crisp and speedy motion. Follow the same path down that you used raising the throwing knife. As you snap your arm down shift your weight from your rear foot to your front foot. The faster your arm moves the truer the knife will fly and the better it will stick.
Keep your wrist straight and your shoulder still throughout the entire knife throwing motion. Only your arm should move. If you alter the position of your wrist or shoulder the throwing knife will fly off in unpredictable directions hitting the ground, soaring skyward or hooking wide of the mark.
Release the throwing knife when it reaches the release point. This will be when your throwing arm is in the exact same position as your other arm that is pointing at the target.
Follow through. Continue to move the throwing arm along the same path after you release the knife. This will help it stick in the target.
Samurai Sword Grip
The primary weapon of the samurai of feudal Japan was the katana. It has a three foot long curved blade made of soft steel over hard steel. It is an awe inspiring weapon. The handling and use of the samurai sword is steeped in tradition. There are very specific rules and procedures that must be followed precisely when holding one. There are very good reasons for this. A samurai sword is perfectly balanced. The weight of the blade is equal to the weight of the handle. The holder's hands must be located in the right position to utilize this delicate balance and avoid cutting himself.
Place the end of the samurai sword handle in the palm of your left hand. Wrap your ring finger, middle finger and index finger around the handle. Your little finger should be closed beneath the handle but not wrapped around it. Place the thumb on top of your index finger.
Grasp the samurai sword just below the sword guard with your right hand. This is at the top of the handle just below the blade. Your right hand should be at an obtuse angle to the blade. This allows the blade to protrude directly in front of you.
Wrap the little finger, ring finger and middle finger of your right hand around the top of the handle. The thumb wraps around and lies on top of the middle finger. The index finger extends slightly forward. The freedom of the little finger of your left hand and the extension of the index finger of your right hand gives you a feel for the movement of the sword and expands your range of motion.
Hold the samurai sword in front of you. Allow your arms to naturally hang down. The base of the handle should be about a hand's width below your belly button. Angle the samurai sword at an upward angle so the tip of the blade is at your chin level. Your wrists should be relaxed and bent at identical angles away from your body. Standing like this should be comfortable and effortless.
Relax your hands. It is common for beginning swordsmen to strangle a samurai sword by clutching it too tight. A gentle grip is required for the delicate and pure motions of a samurai. Get a feel for the weapon. When you push with one hand you pull with the other. If you are holding the samurai sword correctly it will slice through the air effortlessly.
The primary weapon of the samurai of feudal Japan was the katana. It has a three foot long curved blade made of soft steel over hard steel. It is an awe inspiring weapon. The handling and use of the samurai sword is steeped in tradition. There are very specific rules and procedures that must be followed precisely when holding one. There are very good reasons for this. A samurai sword is perfectly balanced. The weight of the blade is equal to the weight of the handle. The holder's hands must be located in the right position to utilize this delicate balance and avoid cutting himself.
Place the end of the samurai sword handle in the palm of your left hand. Wrap your ring finger, middle finger and index finger around the handle. Your little finger should be closed beneath the handle but not wrapped around it. Place the thumb on top of your index finger.
Grasp the samurai sword just below the sword guard with your right hand. This is at the top of the handle just below the blade. Your right hand should be at an obtuse angle to the blade. This allows the blade to protrude directly in front of you.
Wrap the little finger, ring finger and middle finger of your right hand around the top of the handle. The thumb wraps around and lies on top of the middle finger. The index finger extends slightly forward. The freedom of the little finger of your left hand and the extension of the index finger of your right hand gives you a feel for the movement of the sword and expands your range of motion.
Hold the samurai sword in front of you. Allow your arms to naturally hang down. The base of the handle should be about a hand's width below your belly button. Angle the samurai sword at an upward angle so the tip of the blade is at your chin level. Your wrists should be relaxed and bent at identical angles away from your body. Standing like this should be comfortable and effortless.
Relax your hands. It is common for beginning swordsmen to strangle a samurai sword by clutching it too tight. A gentle grip is required for the delicate and pure motions of a samurai. Get a feel for the weapon. When you push with one hand you pull with the other. If you are holding the samurai sword correctly it will slice through the air effortlessly.
Nunchaku vs Knife
The nunchaku is an effective weapon against an opponent armed with a knife. Nunchaku give you the advantage of reach. Your opponent can't cut you if he can't reach you. Use this advantage to neutralize your opponent and make their knife irrelevant. There are many nunchaku techniques against a knife. This is the simplest and more effective one. It requires perfect timing and a lot of practice.
Face your opponent in an overhand nunchaku ready stance. Stand with your right leg forward. Your right arm is in the shape of an "L" like you are flexing your biceps. The top stick of your nunchaku is in your right hand. Your nunchaku is hanging down behind your right arm. Hold the bottom stick of the nunchaku with your left hand which is across the front of your body and under your arm pit.
Anticipate when your opponent will attack with his knife. Look for indications revealing how he will strike. The position of the knife and arm often telegraphs whether there will be a jab, slash or overhead stab attempt. The moment your opponent commits himself, launch your counterattack.
Slide to the side of your opponent. Do this to the side away from the knife. Sliding moves the target that your opponent is attacking and puts more distance between you and the knife. It also gives you a better angle for your counterattack.
Release your nunchaku with your left hand and swing it down and across with your right hand. Use the superior reach that your nunchaku gives you and strike your opponent in the side of the head. If you do this correctly the knife will not be a factor since your nunchaku will hit before the knife gets anywhere near you.
Whip your nunchaku around the top of your head like a cowboy spinning a lasso. Your opponent will be bent over clutching his head after your strike. If the knife is still in his hand you still need to disarm him. After one revolution of the nunchaku above your head, bring it straight down on your opponent's wrist that is holding the knife. Aiming for the wrist instead of the knife itself reduces the chances of missing.
Nunchaku are very dangerous weapons. Never swing them full speed at anything living unless it is a matter of life or death. Do not practice hitting people with nunchaku even if they are padded. Nunchaku are illegal in some areas. Obey all laws.
The nunchaku is an effective weapon against an opponent armed with a knife. Nunchaku give you the advantage of reach. Your opponent can't cut you if he can't reach you. Use this advantage to neutralize your opponent and make their knife irrelevant. There are many nunchaku techniques against a knife. This is the simplest and more effective one. It requires perfect timing and a lot of practice.
Face your opponent in an overhand nunchaku ready stance. Stand with your right leg forward. Your right arm is in the shape of an "L" like you are flexing your biceps. The top stick of your nunchaku is in your right hand. Your nunchaku is hanging down behind your right arm. Hold the bottom stick of the nunchaku with your left hand which is across the front of your body and under your arm pit.
Anticipate when your opponent will attack with his knife. Look for indications revealing how he will strike. The position of the knife and arm often telegraphs whether there will be a jab, slash or overhead stab attempt. The moment your opponent commits himself, launch your counterattack.
Slide to the side of your opponent. Do this to the side away from the knife. Sliding moves the target that your opponent is attacking and puts more distance between you and the knife. It also gives you a better angle for your counterattack.
Release your nunchaku with your left hand and swing it down and across with your right hand. Use the superior reach that your nunchaku gives you and strike your opponent in the side of the head. If you do this correctly the knife will not be a factor since your nunchaku will hit before the knife gets anywhere near you.
Whip your nunchaku around the top of your head like a cowboy spinning a lasso. Your opponent will be bent over clutching his head after your strike. If the knife is still in his hand you still need to disarm him. After one revolution of the nunchaku above your head, bring it straight down on your opponent's wrist that is holding the knife. Aiming for the wrist instead of the knife itself reduces the chances of missing.
Nunchaku are very dangerous weapons. Never swing them full speed at anything living unless it is a matter of life or death. Do not practice hitting people with nunchaku even if they are padded. Nunchaku are illegal in some areas. Obey all laws.
Butterfly Knife
The proper name for a butterfly knife is a balisong knife. They were originally developed in the Philippines. They are called butterfly knives because of their dual handle design. It can be flipped around when opened or closed creating an effect that resembles the flapping wings of a butterfly. It is a spectacular display but not terribly difficult nor dangerous to perform.
Find the safe handle on the butterfly knife. This is the part that does not have the latch on the bottom. You will hold onto the safe handle while you open the butterfly knife.
Open the latch of the butterfly knife with the tip of your little finger. Now the blade and latched handle of the butterfly knife can swing freely.
Hold the butterfly knife in your hand with the safe handle touching your palm and the latched handle facing the tips of your fingers.
Pinch your thumb and index finger against the safe handle about an inch from the base of the blade. The rest of the safe handle should rest in your palm but should not be held by your fingers
Flip your wrist backward so the latched handle whips around to the back of your hand and the blade opens.
Allow the butterfly knife safe handle to rotate in your fingers as you flip it open. The latched handle will rotate toward your fingertips and the back of the blade will brush the back of your hand. This is of no concern if you are opening a butterfly knife sharpened on one side. They are made so that the sharp side faces away from the hand. If you are opening a double sided butterfly knife you will need to practice your timing so you wont cut yourself.
Snap the butterfly knife handles together when you feel the knife blade brush the back of your hand. Do this by flipping your wrist forward in the opposite direction that you originally moved. The butterfly knife is now fully opened with the blade sticking out.
Opening a butterfly knife should be one fluid motion. It will take some practice to get the flip open and rotation done together. Focus on getting a feel for the mechanism rather than trying to see what is happening. A butterfly knife opens too quickly to see the steps. That is why it looks so spectacular when done correctly.
Butterfly knives are illegal in many areas. Be aware of your local laws regarding butterfly knives and obey all laws.
The proper name for a butterfly knife is a balisong knife. They were originally developed in the Philippines. They are called butterfly knives because of their dual handle design. It can be flipped around when opened or closed creating an effect that resembles the flapping wings of a butterfly. It is a spectacular display but not terribly difficult nor dangerous to perform.
Find the safe handle on the butterfly knife. This is the part that does not have the latch on the bottom. You will hold onto the safe handle while you open the butterfly knife.
Open the latch of the butterfly knife with the tip of your little finger. Now the blade and latched handle of the butterfly knife can swing freely.
Hold the butterfly knife in your hand with the safe handle touching your palm and the latched handle facing the tips of your fingers.
Pinch your thumb and index finger against the safe handle about an inch from the base of the blade. The rest of the safe handle should rest in your palm but should not be held by your fingers
Flip your wrist backward so the latched handle whips around to the back of your hand and the blade opens.
Allow the butterfly knife safe handle to rotate in your fingers as you flip it open. The latched handle will rotate toward your fingertips and the back of the blade will brush the back of your hand. This is of no concern if you are opening a butterfly knife sharpened on one side. They are made so that the sharp side faces away from the hand. If you are opening a double sided butterfly knife you will need to practice your timing so you wont cut yourself.
Snap the butterfly knife handles together when you feel the knife blade brush the back of your hand. Do this by flipping your wrist forward in the opposite direction that you originally moved. The butterfly knife is now fully opened with the blade sticking out.
Opening a butterfly knife should be one fluid motion. It will take some practice to get the flip open and rotation done together. Focus on getting a feel for the mechanism rather than trying to see what is happening. A butterfly knife opens too quickly to see the steps. That is why it looks so spectacular when done correctly.
Butterfly knives are illegal in many areas. Be aware of your local laws regarding butterfly knives and obey all laws.
Spinning a Bo Staff
Spinning a Bo Staff can be challenging at first. The Bo Staff is about six feet long and can be difficult to handle especially while spinning. However, with lots of practice you can master the technique required. Follow these steps to learn how to spin a Bo Staff.
Hold the Bo Staff in the middle with your right hand. Extend it in front of you parallel to the ground.
Bring your hand to your left and turn your wrist over so your palm is up. Sweep your hand to the right then turn your wrist over again so your palm is down. Never stop moving during this motion.
Move your wrist in a figure 8 motion. After the first time through the Bo Staff will pick up speed. Allow the weight of the Bo Staff to work for you. Don't fight the momentum. Use it.
Switch hands with a transition motion. When your hand is at its farthest point to your left place your bent left arm over your right arm spinning the Bo Staff. Your right hand should be under your left elbow. Just as your right hand would be sweeping back to your right, let go of the Bo Staff. The momentum of the spinning Bo Staff will spin it right into your open left hand.
Transition to your left hand. Once the Bo Staff is in your left hand sweep it to your right and continue with your figure 8 motions. You can change hands again by transitioning to your right hand on your right side.
Spinning a Bo Staff requires lots and lots of practice. Do not expect to be able to do it right away. Focus on controlling the center of the Bo Staff and letting the weight work for you. Do not try to do it with muscle. Spinning a Bo Staff is all about technique.
It is common to lose your grip on the Bo Staff while it is spinning. Be sure there are no people or breakable objects anywhere near you while you spin the Bo Staff.
Spinning a Bo Staff can be challenging at first. The Bo Staff is about six feet long and can be difficult to handle especially while spinning. However, with lots of practice you can master the technique required. Follow these steps to learn how to spin a Bo Staff.
Hold the Bo Staff in the middle with your right hand. Extend it in front of you parallel to the ground.
Bring your hand to your left and turn your wrist over so your palm is up. Sweep your hand to the right then turn your wrist over again so your palm is down. Never stop moving during this motion.
Move your wrist in a figure 8 motion. After the first time through the Bo Staff will pick up speed. Allow the weight of the Bo Staff to work for you. Don't fight the momentum. Use it.
Switch hands with a transition motion. When your hand is at its farthest point to your left place your bent left arm over your right arm spinning the Bo Staff. Your right hand should be under your left elbow. Just as your right hand would be sweeping back to your right, let go of the Bo Staff. The momentum of the spinning Bo Staff will spin it right into your open left hand.
Transition to your left hand. Once the Bo Staff is in your left hand sweep it to your right and continue with your figure 8 motions. You can change hands again by transitioning to your right hand on your right side.
Spinning a Bo Staff requires lots and lots of practice. Do not expect to be able to do it right away. Focus on controlling the center of the Bo Staff and letting the weight work for you. Do not try to do it with muscle. Spinning a Bo Staff is all about technique.
It is common to lose your grip on the Bo Staff while it is spinning. Be sure there are no people or breakable objects anywhere near you while you spin the Bo Staff.
Belt
With proper training a belt can be used as a weapon by a martial artist. It is a very convenient weapon since a belt is something that everyone can carry with them at all times. A belt can be very effective when defending against an opponent attacking you with a knife or other weapon. It is also a great deterrent against a much larger or stronger opponent.
Remove your belt from your waist and fold it in half. Grab the folded over belt with an overhand grip so that the buckle is at your thumb side. Now bend your arm and pull the belt down until the buckle reaches your elbow. This is the proper length for your belt when you use it as a weapon. If it is shorter it will not be effective. If it is longer you might hit yourself with it.
Tighten your fist around the belt at the location you just measured. Your hand will not move position on the belt throughout this technique. Let it hang down at your side with your arm relaxed. The belt buckle should be in front of you
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. The foot on the same side as the hand holding the belt should be one step forward.
Swing the belt in front of you diagonally across your body. This should be from top to bottom and from above the shoulder to below the hip. You should hear the belt whip through the air. Follow immediately with another swing the other way. It should also be from top to bottom and from above the shoulder to below the hip. Think of it as painting an "X" in front of you with your belt. The power of the swing should be downward. This X-swing is designed to force an attacker to keep their distance, so the more sound you can make with the belt the better.
Attack your opponent with a cross body swing. After completing an X-swing, whip the belt straight across your body. This swing should be parallel to the ground and aimed at your opponent's head or the weapon in their hand. Swing hard and fast so it makes a frightening noise whipping through the air. If you hit your opponent they will take the brunt of the flying buckle on your belt. If you miss it will still force your opponent to back up and reassess their attack.
Quickly recover to a ready position and prepare to swing again if necessary. A cross body swing can be followed by another cross body swing in the other direction or with an X-swing. Always keep your swings crisp and fast. Do not pause after a swing. That is when you are vulnerable to attack.
Hitting someone with a belt can cause severe injury. Be sure that it is a matter of survival before striking anyone with a belt. Do not practice this technique on a person. Hitting a heavy bag or tree works just as well.
With proper training a belt can be used as a weapon by a martial artist. It is a very convenient weapon since a belt is something that everyone can carry with them at all times. A belt can be very effective when defending against an opponent attacking you with a knife or other weapon. It is also a great deterrent against a much larger or stronger opponent.
Remove your belt from your waist and fold it in half. Grab the folded over belt with an overhand grip so that the buckle is at your thumb side. Now bend your arm and pull the belt down until the buckle reaches your elbow. This is the proper length for your belt when you use it as a weapon. If it is shorter it will not be effective. If it is longer you might hit yourself with it.
Tighten your fist around the belt at the location you just measured. Your hand will not move position on the belt throughout this technique. Let it hang down at your side with your arm relaxed. The belt buckle should be in front of you
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. The foot on the same side as the hand holding the belt should be one step forward.
Swing the belt in front of you diagonally across your body. This should be from top to bottom and from above the shoulder to below the hip. You should hear the belt whip through the air. Follow immediately with another swing the other way. It should also be from top to bottom and from above the shoulder to below the hip. Think of it as painting an "X" in front of you with your belt. The power of the swing should be downward. This X-swing is designed to force an attacker to keep their distance, so the more sound you can make with the belt the better.
Attack your opponent with a cross body swing. After completing an X-swing, whip the belt straight across your body. This swing should be parallel to the ground and aimed at your opponent's head or the weapon in their hand. Swing hard and fast so it makes a frightening noise whipping through the air. If you hit your opponent they will take the brunt of the flying buckle on your belt. If you miss it will still force your opponent to back up and reassess their attack.
Quickly recover to a ready position and prepare to swing again if necessary. A cross body swing can be followed by another cross body swing in the other direction or with an X-swing. Always keep your swings crisp and fast. Do not pause after a swing. That is when you are vulnerable to attack.
Hitting someone with a belt can cause severe injury. Be sure that it is a matter of survival before striking anyone with a belt. Do not practice this technique on a person. Hitting a heavy bag or tree works just as well.
