Most people associate Taekwondo with kicking and punching but there is also a focus on weapons training. It is important to note that carrying such weapons on your person is illegal in many states so remember to keep Taekwondo weapons training within the confines of your school. Below are six of the most commonly used weapons in the art of Taekwondo. Click here to learn more about the most destructive taekwondo weapons.
Best Taekwondo Fighting Weapons
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These are weapons often used in the traditional martial arts of the Philippines. These sticks are made from rattan and are known as yantok. Despite being remarkably light, Eskrima sticks are incredibly durable and are generally used to block or parry in sparring. Eskrima practitioners often wear hand and head protection or used padded sticks such is their ability to cause damage.
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This is a pointed, prong shaped metal weapon with two curved prongs and is generally used in pairs. There are various types of Sais used for trapping and blocking. Its use originated in South-East Asia and was even used by Japanese police centuries ago to arrest those responsible for crowd disturbances.
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Also known as nunchucks, this is a weapon popularized by Bruce Lee in his movies and consists of two wooden sticks connected with a chain. It is a weapon that requires a great deal of practice because nunchuku can be as dangerous to an unskilled user as it is to an opponent!
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This weapon was originally used in feudal Japan and is a long, stiff wooden stick of around 6 feet in length that is still used in many martial arts including Taekwondo. Skilled practitioners view the Bo Staff as an extension of their own limbs.
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This is called the kai and actually resembles a sickle in appearance. It is used in a variety of Chinese martial arts and Kama with dull blades are created specifically for demonstration purposes. It is common for Kama to be used in pairs and is an effective method of blocking or trapping an opponent’s weapons.
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This is the favored bladed weapon of many martial artists. In Japanese martial arts, Kenjitsu is a general term for swordsmanship. Naturally, most sword sparring sessions take place with wooden weapons because of the damage that can be done with the real thing. Occasionally, you will see thrilling yet dangerous ceremonial bouts in martial arts where sharp swords are used.
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Practical Weapon Use
While weapons training in Taekwondo can be extremely interesting, it is only ever for practice purposes and you must never carry any of the above weapons with you as this is an illegal act in most locations.