Few people with an interest in swords have no interest in how to use them. Most collectors will not become highly skilled, but those who do want to learn the basics should follow the wise training regimens and start with something that isn't deadly. In the Japanese style, that ...

This inexpensive mock butterfly knife by Ellington Manufacturing is designed only for safe training. Construction is similar in weight and action to the real thing, but durability is minimal. Still, balisong adepts need to start somewhere, and this simple and safe trainer is that set of "training wheels" you'll need. ...

Tiger Claw's sharpened daito, or Japanese longsword, is certainly good enough for display or forms practice. The 440C stainless steel blade jumps up a grade from the usual 420C of display quality swords, a good move considering the extra length of this 41-inch weapon. Even in kata, the blade will undergo ...

In the progression from wooden training sword to the real combat weapon, this sword ranks low -- just above wood in quality. For beginners, it's still a reasonable choice, built for learning movements rather than strikes. The heavy handguard and pommel as well as the blade itself are chrome-plated steel. The weight ...

Anyone about to begin training with the Chinese broadsword should get ready to collect some swords. The swords used in training differ considerably from the combat versions, progressing from light wooden replicas through a series of heavier steel builds. Each does find a useful place in a training regimen, although the less ...

These Twin Tai Chi Swords from Tiger Claw feature hardwood handles with a matching wooden scabbard. Blades are chrome plated steel, with identical materials forming hilt, pommel, and scabbard fittings. Built light for less strain on wrist and arm in practice, the blades were not intended for combat or striking. These ...

The design and appearance of this Twin Wushu Broadsword set from Tiger Claw is a good match for the heavier combat broadsword set which inspired it. Much lighter than the combat swords, these chromed steel broadswords are equal in length but not in weight or quality of steel.

Designed for forms ...

The origin of the Nan Dao or Southern Broadsword is murky, with few historical examples of old weapons that actually match this pattern. The Nan Dao may have been designed for training rather than actual fighting, built in the pattern of the Nine Ring Broadsword or even simpler weapons of China's ...

Though some wushu weapons fall too short of the real thing in appearance and quality, this Monk's Spade combines modern construction with respect for the original weapon's character. The result is a light training weapon entirely suited to the acrobatics of wushu. Three pounds heavy and 78 inches long, it's ...

The Pudao or Horse Cutter Sword was designed for heavy work. Carried by Chinese infantrymen, this long weapon formed the footsoldier's primary defense against cavalry. Originally, the blade of this chopping broadsword and staff combination was heavy enough to take out the legs of a charging horse.

Toned down several levels to ...

In the ancient world the threat of attacks by tigers, lions and other large predators was very real. Weapons -- including the Tiger Fork Trident -- evolved to fit the challenge. Once classed as a heavy weapon, the lethal points of the trident could intercept and hold an attacking beast, keeping ...

One of the important cavalryman's weapons of old China, the Dragon Head Kwan Dao resembled the Pu Dao or Horse Cutter Sword of the infantry. Heavier and with a more pointed blade designed for thrusting from horseback as well as for slashing movements at charging speed, the base of the Kwan Dao's ...

At over thirteen pounds, this forged high carbon steel Kwan Dao is heavy by today's standards but light in comparison to the old combat Kwan Dao of China. Designed by General Kwan Yu in the 3rd Century A.D. for his personal use, the original Green Dragon Crescent Blade which inspires ...

I can accept that training weapons shouldn't be combat level for beginning level training. Wushu routines stress acrobatics and weapons handling and often require lighter versions of the traditional weapons. But a good wushu weapon still looks like the real thing and has to retain the weapon's original ...

Though this brutal solid steel baton is marketed as a Bian or Hard Whip Staff, it's neither a whip nor a whip staff. Whip staffs are usually about four feet in length and slender -- hardwood instead of steel. Fast movement and painful whip strikes form core movements in ...

This Tai Chi Broadsword, forged in the district of Lung Chuan in China, possibly at the Shen family foundry, comes from a region legendary for its high quality weapons. Visitors to the district in recent times comment that it's still easy to find a good sword there, but it usually comes with ...

Strictly for practice, the two Deer Antler knives in this set feature rounded tips and dulled edges designed to reduce the number of self-inflicted injuries in training. Even with chrome plated steel, the Deer Antler or Crescent Moon blades can be dangerous. This training set measures fourteen inches across ...

If you're interested in learning Tai Chi, then you need a training weapon like the Premium Wushu Tai Chi Sword by Hanwei. This sword is a wushu style blade, made light for easy handling. Unless you intend to wreck your wrists by starting out those slow movements with a combat ...

Practicing the movements of Iaido, the art of drawing the sword, traditionally involves a progression of weapons which gradually lead the swordsman to competence with a real blade. Iaito, like the Tsuru Iaito from CAS Hanwei, are the step below the real thing. Built to handle with the same feel and ...

If you're considering the purchase of this sword, be aware that it's part of a training tradition and not intended for combat. This is a well-made training sword, and does cost more than a bokken, or wooden training sword. Actually a lot more -- enough that many people will think they ...

Chinese hook swords are one of the most unique and highly sought-after martial arts weapons, especially in the area of ancient kung fu. Here's a set of 2 hook swords that might be of interest to you if you're looking for a new training weapon of choice.

The weapons are made ...

The number and variety of weapons in the Chinese martial traditions is simply unbelievable. Some evolved from farm tools, pressed into martial use because of their familiarity to those most likely to be drafted into the many armies. Others developed as the specialized tools of bodyguards looking ...

Today it's easier to find a good sword in China than it is to find a good Chinese sword sheath. That holds true with this high carbon combat steel broadsword from Han Wei's "Practical" series. Although generally users of this sword are satisfied with the blade, they are as ...

Fully extended, this collapsible training sword is 37" long, lightweight, and stable; retracted, the entire sword will fit into a ten inch carrying case. It is by no means strong enough to be used in self defense or in striking practice, but that is not the purpose here. Many ...

In order to fully prepare for the elite experience of wielding a real, battle-ready sword in your martial art of choice, training with a daito set (or practice sword) is essential. It's best to get a quality set that will provide you with superb balance, keep you safe during sparring sessions, and ...

Traditionally, sai weaponry in Okinawa was made with rounded batons. Only in later years did the style become updated to include octagonal shapes as well.

It's unclear whether sais were first designed as weapons or as agricultural tools. Either way, today they're surely weapons. You don't have to have seen Jennifer Garner wield them in ...