When looking at martial arts, we cannot ignore the fact that a lot of us are attracted to weapon-based martial arts. However, in today’s modern world, some weapons are no longer commonplace. More so, if one lives in a gun-dominant society (i.e. the U.S. or anywhere that firepower is widely available).
With weapons, unless you have developed the anything-goes-Jacky-Chan style, there are limitations to what you can focus on and perfect. Below are the top 5 weapons categories that are commonly available and the corresponding disciplines that adapt them:
Walking Cane – Trekking Poles – Umbrella
The walking cane is still commonly available these days especially used in the medical field for support. The length varies but is generally close to 1 meter or 100 centimeter long. This is the ideal length for a favorable modern day weapon to utilize in both attack, defend, and submission/arrest (i.e. locks).
There are several martial arts that train with a similar length. In Japan, this is similar to a hanbo or half-staff. Hanbojutsu is practiced several martial arts including the Kukishin-ryū koryū classical school of martial arts, Kukishinden-ryū, one of the nine schools of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, and the elusive Chinese Beggar Sect style short staff.
Also, the walking cane’s length is perfect and can be wield like a sword (Please refer to sword section below).
Knife – Short Length Hidden Armament
The knife is one of the oldest and most dangerous of weapons in history with many variations. We have also categorized short length hidden armaments under this which includes (but is not limited to) keys, icepick, long metal nails, darts, chopsticks and the list goes on. The availability of these items in today’s modern society and its use as either a weapon is unquestionable.
There are many martial arts that have some small emphasis on knifes. Those that specifically focus on knife fighting too which includes Scherma di stiletto siciliano, Andalucia, Esgrima Criolla, Paranza Corta, and Arnis (among many others that have both unarmed and armed practices such as Pencak Silat, MCMAP, Systema Spetsnaz, and Tantojutsu to name a few).
These can also be used to throw at your opponent to distract or damage too.
Sword – Items of varying lengths that are longer than a knife
Easily the most common martial art fanboy’s weapon of choice. Aside from the sword, other similar items included could range from baseball bat, metal pipe bar, machete, etc. Be it single-handed or two-handed, the length of the sword is perfect length that enables a myriad of maneuver and optimal slashing damage.
The popular martial arts that focuses on swords include Fencing, Kendo, Iaijutsu, Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Eskrima/ Kali/ Arnis, and Chinese sword of blade styles, etc. There are martial arts that incorporate both unarmed, armed, and how to defend against armed individuals too which are too many to name so we will not.
Now that we have covered common ones, we will head to longer range and unusual utility.
Long Staff – Spear
If you ever find yourself picking up a weapon that is longer than that of a sword, you have officially entered the long staff or spear range. The length of this pole usually ranges from 5 feet onwards. There is a reason why historically, the spear is the weapon of choice in the military. Those without sufficient experience will not be able to defeat a spear holder. This is due to its great reach and the ultimate in thrusting damage,
Unfortunately, there is no one martial arts that focuses solely on the spear or long staff. Fortunately, there are many Chinese martial arts that have long staff or spear as part of their weapon repertoire. These are the Shaolin Wind Chaser Style, Six-and-a-half Point Pole, Taiji Staff, etc. There is also HEMA, and the Japanese sojutsu or bojutsu.
Rope / Whip / Chain
These weapons are classified as uncommon not because of their lack of availability in the modern world. It is classified as such for its utility and high level of training required to familiarize and master. Let’s face it, not all of us make great Indiana Jones, and even then he hardly fought with the whip.
There are no martial arts that solely teaches weapons of such nature. However, in some Japanese and Chinese martial arts, they do exist. Martial arts such as Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and some Southern style Chinese Martial Arts do carry such practices.
Note: We did not mention nunchakus as it is an uncommon item you are unable to find in our everyday modern world and need a bit of Mcgyver-ing to engineer if you seek it out to fight.
