Many martial arts systems use weapons. One could argue that the weapon developed when one caveman used a rock to smack over the head of another caveman. In this way, man has always looked to have some advantage over his opponent.

Within the RAFMAA various disciplines use weapons from Chinese gungfu systems to Japanese Kendo. Weapons practice can help focus the mind in a way unarmed practice can not. Competition with weapons is either in forms or kendo.

If you wish to practice with Martial Art weapons within the RAFMAA you are encouraged to review our weapons policy.

A brief overview of weapon classification follows.

Staff weapons

Staff weapons were used to keep your opponent at distance. The Japanese longstaff is rigid, where the Chinese has a flex to it giving it a whiplike action. Aikido use a shorter staff. Most arts practice the staff forms solo, but some will partner up and use staff against staff or staff against sword etc.

Blade weapons

In practice, a dull blade is used (ie, no edge). These range from knives to short swords to long swords, scythes and practice weapons such as bamboo shinai or wooden bokken. Some arts, like Chinese Gung Fu, use exotic shaped wheel or hook like bladed weapons. Once again, live weapon practice is usually solo, where as wood or bamboo weapons are used in sparring.

Flexible weapons

Ropes and chains can be used in practice, though arts practicing these methods are rare.

Composite weapons

Spears, halberds, sickle and chain or scythe and spear weapons fall into this category.