A List of Karate Weapons

The Japanese word "karate" means “empty hand”—or without weapons. Karate is a martial arts system that employs the use of empty-hand techniques, such as punches or kicks. While the majority of karate curricula focus on defense without the use of weapons, there are several weapons that karate practitioners use. Some weapons were once used by peasants, while others were used by warriors. Regardless of the origin, performances with weapons have become very popular in karate competitions.

  1. Bo

    • The bo, or staff, is a long weapon not dissimilar to the staff used in kung fu. However, the traditional bo is tapered on both ends and shorter than a kung fu staff. Smooth and slightly flexible, the bo was originally used to carry buckets of water, baskets of food or other objects. According to the Ken Zen Ichii Karate Association of the U.S., karate is rooted in Zen Buddhism. Because Buddhist practices discourage violence, the bo staff becomes an appropriate weapon because it allows the wielder to subdue his enemy without killing him. Other weapons, such as a sword, can cause permanent damage to a human being far easier than a bo. Techniques employed when using the bo include blocks and parries, but also jabs and strikes. Due to its length, a bo allows the wielder to strike his opponent from a distance, thereby protecting himself from harm.

    Katana

    • A single-edged sword with a handle meant to be held with two hands, the katana originally was used by the warrior class in ancient Japan, according to the Art of Iaido.com. Katana blades are slightly curved, and the handles are often wrapped with leather or other gripping materials. Well-made katana are sturdy and razor sharp, and some have intricate designs on the blade and the hilt. Ancient Japanese warriors, such as samurai, often paired their katana with a smaller version called a “wakizashi,” which was used for close combat. The katana is a favorite among Japanese martial artists and is often used in karate competitions and demonstrations.

    Nunchaku

    • Nunchaku, or “nunchucks,” were made famous in the West by the Chinese martial artist Bruce Lee. However, the nunchaku is a Japanese weapon that originated in Okinawa, according to Marion Stricker from Black Belt Magazine. The local peasants of Okinawa originally used a nunchaku for threshing grain. But it was also an effective weapon and was eventually used for defense of their farms and families against criminals. The original weapon was made from two pieces of rounded wood held together with horse hair. Modern nunchaku employ chain instead of horse hair. Nunchaku are practical because of their small size, which allows them to be easily concealed when carried. Karate practitioners can learn nunchaku as a part of their training and perform nunchaku techniques in martial arts competitions.