What Is a Fighting Fan and Was It Really Used in Combat?

Most people think of fans as something used to cool off on a hot day or as a decorative prop in traditional dance performances. But in martial arts history, some fans were designed for something very different. Fighting fans, sometimes called iron fans or war fans, were real weapons used for blockin…

What Is a Three Section Staff? History, Uses & How It Works

At first glance, a three section staff can look confusing, intimidating, or even impossible to control. Unlike a traditional bo staff made from a single solid piece of wood, a three section staff consists of three shorter staffs connected by chains or rope, allowing it to bend, wrap, and move…

What Size Bo Staff Should I Get? Beginner Guide

Choosing the right bo staff size can make a bigger difference than most beginners realize. A staff that is too short may feel awkward and limit reach, while one that is too long can feel heavy, difficult to control, or frustrating to learn with. Whether you are training in karate, kung fu, tradition…

What Is an Odachi? The Giant Samurai Sword Explained

When most people picture a samurai sword, they imagine a katana with its curved blade and manageable size. But some Japanese warriors carried something much larger called an odachi, an oversized sword so massive that it still surprises people today. Often called a "giant samurai sword," the o…