ActionFlex Padded Equipment
Weaponry was (and is still) used for self-preservation, even though battle training has changed dramatically. In this ‘modern’ age the warrior only has to pull a trigger or press a button for a target that sometimes is miles away. Even with new age weaponry there is still a need to incorporate the old ways – especially if the enemy is within arm’s reach.
Historically, the sword was employed in battle, as well as knives, spears and staves and today these weapons are still as harmful as they were thousands of years ago. The introduction of new age materials enables the martial artist or combatant to efficiently and safely train for combat – or a martial arts tournament.
ActionFlex Weapons
Kodachi (Short Sword)
24 inches long / 30.5cm
The kodachi consists of 18 inches of striking area and 6 inches of handle.
The kodachi (short sword) is the first weapon beginning NihontoDo practitioners are introduced to. It is used mainly during warmups and in the Sports Chanbara module.
A padded weapon simulating a one-handed, single-edged sword (wakizashi), the kodachi is easily wieldable by practitioners of any age and skill, and is a forgiving teacher of the basic concepts of NihontoDo.
Choken (Long Sword)
40 inches long / 101.6cm
The choken consists of 28 inches of striking area and 12 inches of handle.
The choken (long sword) is the staple padded weapon for the Sports Kenjutsu module in NihontoDo.
A padded weapon simulating a two-handed, single-edged sword (katana), the choken is used exclusively with two hands, and requires skill and finesse to properly control.
Practitioners below the age of 16 will use a scaled-down version (mini-ken) due to their stature.
Shoto (Long dagger)
18 inches long / 45.7cm
The shoto consists of 12 inches of striking area and 6 inches of handle.
Between the kodachi and tanto in length, the shoto is a versatile weapon at close range: it is more manoeuvrable than the kodachi, with more reach than the tanto.
Tanto (Short dagger)
12 inches long / 30.5 cm
The tanto consists of 8 inches of striking area and 4 inches of handle.
The tanto (short dagger) simulates the backup knife that samurai carried for very close combat, and is an optional complementary weapon for Sports Kenjutsu, as well as a staple in BladeCraft.
Small and hence easily concealable and highly manoeuvarable, the tanto is best used for blindingly fast cuts and thrusts to critical areas.
In BladeCraft, the ActionFlex Tanto is the primary training weapon, used to simulate a knife.
Yari (Spear)
72 inches long / 182.9cm
The yari consists of 20 inches of striking area and 52 inches of handle.
The yari (spear) simulates a spear, which is essentially a sharp point on a long pole. Most often and easily used for thrusting, cuts are also possible with the weapon's tip. Simple to use, but deceptively difficult to master.
Jo (Short Staff)
48 inches long / 121.9cm
The jo consists of 48 inches of striking area!
The jo (short staff) has a place in Japanese history as the weapon Muso Gonnosuke used to defeat legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi in the latter's only defeat of his lifetime. A versatile weapon, both ends can be used interchangeably for attacking as well as defending.
Nunchaku
32 inches long / 81.3cm
The nunchaku consists of 26 inches of striking area and 6 inches of handle.
This traditional Okinawan farming tool ended up in the dojo as one of the martial artist's most-used weapons. The nunchaku is a challenging weapon to spar against as it is very fast, and unpredictable.
Protective Gear
Combatant Head Protector
The Head Protector (Helmet) is made of tough, shock resistant vinyl and nylon with protective padding.
The helmet is designed to allow the combatant to see and breathe freely, with no constriction or poor visibility.
Hand Protectors
Made from strong padded nylon and leather materials, these high quality hand protectors offer maximal protection and dexterity.
Thick padding minimises the shock felt from blows to the hands and wrists, while individual articulated finger joints offer the user unparalleled feel and control of the sword.
Highly recommended for Combative Kenjutsu.
