Martial Arts: the Weapons Trivia Quiz

Answer: Nunchaku

There are various versions of the nunchaku, with the sticks usually made from wood and linked by a metal chain or a rope. It is particularly associated with the Japanese island of Okinawa and the martial arts which were developed there, such as karate.

It is regularly used in training and is meant to be held in one hand rather than two. Ownership is banned in some countries, including Canada and Norway, and restricted in others due to the potential for causing serious harm to other people.

Answer: Kenjutsu

Bokkens are traditionally made from oak, either red or white and are used for training purposes as they are less deadly than the metal swords. They can still do serious damage to an opponent, though. Kenjutsu is a generic term referring to various types of traditional styles of Japanese sword play- the word actually means sword technique.

Answer: Bo

The bo, which is traditionally made from oak, is around six feet long with the shorter, four foot, version being called a jo. Many of the traditional martial arts use a bo in training, sometimes using one made from foam to reduce the risk of injury. The bo can be used for defence and attack, often in the same movement with one end of the bo blocking an opponent's move while the other end can attack.

As well as aikido, the bo can be used in ninjutsu and kung fu.

Answer: Farming

You probably spotted the resemblance of a kama to the sickle used in western farming before mechanised reaping became available, and this is what kamas were used for in the east, too. Its use in martial arts originated in the Philippines and Indonesia before arriving in Okinawa, Japan, and being incorporated in the martial arts there.

Answer: Tonfa

This is another weapon associated with Okinawa but originating elsewhere in Asia, possibly in China. In martial arts they are used in pairs, with the handle being gripped in the hand and the long part of the tonfa protecting the underarm area. It can be used to block attacks and the part protruding from the hand can attack exposed parts of the opponent such as the throat.

It is often used in karate.

Answer: Hand claw

This is a weapon associated with ninjas, who often used weapons adapted from common implements. The original purpose of these attachments, which fit onto the hands, was in farming for grubbing up weeds. The ninjas normally used them in pairs, one on each hand, to attack and claw at their opponents.

The weapon is made from four pieces of iron held together by a metal ring and is fastened to the wearer by rope around the wrist.

Answer: Japan

This is the iconic sword associated with the samurai, Japan's legendary warriors. Historically, the katana began as a straight sword but was adapted around 700 CE to have the curved shape we now know. This made it even more efficient as a means of killing opponents and less likely to break in combat than its predecessor. Each part of the katana has a specific name, with kissaki, for the tip, and nagasa, describing the length, just two of them.

Answer: Shuriken

Although those pictured do resemble stars, not all shuriken are star shaped. Some can be stick shaped, known as bo shuriken, while the others, called a wheel type, are kurumaken. They are small enough to be concealed in the hand and the name translates as 'sword hidden in the hand'. They are traditionally associated with ninja although samurai also used them.

Answer: Trident

The sai in the picture is just one of the many variations which exist. Although it is associated with Japanese martial arts, including ninjutsu, it did not originate in Japan. It was already in use in other south Asian countries including Thailand and Vietnam and may have spread there from China.

It is used to block opponents' attacks and initiate attacks itself and is often used in pairs - one for each hand. The middle prong can vary in length. It resembles the trident used by certain Roman gladiators who used a net to trap an opponent before attacking with the trident.

Answer: Bamboo

Kendo is a version of fencing which is not intended to be a competitive sport but a way of self improvement. The version known in modern times is believed to have evolved in the early eighteenth century, when the use of bamboo swords was introduced. Participants wear protective clothing (armour) including a breastplate (do) and a head covering (men) which resembles that worn by fencers in the west.