Katana
A katana is a weapon with a history that dates back almost a thousand years and there is a deep tradition that inevitably has grown around its use. Whether you are a practitioner of the purer, formal kata techniques found in Kenjutsu or the more modern style of Kendo or belong to any of the literary hundreds of modern styles of Japanese swordsmanship that came into popularity in the 20th century there are two things which are the same: (A.) The use of the katana, in its basics, differs very little from what the ancient Samurai would have practiced and (B.) The weapon, without the body is useless.
Everybody knows what a samurai sword is, mostly because they are considered very cool and are today seen more as a symbol than a regular historical bladed weapon. Actually, katana is just one type of sword-type blade that was used by Japanese warriors, who later in history became a cast in feudal system of this nation. Before the katana, there was the tachi, a blade worn by samurai before the invention of katana. Tachi was longer and proportionally lighter than a katana, and it blade had a bigger curvature. In essence, it was a cavalry weapon, used by mounted troops. A few centuries later, samurai dismounted and fought mostly on foot. Soon after that, the katana was born. Katana is a very recognizable weapon. It has a curved blade (but not as curved as the tachi) and a long grip because it was meant to be wielded by both hands (samurai weren't big on carrying shields). Frankly, no other bladed weapon is as distinctive as the katana, and its spectacular design, refined by master blacksmiths and forgers, was compared to the simplicity of a single blade of grass that could cut a man in half (and often, it did). Samurai code of conduct called bushido was a very grim belief system, which put all the emphasis on personal honor. In it, the katana isn't just a weapon. It represents the embodiment of the samurai steadiness in his beliefs, and is a bond between him and his bushido code.
Sai
The sai is typically used in pairs, with one in each hand. The style includes a variety of blocks, parries, strikes, and captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use of the point, knuckle and central bar is emphasized, as well as rapid grip changes for multiple strikes and blocks. The utility of the sai as a weapon is reflected in its distinctive shape. There are several different ways of wielding the sai, which give it the versatility to be used both lethally and non-lethally.
Katar
The basic katar has a short, wide, triangular blade. Its peculiarity lies in the handle which is made up of two parallel bars connected by two or more cross-pieces, one of which is at the end of the side bars and is fastened to the blade. The remainder forms the handle which is at right angle to the blade. Some handles have long arms extending across the length of the user's forearm. The handle is generally of all-steel construction and is forged in one piece together with the blade.The force of a katar thrust could be so great that many blades were thickened at the point to prevent them from bending or breaking. This also strengthened their use against mail. Such a weapon was capable of piercing textile, mail, and even plate armor. This quality was preferred for warfare, where an opponent was more likely to be armor-clad, as opposed to single combat. Because the katar's blade is in line with the user's arm, the basic attack is a direct thrust identical to a punch, although it could also be used for slashing. This design allows the fighter to put their whole weight into a thrust. Typical targets include the head and upper body, similar to boxing. The sides of the handle could be used for blocking but it otherwise has little defensive capability. As such, the wielder must be agile enough to dodge the opponent's attacks and strike quickly, made possible because of the weapon's light weight and small size. Aside from the basic straight thrust, other techniques include the reverse flipped pierce, inwards side slashing, outwards side slashing, cobra coiled thrust, and tiger claw pierce performed by jumping towards the opponent.
Bo Staff
The basis of bō technique is te, or hand, techniques derived from quanfa and other martial arts that reached Okinawa via trade and Chinese monks. Thrusting, swinging, and striking techniques often resemble empty-hand movements, following the philosophy that the bō is merely an "extension of one’s limbs". Consequently, bōjutsu is often incorporated into other styles of empty hand fighting, such as karate. The "bō" is also used as a spear and long sword in some of its motions, such as upward swing and slashing motion across the body as well as extensions by gripping one end and thus increasing its length as thus making it similar to a spear.
The bō is typically gripped in thirds, and when held horizontally in front, the right palm is facing away from the body and the left hand is facing the body, enabling the staff to rotate. The power is generated by the back hand pulling the staff, while the front hand is used for guidance. Bōtechnique includes a wide variety of blocks, strikes, sweeps, and entrapments. The bō may even be used to sweep sand into an attacker’s eyes.
Traditional Spear
One of the earliest & most important weapons developed by early humans. Inexpensive and simple to produce, their simplicity does not allude to their versatility or lethality. Who knows when humans began adding pointy bits to the ends of wood poles. Certainly, as far back as we can remember in the cradle of civilization they have done so. In keeping with the best available technology, people have sharpened the ends of wood poles, tied on stone and obsidian, and when metallurgy began to develop, metal tips of ever-increasing hardness were added to increase the penetrating capabilities of the older methods. The spear was carried into almost every battle of recorded ancient history.