About the Weapons

Though students begin by using a single wooden stick, about 28"-31" long, they will eventually transfer their skills to other weapons including open hand, double sticks, epada y daga (stick and knife), knife, staff, heavy stick and swords (kampilan, kris, barang) both dull and live.

The ideal weapon varies from student to student. Usually as the student progresses they begin to learn what they like in terms of width, length and weight of a preferred stick. Others go about "listening" for their stick to call to them.

Like the tools of any practictioner whether they be carpenter, musician, or martial artists. A martial artist will begin to gain a great affinity for their weapons. Courtesy always mandates that one should ask the owner permission before touching another person's weapons.

In addition, many find that each weapon they carry will have a certain personality that will speak to them, a resonance if you will.

We hope to add additional segments about the different weapons used in the school.

Where to find weapons:

• Young's Trading Company
  5705 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
  510-547-0121
• Kim Pacific Trading
  24475 Mission Blvd, Hayward
  510-881-8000
• Brendan Lai's
  2075 Mission St, San Francisco
  415-626-8850
• Nichi Bei San
  4th and Jackson St, San Jose
• Tatak Pilipino
  Serremonte Mall, Daly City
  Union City
  This store specializes in Filipiniana (carvings, Barong Tagalogs, etc). They sell pairs of rattan and kumugong/mahoghany sticks that come with their own carrying case.
• Home Depot
  They might not be as strong as the regular ones, but you can always cut the dowels into sticks or knives. If you're really good, you can replicate various swords.
• Orchard Hardware Supply
  About the only place that sells the 5lb wooden axe handles (without the axe)