Preaching to the Converted

When the Japanese forbade the possession of all readily available martial arts weapons on the island of Okinawa the locals were forced to turn whatever they had to hand into effective tools of self defence. One of the most famous of these new weapons were the Rice-flails or, as the became known, the nunchacku.

Popularised in the 1970's by Bruce Lee this ingenious weapon is fast, lethal and very difficult to use effectively. Preacher has spent a considerable length of time learning to use this weapon with speed and precision.

In addition to becoming skilled learning to use single nunchacku Preacher has learned to use twin nunchacku.

Shows with this weapon can be used either as a display Kata or as a choreographed weapons combat show with another performer.

Notes: In displays, L.E.D. Nunchacku can be used to add an extra visual element to the show.

One of the most effective weapons in the martial arts world is the knife. It comes in many different forms and Preacher has experience with most.

Apart from training in knife combat Preacher has studied knife manipulation to augment stage shows, Preacher can spin, maniulate and twirl long, short, single and twin-bladed knives.

In addition to this Preacher is skilled in the opening skill of the balisong or 'butterfly' knife of the Phillipino islands

Preacher's training in martial arts has involved weapons training, primarily swords and staffs. He specialises in a single katana style of fighting however can fight in multiple styles and can use twin swords and fencing swords (Trained in foil).

In futuristic sword shows Preachers sword is an exact replica of the sword of the Daywalker for the recent motion picture 'Blade'.

The Jo Staff is a traditional weapon and features in many martial arts disciplines. It is a heavy, single staff made of hardwood and is only 4 foot long, unlike the more common Bo-staff which is a full 6 foot.

Preacher prefers using the jo staff due to its increased speed, ability to be more effecitvely used in close quarter combat and the number of circus staff and long sword skills that transfer.

This skill can be used in displays of jo-staff kata and in live combat shows.

NOTES: Preacher can also use a 6 foot Bo staff but is not as skilled with it.

The butterfly knife, Also known as the Balisong or Philippine fighting knife is an urban fighting knife from the Philippine islands. Is is discrete and compact and practitioners favour a very fluid style of fighting.

One of the more famous traits of this weapon is the way in which the knife is deployed, the handle splits in to and swivels open to reveal the blade. Over the years an art form has been developed solely around the opening and closing of the knife in increasingly complicated and impressive methods.

In addition to learning standard knife fighting and knife manipulation Preacher has trained himself to advanced level skills in butterfly knife manipulation.