With almost anything in life, it takes practice to improve. This is especially important when training in the martial arts or self-defense world. Yes, you can go to a dojo or training hall. But you’ll need more than that if you’re to master your offensive or defensive art. Luckily, countless self-defense training tools are available on the market to get you started or hone your already-established skills. Here are nine items to get you started.
9 Self-Defense Training Tools
01 – Red Man XP Instructor Suit
When you need an intense, no-holds-barred workout, the Red Man Instructor Suit has you covered. It’s designed for empty-hand and weapons techniques and can take a literal beating without failing. The suit is form-fitting with minimal gaps and offers excellent mobility for the wearer.
The Red Man Instructor suit can be used for Evasion tactics, target acquisition, handgun retention, weapon disarming, CERT and SORT, crisis intervention, and more. Go big and go red!
Specifications
- Form-fitting design
- Low and high-impact training
- Minimal gaps for greater coverage
- Available in small, medium, large, and X-large sizes
- Ideal for regular, daily training sessions
MSRP: $2,885.60
For more information, please visit RedManGear.com.
02 – Wing Chun Mook Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy)
When you need to practice trapping, blocking, and striking, the Mook Yan Jong is a training aid for you. It is typically used by those who practice Wing Chun Kung Fu. However, anyone wanting to increase their speed and power can train with this traditional wooden dummy.
They are typically very strong—constructed of dense hardwood—and available with various bases or frames. They can take a ton of punishment and won’t take damage even from the toughest fighters. Ideal for men, women, and teens, they can be set up nearly anywhere.
As a nearly 2,000-year-old training tool, you can find many variations online from different companies. The below company is just one option.
Specifications
- Hardwood construction
- Available with a variety of bases or frames
- Traditional and Authentic design
- Excellent for beginners and advanced practitioners
MSRP: Prices Vary
For more information, please visit EverythingWingChun.com.
03 – AWMA Rattan Escrima Sticks 1-pair
You can’t practice stick fighting without sticks, and AWMA has just what you need. Made from authentic rattan, which is both extremely lightweight and highly durable, you will spend hours striking, blocking, and locking your training buddies.
Each stick is roughly twenty-six inches and offers the perfect width for an incredibly solid grip during your training session. Practice Arnis, Escrima, or Kali, or just solidify your weapon-disarming techniques. Sold as a pair.
Specifications
- Lightweight and exceptionally durable
- Ideal for drills and stick fighting
- 26 inches long, 1 and ¼ inches thick
- Traditional Filipino style
- Authentic rattan material
MSRP: $29.95
For more information, please visit AWMA.com.
04 – AWMA 5-Foot Burned Rattan Staff
Whether you’re learning offensive/defensive staff techniques or just polishing up your forms training, this rattan staff can do it all. It is both highly durable and lightweight. So, you can practice for hours with less user fatigue and no concerns about splintering under intense use.
The staff offers a traditional Filipino burn pattern and is available in four-, five-, or six-foot lengths, meeting nearly everyone’s body type. The staff is the grandfather of martial arts weapons, and no one should be without it!
Specifications
- Made of natural rattan
- Authentic Filipino burn pattern
- One-inch diameter
- Durable for intense workouts
- Available in four-, five-, or six-foot lengths
MSRP: $39.99
For more information, please visit AWMA.com.
05 – 5.11 Tactical Kubaton Pen
Pressure point techniques take a lot of practice, and this Kubatan pen can give you the upper hand. This Kubaton, which is also a legitimate pen (workable, with replaceable ink), can be used during training and daily carry. Adding it to your EDC provides a readily available force multiplier.
Its one-piece construction prevents the pen from losing its cap (unlike typical pens) and offers a solid surface to apply effective pressure point techniques. A steel pocket clip, included ink cartridge, and two color options round out this incredible discreet device.
Specifications
- One-piece construction, no lose-able cap
- Aggressive gimping for pommel grip
- Non-threatening design
- Replaceable ink cartridge
- Available in black or sandstone colors
MSRP: $32.00
For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.
06 – ProForce Rubber Training Pistol
You should never practice with real firearms because real accidents happen. So, this rubber training pistol is the next best thing. You’ll spend hours practicing weapon disarm techniques with this handy helper, designed to mimic the look of an automatic pistol and constructed of super strong rubber.
Its bright yellow color allows it to stand out among other training aids and distinguish itself as a training tool. Likewise, its solid feel ensures you can position this mock weapon anywhere on the body of your helpless “victim.”
Specifications
- Bright, distinguishable yellow color
- Solid rubber body
- Designed to mimic the look of a real pistol
- Durable body, takes a lot of punishment
- Ideal for weapon disarming techniques
MSRP: $19.99
For more information, please visit MartialArtsSupermarket.com.
07 – AWMA Folding Training Knife
Some training knives look or feel different from the real thing, but not this one! This folding knife offers a steel blade, a rubber handle, and real folding action. It is perfect for emulating “real-life” scenarios in the dojo or training hall.
Other practice knives are typically bulky or floppy. However, this blade teaches you the dynamics of being attacked by a metal folder, which is very common in real-world attacks. A quick flick with the integrated thumb stud and the “blade” is live. The knife comes complete with a stainless-steel pocket clip for easy carrying.
Specifications
- Four-inch Stainless steel blade
- Practice blade cannot be sharpened
- Rubberized handle for optimal grip
- Rounded tip for added safety
- Includes integrated belt clip
MSRP: $29.99
For more information, please visit AWMA.com.
08 – Duanbing Straightsword (Foam)
Ideal for drills, games, or evasion techniques, this foam sword offers a safe and fun way to practice. The sword is constructed of soft foam for the “blade” and firm plastic for the handle.
Tap, smack, or swing the sword against anyone without injuring your training partner. Likewise, the full-contact nature of this foam sword allows trainees to learn their mistakes through contact. Available in three colors, blue, red, or black, it is ideal for use with both adults and children alike.
Specifications
- Excellent for drill training
- Safe and durable construction
- Easy grip, plastic handle
- Great for adults and children
- Available in blue, black, or red
MSRP: $32.40
For more information, please visit DragonSports.eu.
09 – KarateMart Indestructible Plastic Katana
Don’t be afraid to make contact with another training weapon when using this samurai sword—it’s both safe and nearly indestructible. Constructed of tough-as-nails polypropylene, you’ll enjoy hour after hour of intense training without damaging it with hard contact.
The sword allows for realistic scenarios and mimics the length and feel of a true katana sword. A deep black color, removable tsuba, and textured, sure-grip handle round out this amazing martial art practice weapon.
Specifications
- Nearly indestructible, polypropylene construction
- Non-glare, black finish
- Removable Tsuba
- Long, textured handle
- Ideal for offensive and defensive training techniques
MSRP: $39.95
For more information, please visit KarateMart.com.
