ernienow

I have a VERY high celing in my hallways, FYI. Iv'e read up on it, and like you said, two types of swords. This one falls somewhere in the middle. AS far as i can tell, Paul Chen mixes some factory and some handmade contruction into his swords, quality and quanitity is his goal. Ive read this cuts great, and withtands light contact. (eg. slice away at watermelons/etc, dont rely on it to cut into a tree.) Iv'e decided to get it, tell you what i think when it shows up. Thanks guys.

What do you all think of the Paul Chen sword, The Dark Sentinel? Fairly cheap, very cool looking. Would it have ANY application in protection? I have heard of people who keep the cheapy swords next to the beds at night, because they are generally small, and they probabaly won't need to hit another sword, so they function. Just a thought... Here a link: http://www.bytheblade.com/ninja.shtml and here http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~PC2066~name~Paul+Chen+Dark+Sentinel+Sword.htm . I'm just trying to create a practical use for it, basically an excuse to buy it, it looks cool

Yea, that is true. Im gonna take a look into throwing knives as well. More information on it, and its much easier to do.

Ok. Thanks. I found this really good site : http://www.aikidoaus.com.au/dojo/shuriken/index1.htm And I've already made my own from some steel spikes, cut them down 6 inches, filed to a point, and sanded the diameter to about 8 mm. Pretty cool stuff. I am fairly accurate from 15 ft. using 1/4 turn overhand method.

the spike shaped shuriken is the bo shuriken (formal name). Can you tell me how much info on the "spike" shaped shuriken is in that book?

I would like to learn how to throw shuriken, particularly the Bo Shuriken. I was wondering where, online, I could buy some good solid shuriken, and possibly a book or website to teach me how to throw. I don't want the mega expensive ones that cost a fortune or the flimsy break often type, just something practical, strong, and effective. ANY information would be greatly appreciated. It appears to be a skill that I would find fun to learn and practice. Thanks in advance.

Ok. I'll start the search, thanks guys.

Ok. Ill take a look around. Few more questions though. I intend to see what is available around me, but what would be a good martial art to study as a base to work from? (not something like Vale Tudo) How are weapons incorporated into a discipline? (are they a branch of a certain art, or do they have a completely seperate art for a certain weapon) PLease give me some more information guys, this, as all of you must know, is a very intimidating subject. So many things to look at...

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am 15 yrs old, 5' 10'' nad i have a pretty tuff build, I kinda look like a linebacker. I have always had an interest in combat/warfare but never to the point where I really wanted to have some instruction, not until recently. My knowledge is very limited on Martial Arts ( what little of my knowledge i have is in medivel style, and its just knowledge, no practice. ) I was wondering: Am I too old to start? If not: What style/dicipline? ( I would prefer a really well rounded style that includes a sword and is at least partially applicable in defense) How much time commitment is involved? (I go to a really demanding highschool, at least 4 hrs of hw a day + extra curriculars) That just the start. Im sure ill come up with more questions. Thanks in advance.