Padded Training Sticks

The definition of a weapon is “an instrument of attack or defense in combat”.

Over the years many training weapons have been developed to allow combatants to repeatedly train without the risk of serious injury. Regardless if it’s a training knife, sword, gun, or stick, the success of the training weapon depended greatly on how closely the training weapon resembled the real thing. In some cases maintaining the esthetics of the weapon was important, but in most cases, maintaining the functional attributes is what counted.

For example, some of the first training knives were made of wood, plastic,and rubber. These did not maintain enough of the attributes of a real knife. Wooden training knives were typically too thick and splintered after some use. Plastic and rubber training knives were either too light or too flexible. In the end, the aluminum training blade became the training knife of choice. It maintained most of the attributes of a real knife less the lethal attribute of a sharp edge.

Padded training sticks have gone through a similar evolution. The first padded sticks were simply padded rattan. Although these sticks maintained most of the attributes of a real rattan stick, training at 100% speed and intensity with these sticks would require heavy padding be worn or risk serious injury. In this case, the padding would restrict movement and instill a false sense of invulnerability.

The next evolution of padded sticks was either too padded or too whippy. The result, students were unable to transition between padded sticks and real rattan without having their timing or technique thrown off. More importantly, the students forgot the most important part of their training, to not get hit. Simply put, they were training with toys.

Finally, SMAK-Stiks!

SMAK-Stiks were designed to provide the most realistic feel as possible to weapons training without jeopardizing safety.  Unlike some padded training sticks, the designers of the SMAK-Stiks started with the attributes of a real stick and worked backwards. The designers took into account the attributes of real sticks and isolated specific strikes, parries, throws, and techniques of various FMA disciplines.  Additionally, they sent prototypes of the product to numerous FMA instructors who tested them extensively. The result was a perfect blend of realism and safety.

From the moment you pick up your SMAK-Stiks, you'll notice the solid feel of the handle and the perfect weight.  Take a few swings in the air, like swinging a rattan stick, you won't see much flex or feel much drag.  Consequently, the strikes are quick and accurate. Your timing will not be thrown off when transitioning between SMAK-Stiks and real sticks.

So how does it feel to get hit with a SMAK-Stik? It stings! No broken bones or deep bruises, but it will leave a mark. Remember part of the realism is the feeling of getting hit. Students should always remember that the object is to not get hit, so cover-up.