Archive Feature

Essential Gear - July 2005

High-Tech Butterfly Knife
Spyderco recently released the SpyderFly, a balisong-style weapon with a 4-1/8-inch blade and a skeletonized cast-steel handle. The locking mechanism holds the unit closed until a squeeze is applied, after which the spring-loaded latch pops open and the blade is ready for action. The knife, which weighs 6.6 ounces, sells for $109.95. (800) 525-7770, http://www.spyderco.com

 

Foot Sanitizer
A new product called SanaStep addresses the age-old problem of how to keep bare feet and dojo mats germ-free. The makers of the device claim it kills 99.99 percent of bacteria the moment a martial artist steps on it. The base is made of a high-density anti-microbial plastic, and the applicator portion, which goes inside, is pre-soaked with anti-microbial solution. It costs $240 and comes with a one-month supply of applicators. (800) 721-7837, http://www.sanastep.net/


Chin-Na on the Ground

In Chin Na In Ground Fighting: Principles, Theory and Submission Holds for All Martial Styles, Al Arsenault and Joe Faulise explain how the art’s ground techniques can be added to your arsenal. They also provide historical background and introduce meridian theory and pressure points. The 360-page book features black-and-white photos and diagrams, as well as a glossary. It retails for $29.95. (800) 669-8892, http://www.ymaa.com



MMA Action on DVD

Nine mixed-martial arts matches have been assembled for Super Brawl Greatest Hits, a new DVD from Razor Digital Entertainment. Among the talent is Tim Sylvia, Enson and Egan Inoue, Jay R. Palmer and Wes Sims. The DVD runs for 121 minutes and sells for $14.99. (800) 339-5287, http://www.razordigitalent.com/



Martial Arts Clip Art
People in publishing—whether they produce a nationally distributed magazine or a dojo newsletter—frequently find themselves in need of martial arts art. Until now, it’s been tough to find quality material. MartialGraphics.com identified that problem, then eliminated it with Martial Clip Art (practitioners doing karate, kung fu, aikido, taekwondo, kickboxing and other styles), Martial Sketches (techniques and stances) and Martial Icons & Logos (symbols and calligraphy). Each disc of 99 images retails for $59. (800) 337-1332, http://www.martialgraphics.com/

Graphite Striking Weapon
The Whap-Stik Stealth Defense Wand is a 13-inch-long, 9-ounce baton made of carbon fiber and aluminum. At one end is a tapered metal tip that can be used for striking pressure points, and at the other is a lanyard that ensures a snug grip. In between is the shaft, which can be used for hitting or locking. It comes with an optional black Cordura sheath that can be worn on a belt. The Whap-Stik costs $49.95, and the sheath is $4.50. (614) 475-2912, http://www.whapstik.com/


New MMA Gloves
Thunder Fight Gear just released its Thunder PRIDE Style Pro Grappling Gloves for mixed martial artists. Made of genuine cow leather, they feature a padded knuckle and backhand area and Velcro wrist strap. Neoprene bands secure the fingers, and a larger sleeve surrounds the thumb and covers the palm. A pair costs $54.95. (800) 260-3194, http://www.thunderfightgear.com/




Cabales Serrada Escrima Text
The Pure Art of Cabales Serrada Escrima by J.C. Cabiero and Gary Vatcher, Ph.D., is an informative text about the Philippine fighting art. Published by CSE Publications, it features detailed descriptions of escrima’s basic weapon (the rattan stick), offensive and defensive techniques, footwork and deflections. The book is 237 pages long and illustrated with black-and-white photos. The suggested price is $29.95. (800) 345-2962, http://www.awma.com/




Russian Arts on DVD
In Systema Hand to Hand, Vladimir Vasiliev, an expert in the Russian martial arts, teaches the fighting skills that make systema such a formidable style. He covers fundamental principles of unarmed combat, sensitivity drills, methods for boosting striking power and conditioning secrets. The DVD is 2-1/2 hours long and sells for $59.95. (905) 886-0483, http://www.russianmartialart.com/




Grappling Self-Defense Text
Martina Sprague penned The Science of Takedowns, Throws & Grappling for Self-Defense to give readers a better understanding of which martial arts moves work best on the street. In addition to the categories of techniques mentioned in the book’s title, it includes empty-hand and weapons presses, knife defense and more. The 288-page volume retails for $18.95. (800) 778-8785, http://www.turtlepress.com/

 

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