2 comments about 26 Inch Extendable Police Security Baton.

1. Recieved product in timely manner, within 3 days of ordering. Slightly disappointed as the baton does not really have a foam grip as stated but more of a rubber grip instead. Also weight at front not fully seated on baton handle but will not affect usage. Am going to use rods in my old baton until I can fix my other rods and find a way to put a soft foam grip on the new one. For now will be used as a backup but over all adequate for $20.00. Would like decsription to be a liitle more specific when describing what type of foam handle soft or hard would be nice. Do like the fact that the rods when expanded are TIGHT and (NOT) wiggly like another baton I bouhgt two years ago. 2&1/2 to maybe 3 stars for this item. You might be better buying a Casco or ASP if you can afford but if not this will do until you can.



2. This Steel Baton isn't too bad. It's heavier than I thought it would be. Once I practice swinging it enough, the weight won't effect me. It will definetly help to build my wrist ~hahaa
   
   I don't recommend any women purchasing this item, because if you can't hang onto it after a few strikes. The opponent would most likely take it from you.
   
   Let me tell you a couple things that they fail to mention. This Steel Baton feels like it weighs 5 pounds. To close it, you have to slam the top on cemented ground.
   
   The price wasn't bad, but I sure hope it last long. I can only imagine that opening, and closing it after awhile will take it's toll.

4 comments about Kubotan.

1. Come on, what good is a 5-inch stick on the street? The answer is "plenty." Many people who would turn their noses up at a pocket stick wouldn't hesitate to defend themselves with their knuckles. You might see people like this walking around in bandages, splints, or casts, because hands are soft, with small bones, and heads have big, thick bones and are full of teeth. But even the cement heads of street criminals don't fare well against hard metal. A good hammer fist with one of these will cause even a tough guy to see fireworks and canary birds.
   
   As I wrote in a review of another pocket stick: Let's not kid around. This may be touted as a nonlethal weapon, and it may (or may not) look better for you if it turns up in a search or in court than, say, a knife or a gun, but the purpose of this or any effective weapon is to harm an attacker until he cannot attack anymore. It can injure, maim, or kill just as surely as a bullet-- just not so easily. So before you bonk someone's coconut with this little item, make sure you consider the moral, spiritual, and legal consequences.
   
   This brings up another vital point. Salesmen, martial arts instructors, and your lawyer may be well-advised to call this a "defensive weapon." Fine, but out there in the world, there is no such thing. Calling this a "hesitation" stick and showing judo masters using it as a submission tool for fancy joint locks just distracts from what you will be doing with it if, God forbid, the need arises. And that is bashing a criminal assailant until he is unable (or unwilling) to continue his assault, preferably before he ever gets one shot in on you.
   
   Assisting you in this purpose is the pocket stick's handy size and shape. You can stick it in a back pocket like a pen and have it out and attack with it quicker than any weapon I know, and the chances are relatively good that your attacker will never see it and will literally not know what is hitting him. This is especially advantageous if two nasties are closing in but haven't struck yet. You can hit first and then see if the second punk wants to step over his buddy to face one-on-one odds. While he's thinking it over, you can run.
   
   As you can see, this is not what is usually called a defensive mindset.
   
   I'd take the keyring off because it's in the way. I really don't see the point of hanging keys on a weapon. Is it supposed to make us think it's not really a weapon so that we feel better about ourselves? No, thanks.
   
   Anyway, mine's in my back pocket next to my wallet.



2. If you find yourself having to use your kubotan, chances are, it will be in a critical situation. Traditionally, kubotans are made out of a durable hardwood. However, I chose to get one made out of hardened aluminum for added reliability. Hardened aluminum will not break in the event that you have to use it to put pressure on someone's wrist. I think it's safe to say that the person's wrist bones would break before this little metal rod does.
   
   A friend of mine, who studied martial arts, used to carry a wooden baton like this one. If he still carried them today, I am convinced that he would choose an aluminum one though.
   
   MY FRIEND'S TIP:
   
   Here's a tip from that old friend of mine. The keys themselves are a part of the weapon. And you can make them more effective, which will increase the damage from the baton. Take some keys that you no longer use. Any metal key would do, but try to find different sizes. About four of them would do. Take the keys to a grinder and sharpen the teeth of each key. Now, put the four keys in the keyring along with your regular keys. Face the sharp keys in opposite directions. Meaning two should face one way, but the other two should face in the opposite direction. The idea is that when you swing the baton like a flail, the sharpened keys would cut into the attacker's flesh. The keys are faced in opposite directions so that you can do major damage regardless of which direction that you are swinging.
   
   CITAN'S EXPERIMENT:
   
   Please keep in mind that you can also cut your hand. I tried this technique. I wore a pair of leather work gloves and swung against a wooden post. The sharpened keys bounced back and hit the back of my hand. Without the gloves, my hand would have gotten badly cut. For what it's worth, I swung against a large watermelon and the keys didn't bounce back though. I don't have anything else to add here, except maybe it might be good to swing against an attacker's fleshy parts to prevent the keys from rebounding. I'm not an expert though. But it was fun trying it on a watermelon.



3. Nifty tool. Nice and light, but very sturdy. Worth a buy if you want something for self defense that is nice and obscure. Don't try to take it on an airplane though. That's how I lost my first one.



4. Got this item for Christmas and seems pretty solid! Hopefully, it'll never have to be used in a serious situation, but just in case...

2 comments about Uniform Belts - Solid Color.

1. This belt is good quality and affordable, great for parents whose kids lose their belts!!!



2. This is a great quality belt for the price. Tiger Claw makes some nice products.

3 comments about Shock Doctor Gel Max Mouth Guard.

1. This is the best mouthgaurd I have tried. It is far better than the clear plastic guard from the 1900's. Also better than the modern clear double mouthguards.
   
   With this guard I can talk, breath and have good protection. Breathing is helped by the way it leaves a small gap at the front between the top and bottom teeth.
   
   The multiple types of material help to absorb varying degrees of shock. The soft gel works for light impact, and the harder rubber kicks in for the hard impact (on a hard hit I actually felt this happen).



2. I bought this for my 7 year old son for lacrosse. It was a bit bulky in his mouth (the reason for the 4 stars), but it did the job...until he wore it for his first game. He walked off the field with the thing chewed to bits. because of the double layers there were pieces actually coming off that he could have choked on. so i went and bought a new mouth guard, but this time a regular shock doctor that i'm hoping will last longer. had he not chewed on it, there would have not been a reason to get a new one, but, boys will be boys.



3. Mouth guards are key for any contact sport. I am an amature/recreational boxer and spar occasionally, and this has definitely saved my teeth on several occasions. I have also been hit without this mouth guard on, and have noticed a significant difference in impact after putting it on. If you clinch your teeth in during competition this will definitely prevent any possibility of breaking teeth.
   
   Only thing I can complain about is that when I get hit in the mouth my inner lips get torn up. This is really a lot better than losing teeth though. Great product, and fitting was fast and easy (i did it with a Styrofoam cup of water boiled in microwave in about 5 minutes... very easy).

5 comments about Feiyue Martial Arts Shoes.

1. This is a great shoe for its limited purpose, which is for martial arts training. The sole provide good traction on wooden floors and best of all you can feel the floor with your feet. This is an important aspect in all Chinese martial arts training, developing good root and sensitivity in your feet so one can develop power from the feet, through the legs, up the spine and out the hands. Accordingly, they are not constructed to offer support to your feet as additional padding will get in the way of training your legs and the smooth transition of power.
   
   Conversely, they are a terrible shoe for anything else. They have no support for walking, hiking or anything else. They don't keep your feet warm and they don't last long if you use them as a daily shoe. They are what they are, a good shoe for indoor martial arts training.



2. These shoes are perfect for indoors where you have padded floors. But, you should be aware the soles of the shoes are rounded too. If you are looking for adequate arch support, this shoe is not for you. I use this exclusively for kicking bags or sparring purposes. This shoe will also make you work on your balance too because of the rounded soles. For the price of the shoe, I think its worth it.



3. This is the first pair of shoes I've bought with the overseas shoe size. I am normally a 9.5-9.75 US size, so I started with the 42s. They fit, but there was no adjustment left in the laces because they were fully tightened. They are a bit wider than other shoes as well, so if you have a wide foot they will be nicely snug for you. I also ordered a 41 and 43. The 41 was clearly too small and only wore them once. The 43s sorta fit, but I kinda slid around in them. A friend of mine who wears a 10.5US tried the 43s and he said they were just a hair too small.
   
   Other than the size concern, they are perfect for martial arts, in my opinion. Just for a point of reference, I train in Shaolin Kung Fu with an personal emphasis on kicks, and they don't hinder my pivoting. If you practice on a mat or carpet the thick rubber sole will wear down in just a few months. They also are good for Tai Chi because the soles are wide, so it's easier to balance with them.



4. I bought a pair of these shoes a little more than a year ago, specifically to have something to wear while lifting weights at home. I use them three times a week, and they are comfortable and durable. The grip on the soles is so good that I used them when rock wall climbing, and had no problem at all.
   Unlike some of the other comments posted, I do not wear these shoes as an outdoor shoe, so I cannot say how well they will function for that. Also, I wear them comfortably without socks, and suspect that they might be too tight with sweat socks.
   One concern that I do have to address is with the size. I guessed at my size, based on the conversion on the website. When I received the shoes, I tried them on with thin, dress socks, only to find that they were too small! I contacted the company and explained the situation, and they were very accommodating. I had to pay to ship the shoes to them, but they sent back the next larger size at no additional charge.
   I would definitely recommend the shoes, and intend to buy a new pair, whenever I wear out the current pair.



5. I have been using these for Krav Maga for about two years now. Great cheap shoe. They don't exactly breath so they can get a little sweaty, but well worth $15.
   
   The soles are quite springy and great for walking around. The treads are pretty sticky. Take care if you are working on mats, the sticky soles can strain your knees while doing round kicks or other spinning and pivoting motions. Still a great martial arts shoe.
   
   I bought my first pair at Brandon Lai's kung fu store in SF. The white with stripes are kind of funky looking but make for a great alternative to Chuck Taylors. I think they are turning into a fashion fad now as I am seeing knock offs for $30 and $40 at places like American Rag.
   
   I give five stars, I just hope they don't go up in price. Word to the wise, buy a couple of pairs so if one gets swampy, you can wear the other pair while they dry out.

5 comments about Burgundy Cord Wrapped Boken Daito Wood Practice Sword.

1. Bokken (for Kendo) are ONLY meant for KATA learning and practice (never for actual combat hitting nor sparing... so if that's what you're doing, DON'T DO IT ANYMORE... it's dangerous and never intended for that purpose), and IMHO, I do not think the wrapping is a good practical addition.
   
   The only time a wrapped handle is used is on a REAL Katana typcially used during Formal Kendo KATA Demonstrations (you have to be a Black Belt to even be considered for it), so until you get there, forget about wrapped handles. BTW, actual Katana have SHARKSKIN on the handle, so the wrap does not slip (sharkskin is like sandpaper, in case you did not know).
   
   AIKIDO practitioners use a bokken on a mounted automobile rubber tire, and those bokken are usually made from either OAK (red or white), MAPLE, or IRONWOOD to withstand the thousands of hits to the tire (but never another bokken)... and they do NOT have wrapped handles.
   
   I have never seen one, but I suppose American HICKORY would also make a good bokken (it is a VERY tough and strong wood, which is why AXE and HAMMER handles were made of it).
   
   I say stick with the classical items that are tried and true, and avoid this product. It is a well intentioned but misapplied item.



2. I bought the bamboo katana for my husband. It took FOREVER to get here and when it arrived, the box was desimated. Thankfully, the katana itself was both intact and pretty.
   I gave it only 3 stars, not because of the product but because it took almost three weeks to arrive.



3. Bokken is flimsy and looks as if it will break easy, and the laquor will scrape off. I have three other "real" bokken and this doesn't compare at all to those.
   
   I would not recommend using this in any real practice. All show, no go.
   
   Great big "made in China" sticker on the box too.



4. These are well constructed practice swords that have survived all my workouts as well as being transported to Baghdad and back again in my luggage... Sword Demon provides outstanding service and was very responsive to my queries.. An excellent combination.



5. very very thank you th sword is beautifull I make an special place for her
   
   thank you

5 comments about Century XXL Wavemaster Training Bag.

1. I replaced my heavy bag with this to free up space in my condo. It works great! Even filled with water, it is still easy to move. The feel isn't quite the same as a heavy bag, but this works even better for kicks. I am very pleased with the quality and the punching area is huge!



2. Great product. Although it is still too light for kicking, this product is one of the best standing kicking bags in the market.



3. I've had my freestanding bag for about 3 or 4 weeks now and I absolutely love it! You can punch, kick, and elbow this thing until you're out of breath. I put 250lbs of sand in the base and it is very sturdy (cheap too - sand is only about $4 per 50lb bag @ Lowes where I live). There is some minimal shifting if you stand in the same spot and pound away on it, but if you dance around the bag a bit and use some footwork - any movement cancels itself out from side to side (using this movement gives you a lot better workout anyways). I weigh just over 200lbs myself and I can lay into my punches and kicks with all my weight and power and it still holds strong. Delivery was quick and the packaging was appropriate. I would definitely recommend this bag to anyone - especially for use with martial arts and kickboxing training.



4. I began kickboxing class and wanted to be able to continue with the lesson at home, so I took a chance and purchased this sparring bag. I checked the internet and found this to be the best price for the same exact item, and no charge for shipping and handling. It arrived promptly and I was not disappointed. It is the same exact bags that we use at the karate center. The quality was excellent and set up was quick and easy. I did it by myself and did not need assistance from my sons or husband. It is a great bag and I love it. My husband has even began using it on his own.



5. My daughter took Krav Maga (Israeli army-style hand-to-hand) and needed a punching bag to keep in shape and maintain training. It had to be indestructible for her (she is fierce & merciless), but I didn't want anything that had to be mounted to the ceiling or walls. The Century XXL Wavemaster is perfect. Her older sisters (one has taken Judo and the other is just plain mean), football friends, cousins - everybody likes giving it their best shot. It stays in place and takes a lot of punishment. Great product!

5 comments about Kung Fu Shoes.

1. These shoe sizes don't really correspond to normal sizes. I wear an 8 1/2 or 9 and finally have ordered a 7 after getting shoes too big/small a couple of times. After ordering there's no online record of what size you've ordered, so keep your receipt if you order the wrong size. Returns incur fees plus shipping, which ends up so close to the original cost as to not bother.
   On the other hand, the shoes are a good product.



2. Don't think about using these for training. They have no ankle support and you can hurt yourself using them. They also are not firmly attached to the foot so the slipping can also cause injury. My instructors have told me that they are not mat safe and can cause them to tear. I use them around the house but they are slightly worse then regular flip flops because of the thin sole support.



3. We love the product, but they need to do something about the overwhelming moth ball odor. Terribly strong and impossible to get out.



4. They withdrew payment from my account, but never delivered the product! To this day (a couple of months later) I have been able to receive no compensation, regardless of my efforts.



5. This is a goo dproduct; a simple slip-on footwear that endures better than most slippers. I wouldn't wear them out inthe snow certainly, but for 'around the house' they are perfect. I have a friend who wears them in his house to reduce wear&tear on his hard wood floors.

4 comments about Century Fitness Original Wavemaster® Training Bag.

1. I like the size of this bag. It's big enough for myself and husband both to use at same time yet small enough it doesn't take up large storage space.
   Easy to put together. Bag and stand seem sturdy.



2. I have owned this item for about 5 years and it is still going strong. I use it for about 20-45 mins/ day about 4-5 times per week.
   
   Bare knuckle or with gloves. I primarily do boxing workouts but it has seen its fair share of kicks, knees and elbows and never seen a tear or a worn spot.
   
   The padding is about 4" thick and beneath is a solid plastic ring that alows you to adjust the height. This is also what keeps it from getting worn spots like a regular punching bag.
   
   I used to work out at a friends house who had a 40lb everlast hanging bag and after a few months we tore it and had to hold it together with duct tape, which made us all sticky after every workout.
   
   You can fill the base with water or sand, i have never filled it up all the way, but its pretty stable. If you cant use a hose and have it inside i made a funnel by cutting the bottom off of a 2 liter coke bottle and running back and forth to the bath tub with milk jugs.
   
   Great product for anyone not wanting to drill holes in their ceiling to hang a regular punching bag.



3. This bag seems fairly sturdy, but it does slide around when filled with water (on carpet in my case). I just hit it from one side of my room to the other and eventually back into it's corner. I bought mine in person for $100 (and no shipping), so you might want to look into that before buying online.



4. I have used many of these over the years. Usually the powerline series, so I was a little worried this wouldn't be substantial enough. However, the base is very sturdy with water in it. This product will work very well for home use.

5 comments about Wushu Shoes (Feiyue Brand) -.

1. This is my second pair of Feiyues. I wear them all the time. I am impressed at the quality for the price. They are built exceptionally well.



2. As a practitioner of a variety of martial arts I've found the Flying Fish "Feiyue" to be the finest shoes for the job. I've used them for years and had the same pairs for years. They just don't quit. Comfortable, practical and even stylish. The shoes are amazing and for $15.00 I'd pick up a few pairs, they'll last you a lifetime. Don't hesitate practice your forms in them- or use your kettle bells, they are the closest thing to bare foot training you can find.



3. This shoes run smaller to normal american shoes. I used the chart that they provided to select the size, but they didn't fit. They are requesting me to pay for the shipping cost.



4. Well made and comfortable, very light. A little sticky for Tai Chi but still outstanding. Shipping was high but at least they shiped UPS 2nd day.



5. I love them and they are very useful when practing on gravel or concrete. They will stick to matts or wood. Good traction but sometimes to good. Good for stances but not for fluid movement like in capoeria.