The rake evolved from traditional farm tools, but this tool was also used as a weapon. Its attacking head was made of sharp iron teeth and the other end of the shaft had a sharp point for stabbing and thrusting. During the Ming Dynasty, the rice rake and the trident were used in military fighting.

Another farming implement like the spade or the rake, the hoe has changed little from its agricultural origin. While those other weapons have evolved to become more lethal in battle, the fighting hoe looks identical to the gardening hoe.

The Iron smoking pipe was also used as a weapon. There are two types of pipe: One is about half a meter and is used like a short baton. The other version is as long as two meters. The tobacco bowl at the end is heavy enough to act as a hammer.

The steel fan is a deceptive weapon. Its ribs are made of steel or iron and its cover of silk, canvas or satin. When collapsed, the fan can strike like a short baton. When open, it can be used like a shield while the steel ribs can poke and jab.

The iron flute is also a deceptive weapon, disguised as a musical instrument; it can also serve as a short baton. Some can be as long as a staff.

Another musical instrument, cymbals were frequently used by martial artists to accompany lion dance and kung fu demonstrations. Cymbals were readily available as weapons, if other kung fu schools challenged the demonstration. Large cymbals can strike or cut and small cymbals were effective throwing weapons.

While the typical walking cane is used as a kung fu weapon, it is not the most common fighting crutch. The typical kung fu fighting crutch looks more like the Okinawan tonfa (a short shaft with a 90-degree handle on one end.) These crutches are usually used in pairs.

The wooden bench, which looks like the modern day sawhorse, was common at teahouses and restaurants. Because it was often readily available for combat the bench was often used for these purposes.

Chinese sickles descend from the farming tool, just like the Okinawan Kama. Some Chinese sickles add a back hook similar to the nail-pulling claw of a hammer. This is a fairly rare weapon in kung Fu.

The iron comb is used similar to brass knuckles, but flat with multiple teeth like that of a comb. This tool was usually concealed in female hair.

Chopsticks can also be used as weapons. They are used like small daggers and occasionally thrown like darts. Some are made of iron but most of the time they are made of wood.

Improvised weapons for self-defense are all around if you look for them. In ancient China these improvised weapons were often used in battle and today they are still practiced in forms not only to preserve the Chinese martial arts but also if for a reason that the martial artist should need them.

Written By Sifu Rino Côté