Eye Square Martial Arts

Cultural Preservation… with Bruises (sometimes).

Tag: Stick Fighting Equipment

  • How to Choose and Care for Your Rattan Sticks

    How to Choose and Care for Your Rattan Sticks

    Not all rattan sticks are created equal.

    Whether you’re a beginner in Filipino Martial Arts or a seasoned practitioner, the right stick makes a huge difference in your training. At Eye Square Martial Arts, we go through a lot of sticks — so we’ve learned what holds up, what doesn’t, and how to keep your gear in fighting shape.

    Here’s a practical guide to selecting, maintaining, and respecting your rattan sticks.

    🛒 Choosing the Right Rattan Stick

    ✅ 1. Length

    • Standard length: 28–30 inches
    • Shorter sticks (21–26”) are useful for close-quarters or dual stick work
    • Make sure the length fits your arm span and training style

    ✅ 2. Diameter

    • Common thickness: 7/8″ to 1″
    • Thicker sticks = more impact durability and weight
    • Thinner sticks = faster, lighter, better for flow drills

    💡 Pro tip: Beginners often prefer something closer to 1″ for durability.

    ✅ 3. Burn Patterns

    • Some rattan sticks are fire-hardened or scorched for looks and rigidity
    • Burned ends help visually distinguish training weapons — and look cool
    • Decorative spirals or stripes are optional — but make sure they’re functional, not just fancy

    ✅ 4. Core Quality

    • Straight grain rattan is stronger and more durable
    • Avoid sticks with cracks, mushy ends, or hollow-sounding cores
    • Flex test: slight bend is good, but it shouldn’t feel soft or spongy

    🧰 How to Maintain Your Sticks

    🧼 1. Cleaning

    • Wipe with a damp cloth after training, especially if used outdoors
    • Let air dry — avoid leaving them in direct sun or soaking wet bags

    🛠️ 2. Reinforce (Optional)

    • You can wrap the handle or strike zones with athletic tape or waxed cord
    • Helps prevent fraying and increases grip
    • Don’t over-wrap or it’ll affect your feedback

    🚫 3. Avoid This

    • Don’t leave them in your car — heat can warp them
    • Don’t soak them in oil — rattan isn’t hardwood, and oil won’t preserve it
    • Don’t strike metal — it’s not a fencing sword

    🧠 Mindset: Treat the Stick Like a Blade

    Even though rattan sticks are training tools, they represent edged weapons in movement and mindset. That means:

    • Don’t twirl recklessly
    • Don’t drag them on the ground
    • Don’t leave them lying around like a baseball bat

    At Eye Square Martial Arts, we train with purpose — and that includes respecting our tools.

    🛍️ Where to Buy Rattan Sticks

    • Look for trusted FMA gear suppliers
    • Ask instructors or senior students for recommendations
    • If you’re local, we keep a few spares at the gym — come try them out

    🥋 Wrap-Up

    The best rattan stick is the one that feels right in your hand, holds up under pressure, and reminds you every day that you’re part of a living tradition.

    🗯 Ready to Train?

    Come try a class with us and put your new stick to use.

    🔗 View Schedule and Sign up for a Class

    Cultural Preservation… with Bruises.

  • Sneak Peek: The Kali Klip Prototype for Martial Artists

    Sneak Peek: The Kali Klip Prototype for Martial Artists

    We’ve been cooking up something special behind the scenes—a lightweight, durable clip designed to securely hold your training sticks while you’re on the move.

    I’ve been collaborating with a friend who’s a whiz with 3D printing, and after several iterations, we’ve landed on a working prototype we’re excited to share:

    Side view of The Kali Klip, a yellow 3D-printed belt clip for Filipino Martial Arts sticks

    🔧 Designed for Utility

    The Kali Klip is engineered to attach seamlessly to your belt or pocket, offering easy access to your sticks during training, events, or demos. It grips tightly and securely holds sticks with diameters around 1 inch—no wobble, no hassle.

    The Kali Klip prototype securely holding a rattan stick, displayed on a gray textured surface

    Whether you’re carrying rattan sticks, synthetic trainers, or heavier bastons, The Kali Klip gives you hands-free convenience without compromising security.

    🔄 Coming Soon: Slim Stick Version

    We’re already working on Version 2 of The Kali Klip, which will support smaller-diameter sticks commonly used in Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali practice. We’re refining the fit, grip tolerance, and clip angles for maximum comfort and retention.

    📣 We Want Your Feedback

    Got ideas or suggestions for features you’d like to see in The Kali Klip? Drop a comment below or reach out directly—we’re building this for the FMA community, and your input could help shape the final product.

    If you’re interested in being one of our first field testers, sign up [insert link or contact form here] and we’ll keep you in the loop.

    ⚔️ Built for Practitioners, by Practitioners

    This isn’t just gear—it’s a tool born from real training needs. Whether you’re walking into class, prepping for a demo, or sparring in the backyard, The Kali Klip is built to make your stick training more accessible.