Home made kali sticks?

Question

Hi guys

We have a little problem in our Capoeira group.

For some time we have been training in maculele a kind of mock stick fight/dance. The problem is that our teacher manufactured the sticks out of some kind of pinewood. result is that after a while the sticks either break or splinter badly which is dangerous to the eyes. Problem is that due to a tight budget buying kali sticks for all (15-20 pair) is over budget. I'm looking for some advice from my fellow martial artists. Have you ever made combat sticks yourself. If so from what kind of material did you make them, and how did you get a hold of the right kind of material. I know that best materials are either rotan or Bamboo, but I can't find a cheap source of that material. So if any one has any suggestions in that department.

Best answer get's 10 points

Answer 1

Hi.

You have a few options...

Wrapping the sticks in tape is a good idea and will probably be the cheapest but is really just a temporary solution.  Basically you're just covering up the problem rather then fixing it, which is fine for what you're doing but you'd have to keep wrapping them in more and more tape as it wears down.  Not to mention it would look kind of ugly...

I personally use oak dowels that my dad bought at Home Depot.  They are a little heavy for Kali sticks and I'm not sure how expensive they are but they work just fine for my purposes.  Also, they are hard to even dent, and I have tried just to see how strong they are.  If you go this route they will likely last you a long time.

You could go to a greenhouse and ask if they have any extra bamboo.  Some of the trees they get in will be supported by bamboo sticks for shipping.  Depending on the greenhouse, once they receive the tree they will remove the bamboo support.  I don't know what they do with it then, probably just throw them away.  I have no guesses as to the quality of any bamboo they may have but it would be free unless they try to sell it to you...

Another option is to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes/pipes.  Prices can vary but you can probably count on about a dollar per foot (give or take about 25 cents and depending on the diameter you want, I'm figuring on one inch) at your local hardware store or over the internet.  Kali sticks are usually about two feet long (plus of minus a couple inches) so you're looking at about $4 ($5 at the most) a pair of PVC Kali sticks, or $60 to $80 for all that you'll need.  They are very durable and will not splinter or break for a very, very long time.  Also they make a cool sound when you hit two of them together.  PVC comes in a few colors (usually black, white and gray) and can be flexible or stiff, you'd probably want the stiff type.

I hope this helps :)

Answer 2

One secret is for practice is to use duct tape on the areas where you will be making contact. It is not the prettiest thing in teh world but it will help keep them from splintering. i have a homemade set I have had for years and they are still going strong.

You can have one set for practice with the duct tape, and then a second pair without it for demo's and such.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

i suggest you don't  use bamboo it breaks from manufacturers yo should use oak   (Quercus) or something similar.

Answer 4

Cover the ones you have with black tape it will not only not brake or course blisters it will also give you a better grip on the sticks.

They  also sell the electrical tape in other colors besides black.

Answer 5

If you are in the UK this site is the best I have found for supplying rattan, they are also very helpful. They are off the m1 just south of sheffield I think?

I think the price quoted is for a 9ft length which should give four sticks of good length. They will cut it for you if you want. 20 pairs would be ten lengths and you might be able to get a little bit off if you phone them up and try to haggle. But it is still much cheaper than buying them at retail price from a martial arts supplier. They even allow you to collect (by appointment) which could save a bit more on delivery(if you are anywhere near and have transport).

Answer 6

Tape 'em till you break 'em. Even when I get new Ratan sticks I tape them up. They last a lot longer and you can keep a better grip.

Good Luck

Answer 7

How about Wax Wood?

The Chinese use it to make Staffs.

It doesn't crack and when it splinters, the fibers don't fall all over the place.

I have a Wax Wood Staff and I love it.

I also have Kali made out of Kamagong, aka Iron Wood and a Wakazashi Bokken also made out of Kamagong, but the Filipino government just outlawed its harvesting.

Good Rattan is available.