Save Our Swords!

**Iscariot** · Posted On: 10/18/2006 6:19am

Originally Posted by rottunpunk

nunchaku are banned? theres a martial arts type shop down the road who sells them. perhaps i should let them know.

They're not illegal to own or train with, it's their portrayal in media that is tightly regulated, it gives the BBFC a headache.....

**rottunpunk** · Posted On: 10/18/2006 6:22am

offensive weapons act 1953 i think it is.
you can carry a weapon if you have reasonable excuse
e.g on the way to or from martial arts, as part of national costume, for religion

incidently, i carry my iaito in a soft gun case. its walked a lot of places with me. ive never been stopped to ask whats in it. the only time ive been questioned is when i had a big poundshop floppy plastic sword (seriously shiny tacky plastic) id just bought for a fancy dress party, which i stored down the back of my rucksack. the security guard in the market asked if it was real. though i think he was pished at the time

as for seriously thinking out legislation? dont be silly, that means getting people who know about the area of legislation they are implementing, at least vaguely. apparently martial artist types are being considered whilst drafting. id like to know what martial artists they are asking, and what the ma-ists are saying personally
:p

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 10/19/2006 12:23am

The law's an arse in this country (UK) "lawful possession" is the phrase the police will bandy-about in terms of ownership of a weapon (including swords).

I'm not allowed to carry my sword (either iaito or shiken) in public unless its transported in an appropriate case and, I can demonstrate, if asked by the police that I'm a student of the martial arts, (IE membership book) and, on my way too or from a class (this would be determined as lawful possession of a weapon) However; it would be seen as illegal to be freely carrying said sword in my hands (ready to use). But, if my fellow students were to take part in say a public fayre or street party and were participating as a 'martial arts group' I can legally WEAR and USE whatever attaire normally worn in that activity, including a sword... It's friggin' stupid...! I have checked this with the local authorities.

**rottunpunk** · Posted On: 10/19/2006 4:33am

its easy enough to comply with though yes?
before i got my gun case i used to just carry my bokken in a soft fishing rod bag thing, an my iaitou in its silk bag. (wrapped in a bib bag if it was raining)
still never got stopped.
perhaps now theres a bit more hype it may be different though
:P

**moli** · Posted On: 10/19/2006 7:38pm

Originally Posted by Don Gwinn

When they ban pointy sticks, I hope there's a licensing scheme to allow people who have a legitimate need (and the necessary qualifications) to roast marshmallows.
But not, you know, in urban areas.

Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit. When your assailant lunges at you with a passion fruit...

**Iscariot** · Posted On: 10/19/2006 7:54pm

Originally Posted by moli

Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit. When your assailant lunges at you with a passion fruit...

Python FTW!

**Nate1481** · Posted On: 10/20/2006 10:41am

I carry mine (with several other weapons) in a golf bag with a pad lock on it. The iaito is also in it's own bag inside. I had always been under the impression that 'not ready for use' was the only legal way to carry it, same as the knife I take when camping.

Originally Posted by Dave Humm

The law's an arse in this country (UK) "lawful possession" is the phrase the police will bandy-about in terms of ownership of a weapon (including swords).
I'm not allowed to carry my sword (either iaito or shiken) in public unless its transported in an appropriate case and, I can demonstrate, if asked by the police that I'm a student of the martial arts, (IE membership book) and, on my way too or from a class (this would be determined as lawful possession of a weapon) However; it would be seen as illegal to be freely carrying said sword in my hands (ready to use). But, if my fellow students were to take part in say a public fayre or street party and were participating as a 'martial arts group' I can legally WEAR and USE whatever attaire normally worn in that activity, including a sword... It's friggin' stupid...! I have checked this with the local authorities.

Theirs a legal way I can wear a sword in public! Oh dear should not have told me that, esspecialy with halloween coming up...