David,
Those are definitely intended for training. Whether or not they're good for impact training (i.e. hitting things with) is a matter of some debate. For a lot of FMA practitioners, it depends on the kind of wood. Kamagong is often seen as less useful for impact training, as when it breaks, it tends to shatter and create tons of little shards. Bahi, on the other hand, will fray like rattan does.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by David
I do agree with xasterix's take on FMA though and working with the wooden swords i posted above would not be likely to give the practitioner a very good feel for the weight and balance of actual kris and barong weapons.  |
You're absolutely right in this regard. The wood doesn't feel or move like the blade. I know of at least one FMA instructor, a pekiti tirsia guy who recommends that you "train with what you carry," due to weight and balance issues. Fortunately, for me personally, I don't live the kind of life where I need to carry anything more than a pocket knife. :-)
Have fun,
Leif