Can a 14 year old have a sword even if he practices martial arts?

My friend thinks he can have a sword becouse he has done the proper training but I don't they let anyone under 14 to have a sword in New Jersey. But he wont listen to me so hopefully this can clear everything up

Can a 14 year old have a sword even if he practices martial arts?
Compromise, tell him to get an Iaito. That way he'll have a harder time cutting off a limb.
Reply:Normally you have to be 18 to buy a sword but in NJ I'm not sure. I would think his parents could buy it for him but he can't.
Reply:In most places, even Japan (for the most part) they train using an Iaito (dulled edged daito) and don't even go near a sharp sword until years later.


Sometimes, they might use one for goza or tameshigiri mat cutting, but normally you wait until you're really ready. It only takes one time to whack off your thumb while drawing out.


Most states, if not all, will allow a training sword to be in the hands of a fourteen year old as long as he is in a well-supervised area.


I know some guys, even after years of training, they still feel that they aren't ready for the sharp sword. You have to use your head, even though you may have had some "proper training."
Reply:Martial arts training won't override local laws and / or parental authority. If he's too young to have a sword, he's too young to have a sword.
Reply:i find very few 14 year old boys mature enough for a sharpened sword. at my dojo we stick to bokken training until black belt level (at 18). this allows proper training without as much danger. and the danger isnt even during class, but what happends when they leave the dojo.





teens tend to brag to their friends about what they have or what they can do( sounds like your friend fits this type), which justifies the lack of maturity. adults martial artists are humble, and dont waste time showing off.





a bokken keeps a good goal for those who push themselves.
Reply:Yah, he can. The problem is whether he should get one or not.





Aside from legal complications, teenage males are not among the smartest creatures on the planet. Especially not when they're with friends. Generally, I wouldn't trust a sword in most 14-year old's hands without supervision.





Tell him to compromise by getting a bokken (wooden sword) or a iaito (dulled sword) instead. That way he won't cut off a finger or something worse. Maybe some nasty bruises, but he oughta be able to keep himself in one piece.
Reply:Hi there





You will usually find that to purchase one you must be 18 years of age. Most schools that train with weapons will not allow anyone under the age of 16 to start training with them.





Personally i do feel that if you are not licensed in an art that uses them then you really shouldn't be allowed to own one.





They are not toys after all.





Best wishes





idai
Reply:I don't know the legal situation in NJ, but there is undoubtedly a greater concern here, as most other posters have alluded to.





Any weapon (including a motor vehicle) should be treated with the respect and consideration it deserves and demands.





If your friend is in a properly constituted and well supervised program designed to teach him the correct use of the weapon and the proper safety and respect protocols surrounding its ownership, storage, transportation, and use, then it should be fine. If not, then it would simply become a weapon in the hands of a minor and he would be likely to face all sorts of problems legally.





Most jurisdictions understand the difference between a martial arts student under suitable adult supervision trainnig and practicing their art. Most also understand that a weapon in the hands of someone not in such a controlled environment is not a suitably controlled environment and I would hope that few will allow that situation





I agree with the other posters that a non-sharp training weapon would be a much more suitable alternative, until your friend joins a formal program and is provided access to live blades through that conrolled and safe environment.








Ken C


9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do


8th Dan TaeKwon-Do


7th Dan YongChul-Do

birthday flowers