We are about to enter the year of the dragon.
On the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10 in 2024, we will be making the transition from the year of the rabbit to the year of the dragon, according to the Chinese Zodiac.
The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac’s 12 year cycle and represents strength, honor, good luck, and health. People who follow Chinese horoscopes believe that being born under the dragon promises power and success. Notable people who were born in the year of the dragon include Chuck Norris, Chadwick Boseman, and Keanu Reeves.
The year of the dragon holds special significance for many martial artists and enthusiasts because it gave one of our most influential figures his name. Bruce Lee was known as The Dragon because he was born in the year and the hour of the dragon on November 27, 1940.
While most of us are unlikely to achieve Lee-level degrees of fame and success in our martial arts training in 2024, astrologers are predicting that this year of the dragon will be a good year for new starts and long term goals for all 12 animals of the zodiac.
In the spirit of success, health, honor, and strength, we’ve put together a selection of dragon-themed martial arts training gear to help you ring in the lunar new year and get the most of your year of the dragon.
Boxing And Target Training Gear
Whether you’re training in Boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate, or Bruce Lee’s own Jeet Kune Do, these slick and high quality products will help you to unleash your inner dragon.
ProForce® Designer Leatherette Boxing Glove: These 12oz multi-purpose leatherette black boxing gloves feature a pre-curved form fit design with flex grip palm, ultra cuff wrist strap with hook and loop closure ensure a perfect fit, a foam core, cotton lining, and a very cool red dragon design.
ProForce® Black Leather Punch Paddle: Designed to improve the striker’s accuracy while lessening the impact on the holder’s hands and wrists, this sleek and modern leather-padded punch paddle can help you and your trainer take care of your health and success this year.
Martial Arts Training Weapons
Maybe adding weapons to your martial arts training is the new project you’d like to pursue this year. Maybe you’re looking to achieve new levels of success in your current training. Or maybe you would just like to picture yourself handling weapons as beautifully as The Dragon himself did. Whatever your motivation, these dragon designs can help you achieve your vision in this year of the dragon.
Katana with Dragon: This martial arts sword has a 24.5″ stainless steel blade and a dragon-patterned tsuba. Its saya, aka sheath, also features a beautiful dragon pattern. Available in three color combinations: black katana with red dragon, blue katana with purple dragon, or black katana with green dragon.
Foam Practice Speedchuck with Dragon: Great for developing speed and precision, these foam padded nunchakus wtih a ball bearing swivel chain come in adult and kid sizes and four different dragon design options: blue with black dragon, red with black dragon, white with black dragon, and black with gold dragon.
ProForce® Rattan Speedchuck with Dragon: These 12” lightweight speedchucks’ durable rattan handles have stunning dragon patterns carved right into the wood. Available in black, blue, and red.
Foam Cushion Grip Practice Nunchaku with Cord/String and Dragon Design: Great for beginners, these nunchakus are nylon strung with comfortable foam-padded handles. They come in 8” or 12” sizes and four color/dragon pattern options, including white/black, black/gold, blue/black, and red/black.
Mini Dragon Tanto: Beautiful enough to display, durable and well-crafted enough for training, this tanto features a 9” stainless steel blade, intricately designed silver dragon heads on both ends of the handle, and a matching dragon on the hand guard. A black stand to properly show off this treasure is also included.
Fighting Fans
If your martial arts plan for 2024 include any variety of Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Tessen Jutsu, or Vo Lam Tan Khanh Ba Tra, the need for a fighting fan is probably in your future. Why not invest in one with gorgeous dragon artwork to mark the year of the dragon?
(For more information on the use of fighting fans in martial arts, check out our blog on the topic.)
Metal Dragon Fighting Fan: This fighting fan design is great for learning and competitions. With such intricate dragon patterns, it could also be a great collectible or interior design feature. Available in red or black.
Bamboo Fan with Printed Design 13″: Sturdy enough to be used as a martial arts training weapon. Light enough for beginners. Pretty enough to display as art. This lightweight bamboo fan features a dragon and phoenix design printed on black nylon fabric.
Martial Arts Patches And Embroidery Services
Patches are a stylish and affordable way to add a little year of the dragon flair to gear that you already have, including martial arts uniforms, and gear bags.
Gold Dragon Patch: Channel power and strength with this golden dragon patch measuring 4” in diameter.
Dragon Deluxe Patch: Represent honor, good luck, and health with this black and gold dragon design that measures 4 1/2” diameter.
Custom Embroidery Designs: If none of the above dragons are exactly what you’re looking for, you also have the option of designing your own. Check out our blog post for more information on AWMA’s custom embroidery services and get started on bringing your very own dragon to life.
