The rope dart is a traditional Chinese weapon.It is similar to the western flail and whip, but unlike those weapons, evolved highly specialized fighting style that made use of tangling, restricting, hitting, piercing, and choke maneuvers.Rope darts have become popular as a kind of performance art, where the "dart" is set afire or lit with LEDs to create patterns with the light.A rope dart can be used for martial arts practice or to improve flow art skills.
Step 1: Take out your rope.
Different lengths of rope dart can be adapted to different styles.To get the mostVersatility out of your rope dart, you should first measure out a distance that spans fingertip to fingertip with your arms outstretched.Add the distance between your shoulder and the floor to your rope by holding it at this length.You can fashion a loop at the end if you leave yourself some extra slack.If you find a long rope style suits you best, you need extra rope.The head of your dart can be damaged if you make your rope dart too long.This will affect the life of your dart.
Step 2: There is a loop at the end.
You want the loop to be big enough to fit in your hand, but not so big that it's clumsy or bulky.A bowline knot can be used to make a loop in the end of your line.The base of your loop should be where you want it to be.Your handle will be formed by the length between your loop and the end of your rope.The end of your line should be threaded through the loop.Back down through the loop after the end behind the line.Attach the knot securely by pulling tight.
Step 3: The tennis balls should have opposite side slits.
Open the blade on your multi-tool or take a sharp knife and slit each ball once on opposing sides with your cutting tool.When squeezed, the ball will allow enough room for the rope to pass through.Don't make your slit too big.If you do that, the tennis ball could fall apart.
Step 4: knot the end of the tennis balls
One at a time, thread each tennis ball by squeezing the sides to open the slit.Feed the loose end of your rope through to the other side and do the same for your next two tennis balls.To prevent your tennis balls from coming loose, tie off the end of your line with a simple knot.The tennis balls on the end will mimic the drag and weight of a rope dart head, which is traditionally made of metal.
Step 5: Measure the dart's line.
Take your rope or chain in one hand and stretch out your arms in the other.Add the distance between your shoulder and the floor to the measure with your rope or chain.This length is ideal for the rope dart.If you want to add a handle to the end of your line, add six inches (15.25 cm) to your rope dart.
Step 6: Attach rings to the dart.
If you want to bend metal rings onto your dart, you could use needle nose pliers.A jingling noise can be created by buying metal rings at your local hardware store.Attach your rings to the base of the dart.If you have a dart, you can thread your rings through a gap in the base.You might have to bend your rings onto the base of your dart.Four to five rings are attached to the dart.
Step 7: The ribbon should be tied to the last ring.
To stop blood from making the rest of the line slippery and create drag, streamers and other accents were tied to the dart.In and out of combat, both of these allow for better control.Six inches is a good length for your ribbon.
Step 8: There is a flag or feathers near the dart.
In addition to providing the same drag created by ribbon/streamers, this practice has also been used to hide the dart in combat.The rope dart would be more effective if adversaries were distracted by colorful flags and feathers.Adding a flag or feather to your rope dart will make your practice more visually pleasing.As you swing the rope dart, the bright colors will create shapes.If you use a stake for your dart, it may not penetrate into targets like a real rope dart would.You can sharpen your stake with a knife.
Step 9: Attach your rope to your dart.
If the end of your dart has a space where you can thread your rope and tie a knot, use your line.If there is no space, you can use a knot like a pile hitch.Once around the base of your dart, wrap the loop.You can cross the loop over your line.You can join the loop by sliding it over the end of your dart.
Step 10: Either fashion a handle or create a loop in the end.
A simple handle can be made by sliding a wooden bead onto the end of your rope dart and tying a knot to keep the bead in place.You can tie off the end of your rope dart in a loop to serve as a handle by tying a bowline knot.Your handle will be formed by the length between your loop and the end of your rope.The end of your line should be threaded through the loop.Back down through the loop after the end behind the line.Attach the knot securely by pulling tight.