Messages

 

I don't know what conventions you have gone to, but in the last 5 years (with the exception of 1) every "Anime" con on the west coast I have been to has a "No live steel" or "No metal" policy when it comes to prop weapons.

Anime Expo, Mikomicon, ALA, AND Yaoi con all let me in as long as the weapon was securely fastened to it's sheath (usually using Zip Ties).

It even includes ninja stars and knives because they are metal (unless your lucky and have found the plastic ones that many Naruto cospeeps use Tongue )

California Law Prohibits the ownership of metal Ninja Stars, so if you're bringing them to a convention, that falls under Illegal items.

Swords, however, are NOT prohibited under California law, not only to own, but also to be carried in public, without restriction of function.  I'm NOT saying we should be able to carry around swords that are able to be drawn, Just that we should be able to bring ones in that are unable to be drawn.  I think it should be done on a case by case basis. 

Especially with swords that are not really functional.  Someone can be hurt a lot easier with a Bokken than they can someone trying to swing a dull Kenpachi sword around. (Though i'll give you the stabbing factor.)


Not trying to come off as mean, sorry if it seems that way :/

I was going to say the same thing. Under California Law, swords fall under the "dirks and Daggers" section.  It's only Illegal to carry it in California if you conceal it.  Considering the one I wanted to bring to con as a prop is 5'8", I don't think I'll be able to conceal it.

Check the codes themselves if you like.
Penal Code sections 653k, 12020

http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/dwcl/12020.php

or

http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/12020.html

As such, To carry a sword is perfectly legal. You can have it in your belt, or hold it by the saya (scabbard), You can carry it in a sword bag as well. as long as it's being carried strapped to you by a belt or on your back, visible from three sides(check California's concealment laws) it is legal.  The moment your hand touches the handle, though, you've crossed over into Assault with a deadly weapon.


Look that up as well. Assault is actually the verbal or non verbal threat, while the action of actually shooting or striking the individual is Battery.

I guess I just don't understand the "No metal at all" policy going on.  Most conventions  I've been to (in fact, every one ) except this one allow metal blades, as long as the materials they use for peace bonding can make it so if cannot be removed from its scabbard.  Especially when it's unsharpened, I suppose I don't see the purpose of prohibiting them.  Someone can injure another person just as easily with a Bokken. 

It's also cutting down on the props that people can bring, because a lot of costume prop weapons don't COME in wood only.  I don't know about the rest of you, but the majority of convention attendees don't have years of woodworking experience under their belt to create decent (let alone great) replica's themselves.

that brings another question.  I had had an idea earlier for a different convention as to how I could Make a Katana safe for convention. I ended up only needing it peace bonded to the sheath, but my idea was to super glue the metal at the top of the sheath to the metal of the hilt of the sword, thus making it so the weapon couldn't be drawn.  Any possibility that could work? 

Np :D Thanks for the response, both here and PM-wise.

Recently, my Stunt/Martial arts Choreography team hosted a combination
Panel/Workshop at a few SoCal Anime conventions( Mikomicon, PMX, ALA). We wanted to express
interest in hosting the same type of Panel/Workshop at Fanime this year.

This is the description from the Mikomicon 2008 Booklet....

"Friday:
5:00pm-5:50 LP1 Led by Martial Artists Dustin Breiter and Nick Zela, with
over 14 years Martial Arts experience each, Team Lift XMA is all about high
energy performance and death defying stunts. Recently incorporating the
popular sport of Parkour and it's subsidiary Free Running, has led to being
featured in the opening of MTV's new show "The Engine Room". Team Lift,
along with their associates will talk about their experiences and upcoming
projects, as well as answering your questions about the team and the
entertainment business"

And the more in depth description from the Mikomicon Forums...

"Led by Martial Artists Dustin Breiter and Nick Zela, with over 14 years
Martial Arts experience each, Team Lift XMA is all about high energy
performance and death defying stunts. Recently incorporating the popular
sport of Parkour and it's subsidiary Free Running, has led to being featured
in the opening of MTV's new show "The Engine Room", and an upcoming feature
on the news Podcast, "Mahalo Daily". Team Lift, along with their associates
will talk about their experiences and upcoming projects, as well as
answering your questions about the team and the entertainment business. The
Panel may also include demonstration of the step by step process of Fight
Scene Choreography, as well as the chance to stand up and learn punches and
reaction in a completely non-contact and safe environment with Team Lift
founder Dustin Breiter and Team Lift's close friend and associate, Anton
Torres."


Considering the amazing reaction we received at Mikomicon, Pacific Media Expo, and most recently, Anime Los Angeles, we are very serious about wishing to hosting this panel at your Convention, Fanime, and look
forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for you time,
Dustin Breiter
Founder, Team Lift eXtreme Martial Arts.