Have Kung-fu Weapons — Will Travel

Somebody was caught about a week ago (5/7) trying to get through security at LaGuardia Airport in New York with a cache of martial arts weapons that he must have been saving for the coming civil war, the apocalypse, or maybe his ex-wife. He had some collection. Really, what was this nut thinking?

The unnamed New Haven, Connecticut resident was arrested after being stopped by Transportation Security Administration officers at the airport’s check-in area on Saturday.

Several martial arts weapons described as deadly, including three throwing knives, a traditional throwing star, expandable throwing star, as well as a dagger were located after the officers detected weapons among his carry-on items, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in a statement.

Expandable throwing star. That thing is more than half-a-foot in diameter. How about that! Does it return to you like a boomerang? In kobudo arts which are taught alongside of Okinawan karate, weapons are rarely thrown. I want to keep my weapons close to me, but not when I'm traveling abroad. Daggers and throwing stars are definitely frowned upon by the TSA.

For the curious, here's the TSA's list of self-defense items that could get you thrown in the pokey if you try boarding a jumbo jet with them. (Click the "self defense" tab if you visit the site.) Note that these may get you through a checking area, but not as a carry-on.

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

• Billy Clubs
• Black Jacks
• Brass Knuckles
• Kubatons
• Martial Arts Weapons
• Night Sticks
• Nunchucks
• Self Defense Sprays:
One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage. For more information, visit faa.gov
• Stun Guns/Shocking Devices
  
• Throwing Stars

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.

In the meantime, happy traveling!