MIIX Virtua

Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for several reasons including self-defence, culture, sports, law enforcement and military applications. Weapon-based martial arts require the use of real or training weapons against another human opponent. This requires the use of proper protective equipment or armour in order to avoid serious injuries to the practitioners. Unfortunately, armour for weapon-based martial arts are very limited and often not suitable for full-contact combative training, especially for silat. The Bamboo Sandwich Composite (BSC) armoured plate is developed to provide proper protection for weapon-based martial arts training. Current models apply fully synthetic materials such as Kevlar and certain thermoplastics. The manufacture and disposal of these materials can result in serious environmental pollution. The application of biomaterials will not only make the products more eco-friendly, but it takes advantage of certain properties of natural fibres than can be used to produce stronger and more resilient armoured plates. The use of natural fibres also means that a new industry can be developed to supply the raw materials for the plates. This provides more job opportunities. The new material is also commercially viable and will be able to compete with existing products.