Transporting Martial Arts Equipment in 2026: Weapons Laws, Knife Bans & Safe Carriage

Anyone who trains in martial arts knows the situation: after work, it's straight to training. In your bag are a gi, protective gear, bandages, perhaps Escrima sticks, a hanbo, a bo, a training knife, or other equipment. For martial artists, this is normal sports equipment. For outsiders, security personnel, or police, however, the same object can quickly appear different – especially in public spaces, on public transport, at train stations, or at events.

That's precisely why this issue is more important than ever in 2026. In Germany, discussions about weapons, knives, exclusion zones, and public safety have intensified significantly. Especially in major cities like Berlin, additional rules now apply to carrying weapons and knives on public transport. Since July 17, 2025, a regulation has been in effect in Berlin that prohibits carrying weapons and knives in public transport vehicles and facilities. This includes, among other things, subways, S-Bahn trains, buses, trams, train station buildings, platforms, and certain access points.

For martial artists, this doesn't mean that training is suddenly problematic. But it does mean that equipment should be transported consciously, cleanly, and responsibly.

The Most Important Distinction: Possession, Carrying, and Transport

In everyday life, these terms are often confused. Legally, however, the distinction is important. Possessing something is not automatically the same as carrying it. "Carrying" simply means: an object is taken outside one's own home, business premises, or enclosed property in such a way that one can actually access it. Transport, on the other hand, is significantly safer if the object is packaged in a way that it is not readily accessible.

For martial artists, this distinction is crucial. An Escrima stick, a training knife, or a hanbo should not be carried openly in hand, protrude visibly from a backpack, or lie loose in a car or on a train. It is always better to have it packaged, secured, not readily accessible, and clearly identifiable in connection with training, a seminar, a demonstration, or a competition.

In Berlin, the police cite, among other things, an exception for individuals who transport a weapon or knife "not readily accessible" from one place to another. According to the Berlin interpretation, knives are considered not readily accessible if they can only be reached with more than three movements; for certain weapons, imitation firearms, and certain knives, a locked container is relevant or required.

What Does This Mean in Practice for Martial Artists?

Practically, this means: anyone traveling to training should transport their equipment in such a way that an outsider does not get the impression that it is being carried as a weapon. This applies especially to objects that can be perceived as dangerous even outside of sports.

Good examples are Escrima, Kali, or Arnis sticks. For the practitioner, they are sports equipment. They are used for striking angles, coordination, timing, distance perception, and partner drills. Nevertheless, they are long, stable sticks and can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore, on the way to training, they belong in a bag, a case, or a backpack – not openly in hand.

Training knives are even more sensitive. Even if they are blunt practice knives made of wood, plastic, rubber, or aluminum, their effect in public can be problematic. A training knife should never be carried visibly. It belongs in a separate compartment, a locked bag, or a training kit, ideally together with other clearly sports-related equipment.

Telescopic batons, impact weapons, knives, one-hand knives, or fixed-blade knives are also particularly critical. Here, the statement "I train martial arts" is not automatically sufficient. Depending on the object, weapons law prohibitions, carrying prohibitions, or additional regional exclusion zones may apply. The Berlin police explicitly point out that outside special exclusion zones, the general provisions of the Weapons Act still apply, especially § 42a WaffG and § 42b WaffG.

Berlin as an Example: Public Transport, Train Stations, and Controls

Berlin is a particularly important example for many martial artists, as many people travel there by subway, S-Bahn, bus, or tram to training. The regulation affects not only the vehicles themselves but also public transport facilities. The Berlin police name train station buildings, publicly accessible areas of platforms, and restricted access points to train station buildings and platforms.

It is also important that the police are allowed to carry out checks in these areas regardless of suspicion. This means that a check is not only possible if a criminal offense is already suspected. Violations of the Berlin regulation can result in a fine of up to 10,000 euros; objects can also be seized or confiscated.

For martial artists, this is not a panic message, but a clear instruction: do not display equipment openly, do not carry it readily accessible, do not allow it to appear provocative, and be able to calmly explain where you are going during a check.

The Direct Route Is Always Better Than "Just Popping Through the City"

A sensible principle is: equipment belongs on the direct route between home, training facility, seminar, competition, storage, or shipping point. The clearer the purpose is recognizable, the better. Someone driving to the dojo with a sports bag, gi, protective gear, and packaged training sticks appears different from someone walking through the city at night with openly visible sticks or knives.

This applies not only legally but also to the image of martial arts. Martial arts stands for discipline, control, and responsibility. Anyone who transports training equipment cleanly demonstrates precisely this attitude.

Especially at public events, city festivals, trade fairs, concerts, sporting events, markets, theater, cinema, and disco visits, additional prohibitions may apply. The Berlin police explicitly refer to the fact that the prohibitions from § 42 WaffG must be observed at such events.

What About Self-Defense?

A common mistake is the statement: "I carry this for self-defense." This is precisely where it gets tricky. The Berlin police clarify that merely the interest in self-defense alone is not a generally recognized purpose for carrying knives readily accessible.

For martial artists, this is an important point. Training serves the ability to move better, recognize danger, control distance, and react appropriately in an emergency. However, this does not mean that one should carry training weapons, knives, or sticks readily accessible in everyday life. Anyone who trains responsibly transports their equipment for sports – not as an everyday weapon.

Practical Recommendation for Transport

The best solution is simple: everything goes into a sturdy, closed bag. Sticks belong in a case or in a main compartment, training knives in a separate compartment or a box. For legally sensitive items, a locked container is the safer option. A small lock on the sports bag or case can be better in doubt than a loose zipper bag.

If you are driving, do not leave equipment openly on the passenger seat. The trunk or a locked transport bag is better. If you are traveling by train or bus, keep the bag closed and do not unpack, display, or play with the equipment in the vehicle. Even well-intentioned explanations like "This is just training" are of little help if the item is readily accessible and visible.