The Turtles and their weapons
 

Why did each Turtle get the weapon that he handles now? Why does Leo have katana swords, and why does Don wield a Bo? And what's up with Raph having sais or Mike using nunchaku?

My speculations:

Leo probably chose the dual katana because they looked the most "romantic" and "heroic". They're shinier than nunchaku or Bo, and they are larger than sai. Either that, or maybe the swords symbolize leadership, and Leonardo leads.

Don probably chose his Bo because he doesn't like bloodshed, and the Bo, though not incapable of inflicting fatalities, isn't the most deadly weapon compared to, say, the katana. Alternatively, since Don is less talented or skilled as a fighter compared to the others, he probably prefers the simpler, less sharp-edged Bo, because it's not going to cut or clobber him.

Raph may like the sai because they require him to attack up close, and he can observe the punishment he inflicts on his enemies more clearly. However, sai aren't that lethal compared to other weapons, being rather blunt-tipped, and maybe instead the sai was chosen for Raph because Splinter thought that, with a more dangerous weapon, he would hurt himself with his rage.

Mike's weapons, the dual nunchaku, are interesting choices. Those weapons require the most skill to master, since you don't want the sticks to pulverize you while you swing them. Maybe Mike gets the nunchaku because he's one of the more skilled Turtles (if not the most skilled), in spite of the popular myth that he's a lame fighter, or maybe Splinter thinks that he has great potential. Of course, the nunchaku are defensive weapons adept at deflecting attacks, so maybe Mike uses the nunchucks to preserve his cute looks.

They don't have any skills. All they do is spin their weapons. :D

I have a feeling we discussed this topic already.... anwyays.. I like your reasoning for Raph, Mikey, and Leo.... Just adding my two bits..

Donatello uses the bo because it is most pratical weapon.. you can defend and attack equally well wtih the bo, and it can be used for variety of non-battle purposes, such as perhaps vaulting over something or to hit something without cutting it. Also, Donatello seems to be very pacifistic, and maybe the bo would allow him to dispatch the opponent wihtout inflicitng *too* much damage?

Raph uses the sai because... maybe it allows for more closer, agressive combat, which is more Raph's style?

I see Mikey as using weapons that we would view as "fun" such as battlefans or something... I'm not sure.. Trexmaster's explaination really makes sense. Mikey (as discussed in another topic) has the potential to be the best fighter, and Splinter probably recognized it and gave him the hardest weapon to master in hope Mikey would take his training more seriously.

Leo... I've always thought that the sword = leadership... In the colonial era, many generals/commanders carried swords in addition to their guns to symbolize their leadership.

Sorry for the rushed response... I have to leave in a few minutes.

I've started to think that we should have another Turtle Tots episode that explains how the TMNT chose/obtained their weapons.

Everything TMNT-related has already been discussed on the Drome... just everything...

http://www.petitiononline.com/ - come and get it. Maybe Mr. Laird will take it into consideration...:roll:

I think that you saying Donny is the most unskilled of the 4 is a very wrong assumption. They are all equally trained in their ninja skills, it's all just on how each of them go about it! Donny is definately not one for violence, so he seems like he may be the less dangerous or less skilled of the group; hence the bo staff. But don't let that fool you, he is definately a VERY skilled fighter and could easily do as much harm as any one of the other 3 could. Don't forget, Donny is also the one who launches the bo at Shredder's face to make him fall off the roof in the original comic.

Also, just to make my point clear, I'm a huge Leo fan. He's by far my favorite turtle, but I defend each turtle equally as if, like Ben, I were one of them.

True. Though I would think that because Don works on his inventions so much, he wouldn't do as much training. So not unskilled, but more like untrained. I've noticed that when they go into battle (based off the new show) he's often the first to get sent flying. Probably due to his time spent on building his vehicles and stuff.

Don't get me wrong, of course. I love Don. I see a lot of myself in him. But I think it's just who he is and what he does. And really, his inventions have contributed more in the past to save their lives than him being super well-trained would, so there it is. He's a valuable asset to the team and can fight, but his fighting prowess isn't his major contribution.

But when he does use his bo, he generally kicks trash with it. I think perhaps his speed and reflexes are what he lacks from not training as much. So he knows his weapon, it's the just the evasive stuff he isn't good at... Maybe? I dunno. He rocks, though.

Mikey would probably get kicked around as much as Don in fights, except for that natural talent and speed he has. I wonder if it's his natural speed and agility that make him perfectly suited to wield 'chucks? They seem like they would require a heavy dose of those.

It all depends on how you look at it.

Ther reason for Don being the first to "go flying" could more be because he isn't paying enough attention to his surroundings or the fact, that he doesn't seem to be the first turtle to rush off to battle.

One thing that have always made me wonder, is why Leo got a pair of Katanas. The real life ninja never owned a Katana, they used Ninja-Tos. The Katana was for the samurai, as it was more beautifully made. But again, in the new series, it matches his personality... being all Bushi-Do loving and such. The Samurai believed, that the sword held it's own Spirit.

For Don having a Bo, I'm not sure, but I couldn't picture him with a sword or another sharp weapon. He needs something, that doesn't look as deadly as it is, like himself (though he IS the first one to get kicked :lol: a shame).

For Raph having Sais, I would say that what fits him, is the many ways you can use the weapon. The old ninjas had three on them, two for fighting and one for throwing, the last one usually placed on the back in the belt. When handling a Sai, you can make more mistakes than with a sword (but that's only what I think. Try defending yourself when a Jo comes flying at you, and all you got is that little fork - AAARGH!). The Sai requires a good aim and swiftness, so you can use them for dodging as well. It holds a lot more options, than the show lets us know of.

Mikey's Nunchakus are fun choice. They require a good imagination, or so I've been told. Never been good with the Nunchaku... Again, it could be used for so many things, even strangling your victim without leaving a trail of blood or grab a hold on your opponent's weapon.

That's my two scents...

I think if Raph had a couple katana in his hands he'd be more dangerous, so he gets a defensive weapon instead of offensive.
I find it funny ninja didn't really use sai though. As far as I know. Too heavy and clunky.

Mikey's 'chucks match his personality.

Donnie's bo is the opposite of his techically oriented mind, simple but effective.

Leo, hell I dunno....damn teacher's pet. He shoulda been samurai, not ninja since hes into al lthe Bushido, bushi is the way of the warrior not ninja, I believe ninja have their own code of honor.

Ninja and samurai are more or less the same thing. ninjas were just assassians, and such. but most of the time. a ninja was also a samurai.

However. sometimes in the cast system. a person couldnt become a samurai. so they had to become a ninja.

The reasons of the turtles having their weapons have already been described in the thread, but i think Mikey took the nun-chuks so he could just spin them when he gets bored, (see the movies)

When playing TMNT tournament fighters on the megadrive (Genesis to US), even on easy Don practically rapes me if i'm not careful.

Speculations wise.

Leo - All the famous knights, shoguns, and samurais use swords which are weapons considered to be biggees (Kings get the swords - Mort from discworld). That in mind it can symbolise Leo's leadership for what its worth.

Don - If a Bo can be considered a spear, then one can consider the spear as a symbol of rational intellect used to drive away not just the bad but the threat of the basic unconscious (just look to several interpretations of the St Micheal fable and other psychological jargon for more info). It can then symbolize why Don is the egghead who prefers not to be a primitive caveman.

Raph - Well Sais kinda look like forks, an expression of Raph's hunger for a good scrap. Alternatively Sais look like claws when held right, and whilst i don't fully agree with the myth of Raph as a brainless beast, he's certainly the more animalistic out of the lot.

Mike - It's one of those weapons that displays a fair amount of energy, bit like Mike. Again like you guys say, it's fun and crazy like him.

Pretty much thought on the spot all that so not what i call a consistent arguement. :P