Are Tai Chi Swords Legal in the UK? What Ronan’s Law Means for Internal Arts Practitioners

From 1 August 2025, new legislation known as Ronan’s Law will come into force in the UK, introducing stricter controls on certain types of bladed weapons. This builds on existing legislation that already governs offensive weapons in public places. The news about these changes has caused some members of the Tai Chi and internal arts community to question their obligations when owning, carrying, and practicing with bladed weapons. Here we outline what you need to know to remain compliant and some advice to continue training with confidence.

What Is Ronan’s Law?

Ronan’s Law bans the sale, possession, manufacture, and import of specific “ninja-style” swords, the law describes these as long, straight blades between 14–24 inches with a tanto point. The law honours the memory of Ronan Kanda, a young victim of knife violence, and aims to reduce access to weapons associated with violent crime.

From 1 August 2025, owning or selling a banned sword type becomes a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 6 months’ imprisonment, rising to 2 years in future.

Are Internal Arts Swords Affected?

In most cases, no. Traditional jian (sword) and dao (sabres) used in Tai Chi and other internal arts are not classed as “ninja swords” and remain legal unless styled or altered to fit the banned definition when used strictly for training and demonstration purposes.

If however your weapon resembles a prohibited sword (some Yang style sabres have similarities, but are generally longer than the legal definition), you should seek advice and if necessary it must be surrendered by 31 July. Most police authorities are running an amnesty throughout July 2025. Otherwise, legal ownership and practice are unaffected, though the law requires much more rigorous age checking when purchasing weapons, an obligation to report suspicious purchases, and in the future a possible license scheme for retailers, including via private sales.

Transporting and practicing with swords in public

In addition to the new changes, existing laws already exist that affect the use of swords for Martial Arts. The 1953 Prevention of Crime Act prohibits carrying an offensive weapon in a public place without “lawful authority or reasonable excuse.”

Weapons are categorised as Inherently offensive, designed solely to injure; Adapted for example bottles with broken ends, or Intended everyday items carried with intent to cause harm

Tai Chi swords and sabres may fall into the first category due to their design. However, if used and transported for martial arts training, this can form a “reasonable excuse.”

Demonstrating a “Reasonable Excuse”

A reasonable excuse can include things like travelling to or from a training session, class, or demonstration. but do not typically include visiting shops, pubs, or social venues – even if enroute. Even forgetting a weapon in your vehicle when going about unrelated business may not be defensible. The best practice would be to only have a weapon on you if you are going to or coming back from training or a demonstration. The TCIA recommends our members take the following precautions:

• Carry weapons in a zipped case, stored discreetly.
• Transport them in the car boot where possible.
• Use wooden or plastic substitutes in public training.
• Avoid carrying weapons into non-training venues.
• Carry Tai Chi Internal Arts Union membership ID and digital or printed certificates. Membership of the Tai Chi Union helps demonstrate your legitimacy and genuine involvement in the art.

In short, the law recognises legitimate martial arts practice, but the burden of proof lies with the practitioner.

Sensitivity and Social Context

Although Tai Chi weapons are legal in context, practitioners should also be aware of the wider political and social environment. A sword, however harmless in intent, can cause real anxiety if seen in public. Moreover since the higher rates of knife crime, high-profile tragedies, and increased media scrutiny have increased public sensitivity.

In addition to our legal responsibilities, this demands a thoughtful and respectful approach when travelling or training in a public space.

Useful Links

• Prohibiting ninja swords: legal description and defences – more information on gov.uk
• Weapons Training & the Possession of Offensive Weapons With Regard to UK Law – by Danny Barnard
• Ronan’s Law – more information on gov.uk
• When does a knife become a crime? – an interesting podcast on BBC Sounds