Topuz (Mace)

In GokNur System various Battle Maces of Turkic khanets are used as a great strength training tool.  Techniques of Balta (Battle Axe) and Topuz (Mace) resemble one another.  Therefore practice with Topuz creates proficiency in Balta techniques.  In case of Ciftli Balta (Double Sided Battle Axe), emphasis is placed on reversing motions utilizing momentum to efficienlty use both sides of the Balta.

Maces vary greatly in shape, weight, and function.  Following are the types of maces practiced in GokNur System of Martial Arts:

1. Topuz - Round headed Mace. May be used as single handed weapon or double weapon with one Mace in each hand.
2. Gurz - Heavy version of Topuz, may be practice with one hand or both.  However, because of its' weight, it's mainly inteded to be used with both hands.
3. Sesper (Pronounced Sheshper) - Mace with head part made of six separate slices.   Ancient Sespers were mostly intended for battle use.   For weight training purposes, Topuz or Gurz provide better options.
4. Dogen - Flail.
5. Kamci - Flail with more than one attachment.   Kamci usually has smaller, lighter attachments typically made of wood or metal.
6. Bozdogan - Flail with nine attachments.
7. Lobut - Heavy ended, single construction wooden club.
8. Matrak - Sparring mace made of lighter materials.

There are Eight main techniques of Topuz:

1. Hacking, striking with snapping motions.
2. Slicing with cutting motions.
3. Sweeping/ fanning.
4. Circiling.
5. Blocking.
6. Dropping/sinking.
7. Thrusting.
8. Hammering, stiking with bottom of mace.

The Eight Lines of Attack and defense may be used in practicing various Topuz techniques with emphasis on lines 1, 2 and 3.