Why? Simple - there are people in this world whose sole job is creating laws. All of the good laws have already been made - Don't murder, rob, rape, etc. These lawmakers do not want the gravy train to stop, so they have to get really silly and try to come up with more laws. On the upside, for them, they get about 160K a year to create foolishness.
(imho) The two best tools you can carry are OC (pepper spray) and a handgun. This way you have both lethal and less lethal option. Also, you can show a "progression of force", if it comes down to it.
If I'm not mistaken (experts chime in) most of the martial arts "weapons" were improvised farming tools due to the tight restrictions places on weapons. This innovative spirit can be applied to today's world, as well. If you are unlucky enough to live in an area that strips you of your basic right to be prepared to defend yourself (gun laws), you can find "tools" that can be utilized for defense. The same way those who came before did with their farming equipment. Have a spare tire? Then having a tire iron makes sense. A baseball bat by itself, in your back seat is suspicious. However, a baseball, a bat, and a catcher's mitt in your back seat will raise few eyebrows.
I'm lucky enough to live in a state that treats all non firearm laws the same - it is legal to carry them openly and, if you have a concealed weapon permit, you can carry them concealed. I do have a permit and, legally, could carry whatever type of "martial arts weapon" I wanted, concealed. Personally, I opt for the OC and handgun
