The Classic Maya elite used a wide array of arms and armor, including spears, a variety of bladed and unbladed clubs, shields, and helmets, although during the Early Classic this inventory was simpler. Early Classic Maya spears were primarily used to thrust and slash. Stone points were not excessively large at this time, so that spears could have been used as javelins, although throwing them disarms the soldier. The only part of a throwing spear that is brought to bear is the point typically made of stone, although fire-hardening the pointed wooden end can also serve.

The Maya less commonly used clubs, some of wood or bone, meant to crush the opponent, while others had single or multiple inset blades. The blades were inserted through holes in the wooden handles, rather than being lashed to the side, and were probably made of flint, which was widely available to the lowlands. These were significantly thicker than obsidian blades, but the latter were scarce imports and, in any case, thickness was necessary to withstand the shock of use as crushers. However, thick blades added weight, requiring a stout handle and producing a relatively short weapon that relied more on mass than on cutting surfaces for effect. Long clubs were feasible but had to be used with two hands, leaving the soldier unable to hold a shield. The shock advantage of these clubs were offset by their shortness and relatively great weight, which suggest that they may not have been primarily military weapons. They may actually have been more important for ceremonial purposes or as execution devices; they may have been used by commanders engaged in directing battle for personal protection rather than as offensive weapons; or they may have served as badges of office.