Benefits of Weapons Training

Weapons training, as indicated earlier, provides much historical significance about the region which is home to the featured martial art. The ability to "feel" the practical significance of the weapon adds a great deal to the martial arts experience. It is truly a real-life history lesson. There are some tangible benefits, however, that are very relevant to the abilities of a martial artist. Although weapons training is done (we hope in all cases) with safety in mind, the mere handling of a weapon trains attributes in a unique way that empty-hand training does not. The hand-eye coordination that weapons training promotes often results in a dramatic improvement of the empty-hand technique of that practitioner. When trained properly, the use of weapons should be treated as an extension of your empty-hand technique. Like in empty-hand training, body mechanics should be kept simple, balanced, fluid, evasive, and efficient. From a enjoyment point of view, weapons training adds an element best described as "an adrenalin rush". In particular, when weapons drills between two people are practiced, the hightened awareness that results leads to greater concentration, focus, and attention to the principals being applied. Once again, even though weapons training is done with modified weapons such as wooden knives or padded sticks, for example, they still must be used carefully and its mere presence still commands a great deal of respect from the practitioner. In other words, how would you react if, during an altercation, you suddenly noticed a knife laying on the ground between you and your opponent? It's mere presence changes your level of awareness and kicks the adrenalin up a notch.

Kali/Arnis/Escrima: Filipino Weaponry

It is, of course, a matter of debate, however, in terms of application and functionality, the Filipino martial arts are at, or near, the top of the class when it comes to teaching weapons skills to students. It is no surprise that Bruce Lee, who sought the best techniques from all martial arts, incorporated Kali into his philosophy of Jeet Kune Do. The mother art of the Phillipines, kali, gives students a wide array of options with a weapon. This serves a dual purpose:

• Creates a versatile weapons practitioner and,
• Creates respect for the weapon.

Another key element is its emphasis on footwork. This lessens the likelyhood for a blow or a cut. The weapons used in most Filipino martial arts instruction consist of:

• Baston. A 2 to 3 foot rataan stick.
• Daga. A dagger.
• Espada. A sword.

It is important to note that much of the functionality in this art rests in its ability to translate body mechanics learned in weapons training to empty-hand training and vise versa.

Kobudo: Okinawa's Weapons

In Okinawa, Kobudo (the ancient martial way), was used to deal with armed attacks. Because of the lack or raw materials available to make swords of knives, the majority of the population had to make use of materials readily available in their own backyards or in the woods. This is why you will notice a large number of wooden weapons than metallic ones in our look at Kobudo weaponry.

• Bo. A long wooden staff.
• Kama. A short sickle used for hacking crops such as sugarcane.
• Tonfa. A short wooden batton.
• Nunchaku. Two short pieces of wood joined together by rope (chain is often used today).
• Sai. A metal spear with three prongs. Similar to a small trident.

There are a few others, however, the items above are the most commonly used in Kobudo training and competitions. From a competative point of view, Kobudo is applied during kata or forms competition.

Kendo: The Way of the Sword

Kendo is a legacy of the Samurai class in Japan and maintains a high standard of tradition in the martial arts. The art of Kendo is primarily a martial sport due to the limitations involved in carrying a sword in public. Kendokas, Kendo practitioners use a shinai as their weapon of choice. Of course, since a metal sword is not a very healthy option in training or competition, a bamboo sword, the shinai, is used. Pr