Weaponry
Weaponry
Once the students have trained in empty hand techniques for some time in most martial arts they will start to be trained in weapons techniques or as they are sometimes termed extended body techniques. This is of course not true of all martial art styles, some teach weapons training from the start. Whatever the method of weapons training, it is one of the highlights of any martial arts program.
Training in weapons techniques are also highly useful, as they enhance the practitioners focus, coordination, spatial sense, and movements. They are also useful in self defense if the practitioner knows how to adapt common objects as weapons. In fact some martial arts advocate that unarmed techniques be used only as a last resort.
Few things one must be take in to consideration when starting weapons training are listed below.
The weapon size and handling Generally hand held weapons like kama (sickle), sai, or tonfa, should not feel unbalanced when striking techniques are performed. They should have a handle that allows a tight grip and comfortably match the fist, in order to achieve a forceful strike and to perform complicated movements. One may wish to customize the weapon to fit these requirements.
Weapons should be of a length to execute the strikes prescribed. Generally speaking short range handheld weapons are about two feet in length. Examples include knife, kama, club and tonto (short sword), among others. Medium range weapons can be two to four feet long. Examples include short staff, nunchaku (two short wooden pieces attached to each other by a short chain), and sword, among others. Long range weapons can be five or more feet in length. Staffs, spears and lances, among others come under this category. Projectiles are also considered long range weapons.
Training area Weapons training require space. One must decide where and when to practice these techniques without harm to property or persons. While outdoor training is advisable it is not practicable in most cases. Ideally a dedicated training area should be established. It is always useful to remember that one can lose control of the weapon and that it might fly out and hit most unexpected things of no advance precautions are taken.
Sparring gear and protection One must always be mindful of the quality when buying these given the dangers involved, whether it is face cages or body pads or something else. In addition to safely one must consider comfort and durability as well. Aesthetics should come last.
Quality and availability of instructions One must always find out the qualifications of the instructors. It may be that some otherwise qualified martial art instructors fall short when it comes to weapons training. There are also phony instructors in martial arts in general. Given the dangers inherent in weapons training, some research on the instructors will be essential.
Solo learning in weapons is not advisable however good the source materials.
One can also learn the basics without actually handing real weapons, with the use of substitutes and mental imagery. However in order to achieve full mastery of the techniques one will require actual weapons.