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Thursday, April 28, 2005
Weapons Training
Students ask me quite often "When can I learn Weapons?"
Well, the truth is, anytime you like, it's not difficult to buy martial arts weapons. In the UK, you don't need any license or certification to buy them online or over the counter.
Even the infamous Nunchuck is allowed to be bought, as long as you dont brandish them openly.
Learning use of weapons and learning a weapons form is a totally different concept, albeit complimentary: Learn your weapons form that your style dictates and you'll no doubt be able to brandish your chosen arsenal with some menace and glee, and more confidence than if you were picking them up for the first time.
However, learning to fight with weapons is so much more, with a different learning technique, as you are literally sparring your opponent, and the aim is the same as open hand sparring. There are little nuances and tips to sparring with any weapon and that only comes from practice and experience, reading the opponent's movements, understanding how to block and parry and counter with your chosen weapon, be it knife, stick or whip.
If you want to learn a weapon, my advice is to have a look at a few in a martial arts store and see what you are most comfortable with, and try to pick a weapon that is taught by your style, or a style that you want to learn. Use that weapon, play with it, know it, understand the balance, striking points, blocking techniques etc.
Your chosen martial art style will serve to improve your skills and handling, but in my mind, you MUST learn to spar with a weapon, else its no more than a dangerous toy.
Sparring is the difference between theory and practice and practice makes perfect!
I'm looking around for deals on martial arts equipment, so keep an eye on this space!
J
Well, the truth is, anytime you like, it's not difficult to buy martial arts weapons. In the UK, you don't need any license or certification to buy them online or over the counter.
Even the infamous Nunchuck is allowed to be bought, as long as you dont brandish them openly.
Learning use of weapons and learning a weapons form is a totally different concept, albeit complimentary: Learn your weapons form that your style dictates and you'll no doubt be able to brandish your chosen arsenal with some menace and glee, and more confidence than if you were picking them up for the first time.
However, learning to fight with weapons is so much more, with a different learning technique, as you are literally sparring your opponent, and the aim is the same as open hand sparring. There are little nuances and tips to sparring with any weapon and that only comes from practice and experience, reading the opponent's movements, understanding how to block and parry and counter with your chosen weapon, be it knife, stick or whip.
If you want to learn a weapon, my advice is to have a look at a few in a martial arts store and see what you are most comfortable with, and try to pick a weapon that is taught by your style, or a style that you want to learn. Use that weapon, play with it, know it, understand the balance, striking points, blocking techniques etc.
Your chosen martial art style will serve to improve your skills and handling, but in my mind, you MUST learn to spar with a weapon, else its no more than a dangerous toy.
Sparring is the difference between theory and practice and practice makes perfect!
I'm looking around for deals on martial arts equipment, so keep an eye on this space!
J
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Also learning weapons is another way to exercise as most weapons work helps build strength and tones the muscles.
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