weberje030916

Thank you all. That was very informative! Much appreciated.

Can someone articulate the mixing of these Korean and Okinawan/Japanese arts to me or is it just considered synonymous due to public ignorance? Was there a merger in history with the advent of the McBelt franchise?

I feel that weapons training will help nurture kinesthetic awareness; Understanding that you have to maintain a constant awareness of the posture and orientation of the apparatus. I am drawn to classical weapons with respect to the traditions that we still observe today. You do not bow to your opponent on the street before they sucker punch you however many observe this in their respective studio. The practice of these weapons help remind of us of the ancient origins that we keep alive in our education and training. Traditional weapons were stylized at a period where they were the norm for the warriors of their day. As a a member of the warrior class in our culture (US Marine) I feel it necessary to train in current weapons of our period. Weapons of opportunity being another aspect of this. As the great Tony Blauer has articulated, if you can't think to do it in your training arena, what makes you think you will come up with it when things "go kinetic." Weapons are not a replacement for your unarmed skills, but a supplement; fill in the voids where you would otherwise have no method or course of action.

Polishing is typically bad for most antiques where you would otherwise have patina or signs of age (like corrosion). I am not a collector of these so I can not provide you with anything definitive but good advise has already been provided in prior posts. Find an expert if you feel they truly are valuable and research before you attempt to treat or refurbish.

Bruce Lee- big influence when I was a child Tony Blauer- his scientific and researched approach brought concepts that were so 'common sense' but still blew my mind.

There is nothing to fear but fear itself... and spiders.

Don't forget that core strength! Good overall combat fitness encompasses many different facets. Is crossfit all you should do as a martial artist? Prolly not. The question to ask is what are your long and short term goals and what can you do to better reach those?