modern weapons training

[Rey]

I've noticed that in many ma's the majority of the weapons that people are trained to use are not exactly the kind you could carry around with you, or at least always have at your disposal, such as swords or chinese farming tools (sorry, I know there must be a name for those, I just don't know it). Given this, how many of you would practice, or already practice, training with modern objects as weapons (hammers, wrenches, rakes, basically any modern tool), as opposed to training with ancient weapons?

[tommarker]

 

This is an interesting topic to me. I once wanted to write about "Urban American Kobudo" and provide some nice modern examples.

 

Would we look silly doing say, crescent wrench kata?

 

I practice with the staff and short stick, which translates to quite a few things, but I also work with flexible weapons, since I think these are more popular and easily accessible than pool cues, rakes, etc.

 

For example, I ride my bike to and from work, and I carry a pretty thick cable to go along with by bike lock. A lot of bike couriers know to use their U Bolt lock as a weapon against road-rage idiots.

 

In the office, there's always plenty of power cords, phone cords, ethernet cables... ever been hit with a power cord? sweet * it hurts!

 

really short stuff translates to yawara techniques pretty easily... small maglites, pens, pencils, screwdrivers.. etc.

[Sho-ju]

Good point.

[Rey]

Would we look silly doing say, crescent wrench kata?

 

Of course, really silly! But I'm sure that peasant farmers looked funny practicing with their tools as well. What looks funny now might be part of a competition in the future.

 

Watch as Ryu Chang mystifies you with his beautiful hammer routine

[Pacificshore]

Ancient to Modern:

 

Bo = Broom stick/Pool Cue

 

Eskrima stick = Wrench, flashlight

 

Knife = Credit Cards, or any flat item where a cut/slash can be done

 

Sai = Pen/Pencil, Screwdrivers

 

Tonfa = Hammer

 

Just a few thoughts on how learn the ancient weapons can translate into the modern everyday stuff you may find on your person or laying around. Some are even interchangable

[JerryLove]

I presently do.

[sagasa]

I train in the filipino martial arts and I have been living here or a few months training with various masters. The techniques they teach me are very practical and deal with knife techniques and the improvisation of weapons. Some ofthem have taught various sections of the military so the techniques are direct, effective and definitely not elaborate.

[Treebranch]

If you understand completely how to use a sword, knife, bo, jo, jutte you can pretty much pick up anything and make it work for you. It usually is wise to train unarmed fighting and weapons simultaneously if possible. Each one teaches you different things that in the end are the same.

[ZR440]

I train in the filipino martial arts and I have been living here or a few months training with various masters. The techniques they teach me are very practical and deal with knife techniques and the improvisation of weapons. Some ofthem have taught various sections of the military so the techniques are direct, effective and definitely not elaborate.

 

Where do you train at? With who?

[delta1]

how many of you would practice, or already practice, training with modern objects as weapons (hammers, wrenches, rakes, basically any modern tool), as opposed to training with ancient weapons?

 

Any reality based student should be. You can learn basic coordination and principles with traditional weapons, and that transfers to modern or improvised weapons- but only if you train the skills to make the transition.

 

Sometimes, I am somewhere and have a little time, and I'll look for improvised weapons. Sometimes I'll grab something immediately on entering a room or an area, because that's likeky all the time you'll have (if you are lucky). Then, if I'm not too conspicuouse, I'll practice with it. Some of the dingbatts at work think I'm a little wierd, but I can live with that. Sometimes, too, I'll run the drill as soon as I think of doing it (*puts down cup and chair to type the rest of this*).

 

Another example of skills transfer, my brother came up with the idea of shooting from a neutral bow (AK's default stance) and useing basic stance changes and footwork to maintain alignment, search, cover, move to/with cover, etc. Let everyone else argue about the Weaver or Isosceles stances- most of them shoot a modified or hybrid stance any way. Useing my base footwork is actually more effective (and, yes, I've tested it against some good shooters on combat courses). It also allows me to protect the firearm dureing deployment at close quarters.

 

Good question.