First weapon

[MasterH]

Hey,

Now that I've earned my 5th Dan (TKD), I thought it would be a good change in pace to start studying a weapon. Where should I start? Which would complement ITF style of TKD?

[sdargie]

Tonfa would probably fall right in with TKD movements.

[MasterH]

Tonfa would probably fall right in with TKD movements.

I've been told that. That's a Japanese weapon is it not? What if I wanted to stick with a Korean style?

[isshinryu5toforever]

you could try something radically different and do Gumdo if you want to do a Korean weapon.

[MasterH]

you could try something radically different and do Gumdo if you want to do a Korean weapon.

Hey bud!

Gumdo? Please go on. I really don't know much about it.

[MasterH]

you could try something radically different and do Gumdo if you want to do a Korean weapon.

Hey bud!

Gumdo? Please go on. I really don't know much about it.

Never mind, I just googled it. I like it. Good idea.

[ProjectJanus]

I do Gumdo and have a blue belt in it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[MasterH]

I do Gumdo and have a blue belt in it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Sure, how about a bit of history, is this a bambo with armor sport or an actual bladed weapon (both). From what I've googled it does not seem to be main stream. I appreciate any info you can share.

[isshinryu5toforever]

Gumdo is Korea's fencing. It is similar to Kendo, there is sparring and there is drawing the sword. From my limited knowledge of Gumdo, since I haven't been able to practice it, just see it, it would seem that Gumdo is more defensive than Kendo. The weight is placed back more than forward in the stance. Whereas in Japanese Kendo they are taught to go forward at all times, in Korean Gumdo, it would seem they are more than willing to give up ground to try to seize an advantage.

history: http://www.hdgumdo.com/forum-pg/history.htm

[Shorinryu Sensei]

Hey,

Now that I've earned my 5th Dan (TKD), I thought it would be a good change in pace to start studying a weapon. Where should I start? Which would complement ITF style of TKD?

As I'm sure you know, ITF TKD uses no weapons, nor is the system designed to use weapons, so what weapon would compliment is isn't a factor. My suggestion would be to seek out a system such as Okinawan or Japanese, that uses weapons as a part of their system and start at white belt until you get to the level that they start teaching weapons. Being a 5th Dan in one system does not automatically qualify you to start right in learning weapons IMHO.

That, or you can do what many TKD people I have seen do, and teach yourself bad technique and habits, and pass those down to your students.

This was not intended to flame you, just stating my opinions to your question. Learn from a legitimate instructor that knows the weapons, don't just pick something up and start playing with them. You will do youself no justice by doing that, and you will not learn anything of value.