ups and downs

[Arts_not_Brutality]

can anyone tell me what the pros and cons are to both escrima, and kobudo, and why soemone might choose one over the other? Also, which weapons are used in each system?

[Pacificshore]

Pros of weapons training is that it is an added extension of your abilities. In regards to Escrima, also spelled Eskrima, and also known as Kali or Arnis depending on the system or region it came from in the P.I., you use a single stick, double stick, stick & knife, or just a knife or two.

 

The length of sticks can vary from short to long like a bo. It covers the 3 ranges, short, medium and long. With any of the Filipino Eskrima systems, you start training with the weapon first and then take that knowledge and apply it to empty hand.

 

Kobudo works with the traditional weapons of Okinawa. The nunchucks, sais, tonfas, bo, kamas, Eku(oar). All are again extensions of your abilities, however I find that the Filipino system to be more practical. Well this is just my opinion!

[YODA]

I know very little about Kobudo other than the fact that what I have seen is largely kata & pre-arranged driling based, whereas Eskrima includes sparring at a variety of contact levels from light to full - with & without protective gear.

 

In the system of Eskrima that I teach - we use the following weapons...

 

Single stick (28")

 

Double stick

 

Stick & dagger

 

Dagger

 

Single sword

 

Double sword

 

Sword & Dagger

 

Sword & Shield

 

Long stick (2 handed - 40")

 

Long sword (2 handed - 40")

 

Staff (60")

 

Spear (60")

 

 

[Tobias_Reece]

Yoda is correct...........kobudo is very much based on kata and pre-arranged drills - but isn't that what it means, "Ancient Martial Ways"

 

 

 

 

[YODA]

On the subject of "Ancient Martial Ways" - do you know anyone in the North West that teaches Iaido?

 

 

[Tobias_Reece]

I believe that there is a man called Brian Ford somewhere up north.

 

Everytime I say I do weapons, people say :

 

"Oh, weapons, do you know Brian Ford"

 

Apparantly, Brian is self taught in all forms of japanese weapons, included the art od Iaido.

 

Hope this helps

 

Tobias