Weapons training

[Greek Fighter]

I am not into training with the use of weapons as the style of Shorin-Ryu doesn't involve in training with the use of weapons combat. How many out here think weaponry is a priority to martial arts training and how many object to it?

[username8517]

Many styles of Shorin-Ryu do train with traditional Japanese & Okinawan weapons such as the sai and bo. Although it does differ from school to school (and I imagine branch to branch as well).

Me, personally, I think that weapons training is imperiative if you're training for self-defense reasons. I took Kali for that same reason--if I encounter someone in the street, they're probably going to be weilding a knife or stick like weapon (a club or tire iron for example) rather than a katana, sai, or bo.

If you're taking MA to get in shape, have fun, or just something to do and are not real concerned with the combat side of martial arts, then you can probably do just fine without any weapons training.

[Greek Fighter]

In most cases, if you're going to use a weapon, it would be the only weapon you carry with you at all times. It's your mind.

[username8517]

In most cases, if you're going to use a weapon, it would be the only weapon you carry with you at all times. It's your mind.

This is true. However, I also keep a pocketknife on me 95% of the time.

[bushido_man96]

I don't think that weapons training in a traditional sense is all that imperitave. Here in Kansas, we now have a conceal and carry law. I would consider that pertinent weapons training, as well as training in how to use mace, a zapper, etc.

Learning more how to defend against a knife, gun, or stick, IF you absolutely have to, can be pertinent as well.

[Jeet Kune Do]

I am not into training with the use of weapons as the style of Shorin-Ryu doesn't involve in training with the use of weapons combat. How many out here think weaponry is a priority to martial arts training and how many object to it?

"A weapon is an extension of the body"

[Enter the Spaz]

Weapons were a big part of my Shorin Ryu training. Nunchaku, Sia, Kama and the Bo were very big staples of the system.

I have always felt that my Arnis training was probably the best training I have received during my entire martial arts career. If you can track a stick moving at 90mph, then a fast jab just seems rather slow.

But, relying on weapons and neglecting empty hands would definitely be a detriment.

[bushido_man96]

I am not into training with the use of weapons as the style of Shorin-Ryu doesn't involve in training with the use of weapons combat. How many out here think weaponry is a priority to martial arts training and how many object to it?

"A weapon is an extension of the body"

It isn't just that easy. If it wear, you wouldn't need extensive weapons training to be good with them.

[Sengra]

I am not into training with the use of weapons as the style of Shorin-Ryu doesn't involve in training with the use of weapons combat. How many out here think weaponry is a priority to martial arts training and how many object to it?

I'm for weapons anytime...I don't know why, maybe its only me, I think to become a complete ma practitioner one must master both armed and unarmed forms...Our forefathers, no matter what civilization and culture they belonged created weapons to gain advantage in combat, weapons that can now only be learned through peacetime training we call the Martial Arts. I believe we must do the same and take that advantage.

[lordtariel]

I really see three main reasons to train with weapons:

1) Physical fitness: You can get quite a workout using weapons. It also develops concentration and dexterity.

2) Preservation: If nobody learns these forms, eventually they would dissapear. While they aren't always practical for modern life, it would be a shame to see their arts dissapear forever.

3) Enjoyment: I think most people don't learn traditional weapons forms for self-defense as much as self-intrest. Weapons training is great fun.

There are other benifits as well, but I believe these are the main ones.