Transfer of training with weapons

[Johnlogic121]

I saw an article claim once that the very first weapon that everybody studies should be the Bo staff. The justifications for this was that the footwork positions for Bo staff would create a positive learning transfer for learning all other weapons. Learning rifles and revolvers is a little unique, but most melee weapons either swing or thrust if they aren't thrown. Does anybody know of any good sequences for study basic forms of weapons, so that the skills you learn with one weapon pass reasonably well to the other weapons you study? A really well rounded student of medieval weaponry might study fifty-four different sorts of weapon tools. In former times, Knightly orders had systems for combat that had similiar positions for distinct weapons so that learning how to use everything was easier. Thus, you could use a short sword against someone in leather armor, or an axe against someone wearing chain, or a mace against someone wearing plate mail armor and the basic swing would utilize the same muscles and the basic stances would be similiar postures. How well does knowing one weapon transfer to others? Does it depend on the specific weapon itself? Unarmed combat usually has mores moves than a single weapon, but with over fifty weapons to study, you could study medieval fighting for years. Where should somebody start with weapons training for best results - is the Bo really the best place to start?

[bushido_man96]

It isn't the weapon so much as it is the system. I have read several guides to Medieval Combat, and the system is what allows the transfer from weapon to weapon, as opposed to the weapon itself.

The quarterstaff can be a good place to start, because it is cheaper and easier to get than a good sword is.

[unknownstyle]

i really think bo is taught first due mostly to tradition. in okinawa they had to be able to pick up a weapon fast and the bo would had given them the best chance of survival against a samurai. weapoms like nunchaku or tonfa were better suit to more advanced karate ka thats why you usually learn them later

[bushido_man96]

Perhaps, yes, in Okinawan systems. However, the weapon that is taught first, as far as a military force is concerned, is going to be the primary weapon used in the unit. Nowadays, it is some form of firearm. Before firearms, it would have been whatever the unit would fight with; usually a blade of some kind, sword or polearm, or ranged weapons for archers.

In Medieval Europe, the quarterstaff would be an economical choice for the average person who would have to travel, who made his living other than fighting.

[anewsome]

How does this topic compare with other martial arts?

[shujika]

The first "weapon" we tend to train with is the Sai (reason given is wrist strength, Hand motion) also suburito (forearm strength, hand motion-for punches). Neither in relation to "utilization" of the object in relation to "self-defense" or use of weapon.

[Harlan]

In Kodokan Goju, one can learn Okinawan weapons first. There is a saying, 'Kobudo and karate are two wheels on the same wagon'. As a beginner, I tend to interpret this as two systems that are related, and interact, but not the same. I see some systems that 'hold back' on weapons, and the design/intent is to mesh the weapons into the system. I wonder if at times this isn't 'force fitting'...making the weapon fit the empty hand at the expense of exploring the uniqueness of each weapon.

How does this topic compare with other martial arts?