Favorite weapon to start with?

[AdamKralic]

I ask on behalf of my 12 year old son. He has been doing bo form for a good while now...getting closer and closer to his black belt which is the point when he can switch weapons.

I'm trying to sell him on sai. He seems to prefer kamas. (but he hasn't tried either)

Now I fully realize human nature...whatever you choose will be what you are likely to recommend...but all the same I ask.

He was also talking about a Chinese spear...but those are loooooong. The advantage there would be that my wife trained with a Chinese spear...but reality is that I am the one actually training with my son not her.

So thoughts? Thanks.

[Harlan]

Bo is a weapon...technically it was his first weapon.

Depends on the school/style that your son is taking. Most Okinawan karate will probably transition to sai or tonfa next. If he has a liking for the flash of a kama, tonfa is essentially the same in movement. If it's TKD, or a 'Japanese karate' (Shotokan), there isn't a history of weapons training and more often than not the kobudo/weapons training is pretty much...a waste of time. In that case, the weapon choice doesn't matter.

Personally, as a student of kobudo, nothing irks me more than seeing legions of kids twirling kamas at a tournament. Empty movement, usually attached to an empty-hand kata.

[AdamKralic]

Bo is a weapon...technically it was his first weapon.

Depends on the school/style that your son is taking. Most Okinawan karate will probably transition to sai or tonfa next. If he has a liking for the flash of a kama, tonfa is essentially the same in movement. If it's TKD, or a 'Japanese karate' (Shotokan), there isn't a history of weapons training and more often than not the kobudo/weapons training is pretty much...a waste of time. In that case, the weapon choice doesn't matter.

Personally, as a student of kobudo, nothing irks me more than seeing legions of kids twirling kamas at a tournament. Empty movement, usually attached to an empty-hand kata.

If he has to attend a different school for proper training in his next weapon...so be it. I have the same feeling in regards to kamas. All flash, no substance in oh too many demonstrations at tournaments. My son's school seems to transition all post black belts into swords.

I do not like swords for my son for several reasons. 1) He's smallish but strong and fast with good balance...I feel a weapon that stays closer to his core would be advantageous. 2) I dislike that there is an entire outfit that HAS to be worn to use swords. 3) I would prefer that he trained from day one with a "real" weapon not a mimicry of one. Swords by their nature are very dangerous so I understand the need for a training version...

4) ties with 3...it's very dangerous for a beginner. Too easy to hurt yourself and/or others.

[Wastelander]

As Harlan mentioned, most Okinawan systems will have him progress from bo to sai. Those two weapons are kind of like partners in kobudo, since they were the primary weapons of the Pechin class. In fact, there are some kobudo systems that ONLY teach bo and sai. There is nothing wrong with kama, if trained properly--I actually prefer them to sai, personally--but most people do seem train with them for their flashiness. If he wants a weapon that builds on what he has learned from bo, then the eku (oar/paddle) would be a good progression.

[lowereastside]

Basic Staff/Pole is a good weapon to start with.

[Cobra_Kai]

Bo Staff

[bushido_man96]

I'd go with quarter staff. Or stick.

[sensei8]

The Bo

[AikiGuy]

If it's TKD, or a 'Japanese karate' (Shotokan), there isn't a history of weapons training and more often than not the kobudo/weapons training is pretty much...a waste of time. In that case, the weapon choice doesn't matter.

A bit of a generalization I think. Sure some Karate/TKD schools don't have great weapons programs but that could be said of any style. It really depends on the dojo and the instructor.

My Karate instructor was actually quite good at teaching Kobudo. In fact I have done weapons sparring against formally trained Kendo students and held my own. I'd say the training worked.

I do not like swords for my son for several reasons. 1) He's smallish but strong and fast with good balance...I feel a weapon that stays closer to his core would be advantageous. 2) I dislike that there is an entire outfit that HAS to be worn to use swords. 3) I would prefer that he trained from day one with a "real" weapon not a mimicry of one. Swords by their nature are very dangerous so I understand the need for a training version...

4) ties with 3...it's very dangerous for a beginner. Too easy to hurt yourself and/or others.

I understand being against buying the protective sword gear. Those outfits can be several hundred dollars when you get everything. But also check if your son's dojo does padded weapons or would possibly consider it. My school did this and the only gear needed was a sparring helmet with a face mask/shield, a cup, and a foam sword.

I have a different opinion of "fake" padded weapons than you do. I think they allow the user to freely explore movements without fear of serious injury, which will allow them to learn faster and be more comfortable when they finally pick up a real weapon. I taught my son with padded weapons when he was younger and he did pretty well.

Also, don't get too hung up on weapons that are closer to the body. If your son is not a big guy, a longer range weapon may be exactly what he needs as an equalizer when facing an opponent with a height / reach advantage. And of course, make sure to get your son's opinion on the choice too. He will put much more effort into training if he has an interest in his weapon.

Spear sounds great if he/you want something familiar that will build on his bo skills. Especially since your wife has experience. Even if she fills in to help him only a few times, it would be helpful. Plus it could become a cool family activity for all of you. But if the goal is to expand his range of abilities, then the sword or tonfa are both good choices imo to give him some variety. Of course, your safety concerns about the sword are valid. But if he is getting close to black belt and has some experience handling weapons, he should be ready as long as his instructor seems competent and is big on safety. Just my thoughts.

Good luck in your choice. I would be interested in knowing what the final choice is.

[Zoodles]

Staves are terribly underrated weapons. A good staffman will beat a good swordsman most of the time. Staff also forms a link between sword and spear styles, because staffwork resembles both.