Beginners Weapons Class

[Dianna]

Very excited to have started weapons class last night. Starting with Bo. Don't know if that is the weapon all Dojo's start with or not. The class just started as it was taking off the schedule due to lack of interest. Advanced weapons class is packed. This will go till Dec, then will be decided if there is enough interest. There were only two of us there last night for it but hopefully over time, the interest will grow.

[Aodhan]

Depends on the school/system. Our system has introduced weapons basics at the colored belt level now, including single/double escrima (bangh mangh ee), single/double nunchaku (ssangh jeol bangh), kama (ssangh nat), bo staff (jang bangh), sword (gum do). We teach basic handling and 9 lines of attack on all the weapons as well as some partner drills. Forms for the weapons start at 1st degree BB, and some are restricted to higher ranks (For example, sam dangh bangh/3 section staff and jee pangh ee/cane are restricted to 4th degree and up).

John

[sensei8]

The Bo is the Kobudo weapon that every Gokyu student in Shindokan begins with; Gokyu is when Kobudo training begins!! It's a great weapon, and I believe that you'll enjoy it as well!!

[Wastelander]

It is very common to start kobudo training with the bo--it is what I started with, as well! Enjoy your training!

[Dianna]

I am bummed out that I will miss my second class this Monday night because of something for kids at their school.

[Harkon72]

In our school, weapon training is for 3rd Kyu and above. "Beginner" weapon training is something we perceive as dangerous. Get at least 2 or 3 years empty hand training first before attempting to master a weapon. Weapons need respect and maturity. Children swinging Nunchaku make me cringe, "Sport Sword" fights for 6 yearolds are a money spinner that smell of McDojo to me. Please, if you find a weapon you want to master; master your spirituality first. Osu!

[Harlan]

In our school, kobudo is considered a seperate subject, and can be taught from day one. Starts with bo, of course. Don't hold your breath about getting and keeping long term students in kobudo. I tell my students that the conventional thinking is that about 1% of the population studies martial arts...and of that percentage an even smaller number have a deep interest in kobudo.

Consider yourself unique!

[Dianna]

In our school, kobudo is considered a seperate subject, and can be taught from day one. Starts with bo, of course. Don't hold your breath about getting and keeping long term students in kobudo. I tell my students that the conventional thinking is that about 1% of the population studies martial arts...and of that percentage an even smaller number have a deep interest in kobudo.

Consider yourself unique!

Considered separate in our school too. The beginners class just started again because it was taken off the schedule because of lost interests, so giving it ago again. Advanced, not sure what belt you have to be, is a pretty decent size class.

[Harlan]

'Advanced' basically means (with us) that you know enough of the basics and a kata or two and can keep up with others and start training other weapons as well, and/or bo bunkai; it's not a time, or belt rank thing.

Example: my current student only trains one hour, once a week in kobudo but is quick mentally. He could have started 'advanced' after about 6 months, as he was motivated to train on his own as well. But picking up Goju as well slowed down his progress.

[Dianna]

'Advanced' basically means (with us) that you know enough of the basics and a kata or two and can keep up with others and start training other weapons as well, and/or bo bunkai; it's not a time, or belt rank thing.

Example: my current student only trains one hour, once a week in kobudo but is quick mentally. He could have started 'advanced' after about 6 months, as he was motivated to train on his own as well. But picking up Goju as well slowed down his progress.

Yeah I have it just once a week. Missed this week because of stuff with the kids at school. Can't wait till next Monday. I hope I pick it up quickly. Trying not to be too hard on myself with any of it be it weapons or karate. Just a baby when it comes to this.