Are weapons useful?
People train in martial arts for a plethora of reasons: as a hobby, to stay fit, to learn how to fight, etc. A lot of traditional martial arts include some sort of weapons training. Some, like Filipino martial arts or Koryu (old school Japanese martial arts) focus mainly on the weapons, while in others, such as traditional Chinese martial arts or some styles of Karate include them as part of the curriculum. In the context of modern self defense one might argue learning how to use a sword isn’t very useful. Much less a staff or some ancient weapon like a spear or a flail. Yet, I believe training weapons is not a useless nor fruitless endeavor.
However, I do get that for some people weapons training might not even be something they’re looking forward to. Some might see it as a necessary part of their system, but not of their liking. Others might even think of it as a burden, a relic of the past, not worth their while. In my recent years I’ve tried to dive deeper into various aspects of my system. That includes weapons and how training with them helps my overall set of skills besides the weapons themselves. So, without further ado, here are the five reasons why I believe investing time in learning weapons is a good thing.
It’s a good workout
Yes, I know, there are better ways to train your muscles. There are a lot of tools specifically designed for that. But training how to move with a staff or a sword in your hands is a great workout. Basic staff and spear training exercises are very good for the upper body; just keeping the tip steady and not letting it fall to the floor requires strength. To use them well, one needs to learn to transmit power from one end to the other. Heavier weapons are even more difficult to manage, while single handed weapons are good for one arm. And of course two weapons for both arms. Training to handle weapons is a good workout for the body in general.
They help with coordination
Hand-eye coordination is something not all people excel at, some even struggle with it and weapons can help with that. It’s one thing to hit a target with your hands or feet, it’s another entirely to do so with an object that extends from your body. Again, one handed weapons work differently than two-handed and longer ones. But all in all the idea is more or less the same. The weapon is an extension of the fighter’s body as such one must learn to move with it. That means not just the hand or hands that hold the weapons but the legs, the feet and the whole body. My Sifu always says that when you see someone training a weapon, you should look at what the other hand is doing. With two weapons look at the feet. This is important even beyond the form.
A corollary of this same point is distance awareness. Again, hitting someone with a limb is one thing, but weapons add reach. This is both an advantage and a handicap. You can hit further away (even if it’s just a short distance) but you must be more aware of your surroundings. The space required to swing a weapon like a stick or a sword is bigger than what you need for your arms and legs, and long ones like a staff need ever more space. Even if you never use them in a fight, it helps. You learn to move differently and it also applies while holding everyday common objects.
Weapons add a new perspective
Beyond the more basic (yet fundamental) physical aspects of weapons training, there’s another aspect. Each martial arts style has some specific body mechanics. Not every style is different, but there’s a wide variety. For a lot of those styles, weapons help delve deeper into those. Spear training is an integral part of Xing Yi Quan, and a lot of Aikido is based on sword techniques. Going even further, some argue that a lot of styles were originally more weapons based than empty hand. This is not such a crazy idea when you take into account Filipino martial arts, Koryu and HEMA. Almost all of these teach weapons as its main focus, with empty hand combat as a secondary thing.
Then there’s the historical aspect, learning a weapon is exploring an aspect of how fighting was done in the past. Some weapons were battlefield weapons, others for civilian defense. Some come from ancient times, while others are more recent in origin. If you’re a geek like me, you’ll find that research fascinating.
Weapons are actually useful in self defense
Of course, no one walks around with a staff, a sword, or even a big knife. But a lot of items you might find on the street will work pretty much the same. A stick, a broom, a bottle, each can become a weapon in the right hands, training weapons helps with that. Of course, it requires doing some sparring with them, but even just doing forms and drills gets you a step closer to that objective. Furthermore, weapons practice will help you defend yourself against improvised weapons, in addition to its coordination and distance-managing benefits. Yes, there are other priorities when training for self defense. But weapons help, even if just a bit.
It’s a lot of fun
Last but not least; it’s simply a lot of fun. You get to use a weapon like in the movies and the old tales. Like Jaredd said “swords are cool“. It’s without a doubt one of the reasons I keep doing Chinese martial arts and why I love traditional martial arts in general.
So, that’s it. Those were my five reasons. Feel free to share your thoughts on the subjects in the comments.
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As a senior citizen karateka I see learning how to use weapons as future-proofing against muggers that prey on older people. At some point I might need a cane or walker and to be able to use these may prevent or hinder a possible robbery on myself or a loved one.
Beautifully said!