Why Train With Weapons?
A common statement by individuals who lack the knowledge and understanding of weapons training is that “you do not always have a weapon.”
First, it is true that many people will find themselves unarmed when faced with a situation that involves the real or perceived possibility of bodily harm. However, someone who is properly trained with a weapon ALWAYS has a weapon; whether physically or mentally.
Second, you do not have to bring a weapon in order for one to be present. An attacker or criminal bent on targeting you often uses a weapon to gain a psychological and physical advantage.
Correct training instills concepts, principles, and movements that easily and instantly translate from the application of weapons to empty-handed methods. All concepts and movements taught by us are universal; meaning they can just as easily be done with a weapon as without one. You do not have to physically utilize a weapon to employ its applications.
Training with weapons is done for reasons both traditional or cultural and practical. The cultures where our arts are derived are weapons based cultures – whether blade culture or other. War is fought with weapons. True combat, in particular self defense, is not a sport where there are rules, rings, and referees. A fight is ended only when the victor ends the engagement. To go to war without a weapon is stupid and suicidal.
Understanding weapons is essential to defending yourself against one. An armed attacker is a situation to be avoided at all costs. It is extremely dangerous and life threatening. As such, you must know the strengths and possible vulnerabilities of each weapon.
Initial training is done with weapons first to develop correct body mechanics, coordination, timing, understanding of distance, footwork, and flow. In addition, it develops a mentality of awareness, confidence, and weapons respect. A proper respect of weapons and the damage they can inflict must be grasped. Physically weapons training conditions the body and helps students to avoid errors in judgment.
The principles are taught through movement that creates muscle memory so that action or reaction is not dependent on brain memory. This allows for natural responses that are essential for surviving a conflict.
This type of training leads to a faster progression. Thereby, allowing students to more quickly transition to an understanding of how to defend themselves. However, it can not be taught by individuals who do not possess the knowledge of reasoning, detailed instruction, and extensive time in training with weapons. If you are interested in learning how to use and defend against weapons, avoid anyone that does not have this type of background and qualifications.
Our Weapons Curriculum
Our weapons training is based primarily in the Filipino Martial Arts, Silat, Kun Tao, and Native American combative arts. We cover 4 classifications of weapons. Each can easily transition into empty hand application with little or no modification. Weapons can be used individually or in multiples. The classifications are:
Edged Weapons
Includes the use of knives, swords, axes, etc.
Impact Weapons
Includes the use of palm sticks, shorts sticks, cane, clubs, staff, etc.
Flexible Weapons
Includes the use of ropes, chains, sarongs, etc.
Projectile Weapons
Includes the use of throwing weapons, archery, firearms, etc.
We also cover training with weapons that are a combination of classifications such as nunchaku, tabak-toyok, etc.