Training Question: Weapons or unarmed?

[sojobow]

Just wondering, would training be more realistic and worthwhile if we train using weapons from the start instead of unarmed training. Some Jujitsu schools don't introduce weapons until almost a blackbelt. Most schools don't introduce weapons until your proficient in unarmed combat. But realistically, an attacker is gonna have some type of weapon today. Hope there are some teachers out there that can share some insights with us.

[onemanlan]

Is this a question or a statement?

Yes, attackers usually use weapons... in all periods of history(not just now), but disarmed combat is probably what's best to learn first. Knowing how to use your skills without the complications of weapons is a good thing, once you've got that down it will most likely be much easier for you to learn defense against weapons.

Just my opinion.

[Mad_Mally]

Learn weapons early

It is better to get exposure to weapons from the start, that way you have some experiance against defending against attacks and fighting with a weapon. Also, it makes it easier to learn how to use weapons when you're a black belt because you have at lest a feel for the weapons.

[Tant01]

The biggest reason I don't call myself an "artist" is because I don't wish to be associated in any way with sport martial arts that seperate weapons from training, they are not REALLY martial schools at all (imho). "Martial" arts are about killing many enemies, the best way to do that has never been bare handed.

My youngest daughter (6yrs) got her first folding knife at age 3. It's got a (real) sharp stainless steel blade with serrations and a thumb stud. It's for "fishing" right now but she learned how to open it with her thumb and close it without cutting her fingers! She also knows a real knee takedown, front kick, side kick and a couple Judo chokes that she only plays with Daddy...When she's old enough and has some desire to learn MA she'll have an edge over the typical Mc. Dojo's curriculum. For now it's just play and recreation, eventually she'll have skills wether she trains in MA or not. Her first GUN is only a few years away and she already knows the basic parts and safety rules! I can hardly wait!

[sojobow]

Is this a question or a statement?......
Just my opinion.

And your opinion is much appreciated. Forgive my omission of the question mark ending the very first sentence in the initial inquiry.

[SimonM]

Just wondering, would training be more realistic and worthwhile if we train using weapons from the start instead of unarmed training.

My sifu starts with weapons in white belt. The first one is a single stick 1.5 feet long. There is nothing un-beneficial in training in weapons from the beginning but it is unrealistic to expect to begin learning advanced sword arts before you know how to coordinate your hips and hands.

[aseepish]

My youngest daughter (6yrs) got her first folding knife at age 3. It's got a (real) sharp stainless steel blade with serrations and a thumb stud. It's for "fishing" right now but she learned how to open it with her thumb and close it without cutting her fingers! She also knows a real knee takedown, front kick, side kick and a couple Judo chokes that she only plays with Daddy...

I wish I had got my start that young!

I personally like the Filipino approach to weapons training - start from day one. I remember my first Arnis class. I was shown how to grip the stick, some basic angles of attack, some basic blocks. I started sparring on day two.

Whether or not you will be armed/unarmed, weapons training supercharges your empty-hand techniques. Your foot work will be faster, and your reflexes and reaction time will improve.

Do solo training with something heavier - like an axe-handle. This will force you to coordinate your arm-hip movement.

[medic06]

Personally, I think unarmed and weapons training should be taught together. Learning one helps you to understand the other, and it can help you drive home the seriousness of real fighting (nothing wakes you up quite like the sound of rattan whistling past your ear).

I think any serious RB martial art should address weapons ASAP.

[ChunGi]

i was taught weapon defense form the start..... i think thats how it should be done.... using weapons wont accually teach u anything abotu fighting. u are never going to have a pair of nunchucks with u on the street. I train with a katana someitems cause it helsp u develop strengrth adn self control, but i know im not going to accually apply any of that training in a fight or flight situation.

[Tant01]

Personally, I think ...
..it can help you drive home the seriousness of real fighting (nothing wakes you up quite like the sound of rattan whistling past your ear).

I think any serious RB martial art should address weapons ASAP.

Indeed. If you think a stick is a good wake up call (and IT IS!) steel is even more so. Not to mention lead. It really drives home the important role of footwork. Evasion has more meaning and DISARMS are the bread and butter!

Any realistic "reality" based SD should include live fire training and retention training (not at the same time) Too often the defensive weapon becomes the murder weapon when the BG gets it away and uses it on you. (Something like 1 in 5 officers shot in the line of duty are shot with their own sidearm)

Sad. We won't even bring up how frequently they miss the intended target in actual shooting events.

[medic06]

using weapons wont accually teach u anything abotu fighting.

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I hope Jubaji doesn't have this copyrighted.

[sojobow]

I wish I had got my start that young!

I personally like the Filipino approach to weapons training - start from day one. I remember my first Arnis class. I was shown how to grip the stick, some basic angles of attack, some basic blocks. I started sparring on day two.

Young? Me too. The more I have the opportunity to use the sticks, the more I learn the value of moving those big feet - and moving them fast. Plus, distance becomes more realistic. Actually, I find that when we introduce weapons in training, you really have to train a lot out of class as you're consuming a lot of information. Stretching, running, 600 kicks, 2-300 punches, body movements, stances, fall and rolls, attack sequences, strength and stamina training, weapons techniques - then you go home and should work as much, if not more, than you did in class. Adding weapons seems to double the time you have to devote to train. It shows when you don't.

On top of all of this, the probability of being injured increases quite a bit. You evaded the punch and kicks, then burst a knuckle with the stick.