Benefits of Training With Martial Arts Weapons
Benefits of Training With Martial Arts Weapons
There are many benefits and opportunities in martial arts training. Some of those benefits come from learning to use various martial arts weapons. Many traditional martial arts schools, especially those that teach Korean Hapkido and Chinese kung fu styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum. Popular weapons from Hapkido systems include the long staff, short stick, cane, sword, belt and fan. Chinese kung fu styles utilize broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly knives as well as their own versions of the staff. Of course, there are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above are the more common ones taught. Some of the more exotic weapons include the iron fan, rope dart and the hook swords.
Martial arts weapons can be divided into those for short and long range. An example of a short range weapon would be a pair of short sticks. The bo staff would be a long range weapon because of its longer reach. Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed. Knives and swords of course would be bladed weapons whereas staffs and canes would be non-bladed. In most training situations with bladed weapons, the blades are not live. That is, the blades of swords and knives are blunt rather than sharp. This adds to the safety aspect of martial arts weapons training. Weapons can also come in different weights from heavy traditional models down to ultra light weight modern versions for forms competition.
In Hapkido and other martial arts systems, weapons are considered as extensions of the martial artist’s own body. For example, strikes with a Hapkido short stick are really extended hand techniques. Blocks with weapons like the Hapkido cane or staff are modeled after traditional martial art empty hand blocking techniques. Therefore, it is important for martial arts students to be relatively proficient with empty hand techniques first before learning to use any martial arts weapon. This will help the students to better understand the applications behind each weapons technique much better. In most Korean Hapkido Federation schools, weapons training won’t be offered until students reach an intermediate level such as green or blue belt. There are martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented. An example is Korean kumdo which is modeled after shilla warrior sword fighting. Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the South Pacific islands.
In Hapkido I learned the many benefits in training with martial arts weaponry. Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will help develop muscle tone and strength. Performing forms or poomse with weapons will also develop coordination. In today’s world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as in past days when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one traveled. However, with some understanding of proper weapons techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any household item such as an
10 Reasons Why American Dragon Martial Arts Academies is the BEST School for YOUR Family!
Ten Reasons Why American Dragon Martial Arts Academies Is The Best School For Your Family
1. Our Staff: The Taekwondo and Hapkido instructors at our school are among the best in the world. They are highly skilled martial artists, and motivators who lead by example and teach with patience and enthusiasm. All of our teachers are licensed and certified by the world headquarters in Korea. They will take a personal interest and be committed to your child’s success.
2. Our Teaching Methods: Watch any of our Taekwondo or Hapkido classes and you will notice how we combine respectful discipline with a friendly hands-on approach. You will also notice the use of praise to provide positive motivation, explanations, and physical demonstrations to accommodate all learning styles.
3. Our Curriculum: Designed by the world headquarters in Korea, our curriculum includes the most exciting and beneficial aspects of Taekwondo and Hapkido. These include kicking to improve flexibility, forms for balance, and partner drills to improve speed and reflexes. Your child will also be introduced to board breaking to increase confidence. Your child will experience cultural diversity learning some of the simple phrases of the Korean language giving them valuable skills for the future. Our students also get an opportunity to participate in our summer cultural exchange program working with student from Korea or traveling with our school to Korea for training in Taekwondo and Hapkido.
4. Our Class Structure: No two Taekwondo or Hapkido classes are exactly alike. A variety of drills are used to disguise repetition and keep your child interested while refining their skills at the same time.
5. Our Students: Where else can you surround your child with a dedicated group of young people all working together to develop their physical, mental, and emotional strength? Training side by side with other children of their same level will not only develop your child’s cooperation skills but will encourage friendships that motivate them to attend Taekwondo and Hapkido classes regularly.
6. Our Belt System: Traditional sports are limited in their ability to recognize a student’s increase in knowledge and ability. Our 10 different colored belts