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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 umbrella, cane or even a set of keys into weapons of self defense if required. Another important point that shouldn’t be ignored is that most practitioners will tell you that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.

It should be pointed out that not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach weaponry. Many Taekwondo schools for example do not include weapons in their overall training until you reach master level. This is not to say that Korean martial arts do not use weapons. As mentioned earlier the Korean martial art of Hapkido features the staff, sword and cane. So if a martial arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons they should look for a school that includes them in their training when the consider joining a martial arts program. Another alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their martial arts club that doesn’t have weapons training is to get supplementary private instruction from instructors who can provide it or to attend seminars.

In Hapkido class I found that weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to your overall martial arts training. Some advanced Tai-chi practitioners use swords in their forms. It doesn’t matter if the swords are made entirely of wood either, since the actual weapons techniques will still be used in the forms. For many martial arts competitors, weapon forms are their favorite divisions in which to compete. From a spectator point of view, weapons forms can be very exciting to watch, especially when weapons such as whip chains or spears with flags or tassels are used. Their presentations are so dynamic and appear dangerous to the user that the spectator is captivated. However, weapons have caused injuries to users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed. But like other aspects of the martial arts, proficiency with a martial art weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of satisfaction to a martial artist.

It is of paramount importance to study with an appropriately qualified and certified and certified martial arts instructor in order to learn proper technique and to avoid injury.

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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 combine the best in short and long term motivation continuously rewarding your child for their progress and leading them towards a higher goal. This benefit of Taekwondo and Hapkido training is not available in any other youth or family activity.

7. Our Special Events: In addition to standard Taekwondo and Hapkido classes we know kids need different events to look forward to. Every month, we run an extra event filled with fun and excitement. These include outdoor training, Costume parties, 24-hour camps, movie nights, demonstrations and more.

8. Our Recognition Program: In addition to our belt rank system and daily praise, our Taekwondo and Hapkido programs offer your child opportunities to be recognized for their effort and accomplishment. These include student of the month awards, outstanding performance trophies, yearly honoree plaques and modeling opportunities in our public advertising and on the website.

9. Our Family Program: As a member of our family program you can enhance the enjoyment your child gets out of the program, help them to understand and maintain the commitment they’ve made, and receive the benefits of the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies for yourself. Our Taekwondo and Hapkido programs are safe and fun, easy to learn and a great way to bond with your family.

10. Our Results: The strongest reason to make a commitment for your child is what they will gain from our Taekwondo and Hapkido classes. We offer training for a healthier body, a more focused mind and a more confident and disciplined spirit. Your decision to enroll your child is a commitment to developing your child’s abilities and providing for their individual needs. It isn’t just our trademark quality. It is our personal guarantee.

This isn’t just our opinion. It is the reason that every Taekwondo and Hapkido instructor in our organization has been nominated for, and inducted into, the “Action Radio Network and World Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame”. It is also why our school in the only martial arts school on the planet to be awarded the prestigious “School of the Year Award” from the Korean Martial Arts Instructors Association of Seoul, Korea.

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