Training with classical weapons in the age of the Gun

In my Kung-Fu school we train with classical chinese weapons. Staff, Broadsword, Straight Sword, Chainwhip, Kwan Dao (Halberd), Tie Cha (Sai), Er Chie Kuen (Nunchaku), Spear, 3-Sectional Staff and others. Some people would question the benefits of training with such weapons when the most commonly used weapons are pistols, rifles, shotguns and other projectile weapons. The classical weapons were the military weapons of their day, so shouldn't we be training with the current military weapons of our time?


There are some benefits to training with classical weapons. Here are a few:

1. It challenges your mind when learning how to handle a classical weapon  

    Each weapon you train with has a unique feel, training with a staff has a different feel than training with a spear.  There are different principles involved in correctly using both.  Flexible weapons like the nunchaku, spear, 3-section staff and chain whip all have a different feel than using non-flexible weapons. Long weapons have different advantages and disadvantages than using short weapons. You have to learn the strengths, weaknesses and principles of each weapon until you can truly use it effectively.  By learning to use each weapon effectively, you are training your neural pathways in different ways which will enhance your mental development.

2. You train your body so that you can make the weapon an extension of it

     True skill with weapons occurs when the practitioner handling the weapon makes it a part of him/her.  The weapon becomes like another limb and the practitioner has full and complete control over it. Having broken my nose with a 3-Sectional staff, I can tell you that this is way easier said than done. It takes countless hours of practice to acheive this feat. But once you do you gain an advantage over your opponent because you can extend your reach and fighting ability with it.

3. The Weapons train your body in ways that your empty hand techniques do not

     Training with weapons also trains different areas of the body in ways that empty hand forms do not. One of my staff workouts incorporates using different staff spins using both hands 50 times each. My shoulders, forearms and wrists are extremely sore afterwards but it is a great workout. Each weapon works the body in a different way.

4. Everyday objects become weapons

     

     When you train with classical weapons, you can substitute them for everyday objects. A detachable broom handle can substitute in place of a staff, A garbage can top and a stick can substitute for a broadsword and shield. You can use an umbrella or a cane as a straightsword or broadsword.  There are certain weapons forms that incorporate the use of benches which can be substituted for chairs.  A tragic example of this is how the 9/11 hijackers took control of the airplanes using simple boxcutters. Pre 9/11, the security teams at the airports screened mainly for guns and knives but the attackers  used boxcutters  as weapons against defenseless passengers and flight crew. So after the security screening the passengers were unarmed but unfortunately the terrorists were not. 

5. Training with weapons can increase your overall skill

     Training your mind and body differently can improve your overall martial ability. Also when you understand the true principles behind using a weapon, you no longer need to use it. Legend has it that Xingyichuan (Mind-Form boxing) was created by General Yue Fei.  It was supposedly based on spear fighting techniques. If you understand the principle that the weapon embodies,  you can discard the weapon and use your whole body in its place.  

The dialogue between the King of Qin and Jet Li's character 'Nameless' at the end of the movie 'Hero' exemplifies this point. The King is discussing the levels of swordsmanship. 

"Swordsmanship's first achievement; is the unity of man and sword. Once this unity is attained

even a blade of grass can be a weapon.The second achievement is when the sword exists in one's heart. When absent from one's hand, one can strike an enemy at paces even with bare hands.  Swordsmanship's ultimate achievement is the absence of the sword in both hand and heart. The swordsman is at peace
with the rest of the world, he vows not to kill and to bring peace to mankind"*

  *taken from the website - http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/h/hero-script-transcript-jet-li.html