Yet Another Reason for Weapons Training

This one's going to be very simple...

For those of you that follow the news, how many times have you seen a story about a violent attack/mugging/robbery/etc., in which a criminal didn't use some sort of weapon? Almost never will you encounter an attacker that will only use empty-handed techniques that you see in traditional martial arts.

With that said, I would encourage everyone to not only train with weapons, but work on defending/avoiding weapons attacks as well. Not only that, but don't limit yourself to the traditional weapons such as the bo, kama, and sai--prison inmates prove daily how effective improvised weapons made from everything items can be, just ask any corrections officer.

Can You Love Your Weapon Too Much?

Anyone that knows me can tell you that I'm an advocate of weapons training, which makes what I'm about to say next seem rather contradictory, but all in all makes perfect sense:

Believe it or not, your weapon can actually hinder your overall self-defense skills.

Before everyone starts cussing me out, consider this...how many of us in the martial arts have been told something like this from someone who doesn't train in the arts: "I don't need any of that kung fu mess because all I need to do is pull the trigger on my gun." Don't get me wrong; a gun can stop any one from a white belt to a 10th-dan grandmaster to Bruce Lee any day. What I'm getting at is being overconfident and depending too much on that gun (any weapon for that matter) to defend yourself. For a perfect example, you can look at any good knife training class. They spend countless hours working on things other than knife attacks themselves.

Why?

With a knife (or any weapon), it is typically concealed in a sheath, in a pocket, or somewhere in which you have to actually get to it in order to use it. In a worst-case scenario, you may not be able to pull your knife out, or if you manage to get it out, it doesn't open. The same thing with a gun: you have to get it out first, and it just may not fire for whatever reason (jammed, safety still on, improper cleaning, etc.).

In the event any of these scenarios occur, you'd have to fall back on empty-handed self defense, right?

Everyone Should Start Weapons Training!

Yes, I'm a little biased toward weapons training, so allow me to explain why.

1. It's something different. What I mean by this is that it breaks the monotony of always working on katas and sparring. Anyone that has ever taught children knows the importance of changing things around and working on new things.

2. It forces you to concentrate on your technique. While this should definitely be a focus of empty-handed training, in weapons training this increases ten fold, if for no other reason, out of safety concerns. Imagine what could happen if you're not paying attention while performing a kama routine!

3. It's adaptable. If you look at it, many weapons techniques can be applied to empty-handed fighting as well. Kali/Escrima training is the perfect example.

4. It's practical. Training with weapons also translates to the real world. For example, think of how many everyday items can be used in a similar style as a bo or jo staff: a walking cane, an umbrella, a baseball bat, a random stick lying on the ground, and the list goes on.

5. It makes sense. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a "fair" fight, especially if your life is in danger. People use all kinds of weapons to get the upper hand, from beer bottles to knives to batons to clubs to guns to chains and on and on. If you know that 9 times out of 10 an assailant is going to be using a weapon, wouldn't it make sense for you to use one too?