What use are ancient weapons in karate today?

This is a question that is often asked by many martial artists. The use of a weapon has both moral and legal ramifications making ancient weapons training less appealing, yet there is still much interest concerning weapons training.

Many martial artists study or practice weapons purely for sport as they do other forms of martial arts. Weapons kata, like empty-hand kata, are made up or modified to appeal to the sport rather than any practical or traditional application. This is based more on the aesthetic appeal or "flashiness" of most weapons as they have been portrayed in movies and TV.

Other martial artists justify weapons training by drawing parallels between certain weapons and common objects that can be used in place of the original weapon. For example, using a broom or stick in place of a bo or jo. This appears to be a viable reason to practice weapons kata, but if a broom or other object is going to be used as a weapon, it is best to practice with the broom or object.

If we practice weapons for its aesthetic appeal in sport or search for a practical replacement for the weapon so that some modern tool can be used in its place, then we are missing the message hidden within the most basic weapons technique. To better understand the rationale behind weapons training, we need to study not just the specifics of the weapon, but the overall picture.

A weapon is just a tool. In our everyday lives, we use tools to enhance certain manual functions. The writing of this article is an example. It could be handwritten, but the quality, speed and accuracy of writing is greatly improved by the use of a word processor. The tools we use can be complicated or they can be simple. A lever to move a large stone is a simple tool requiring little knowledge for its use, while the computer is a complicated tool requiring much knowledge to use. Tools increase efficiency and practicality for manual tasks. Without tools our work would be more arduous.

To use any tool, even simple ones, takes a certain basic knowledge that becomes a "conscious reflex" action. Using the word processor example, the task of typing comes to mind. Assuming that we can read and write, the words that appear on the video screen and eventually on paper are transferred from the brain to the fingertips as they are thought. This is a "conscious reflex" action. In other words, while typing, the fingers can find the correct letters to form words without having to think out each individual stroke of the keys, but this action had to be learned. Ordinary reflex actions such as blinking or breathing are not learned, but natural reflex actions.

Karate weapons are no exception, they are simple tools. Their intent is to multiply power, add reach and provide self-protection. The weapon also adds another dimension to training. More physical effort is required to wield a weapon, thus developing strength and stamina. Because of increased leverages and momentum of swings, weapons training can be considered as a form of weight training and exercise. With an increase in health consciousness by the general public, any effort to improve our health and well being is always welcomed.

Weight lifting is a way to increase the strength and "usefulness" of our own bodies. Weights can increase the bulk and strength but it does little to develop natural reflexes. The weight is pushed up over the head or over the chest in straight lines and develops the muscles only in one plane. Weapons training as a form of weight training develops strength in movement and application, but doesn't add the bulk and strength that lifting "dead" weights can. Weapons training add another dimension in that the movement created while using the weapon, exercises muscles in the same path as the strike. This develops strength in the movement itself.

To fully understand the usefulness of weapons training, it is necessary to also understand the purpose of kata. As defined, kata is a series of techniques and footwork in a set sequence and pattern. The kata is also a way to develop "conscious reflex" actions. In other words, the kata trains the body, arms, feet and mind to react to situations without having to "think" out each movement. The kata develops "reflex" actions.

Going back to the typing example, those who do not type and those of us who remember our first experience recall how time consuming and difficult it is to type a large document by having to hunt each letter as it is typed. Once skills increased, it was possible to know when a mistake was made even without looking at the keys or paper. Reflex actions can be learned and kata is the tool by which to learn the reflex actions of self-defense.

Studying the movement of the weapon and the footwork for the weapons kata and comparing it to empty hand techniques is the real value of weapons practice. As explained earlier all kata develop "reflex" actions. The natural movements of empty hand kata are paralleled in weapons kata and the extension of the unconscious movements and techniques are embedded into the brain for future use. This focus strengthens not only the weapons techniques but also many empty hand techniques that it may parallel.

Those familiar with the Sai know the value of its training. Muscles in the forearm and back are developed as the Sai is swung downward. A seemingly subtle movement or position in holding the Sai while striking develops strength in the index fingers and wrist for an empty hand strike.

One last reason for weapons training is the preserve the artistic value of an ancient way of fighting. We are forever trying to preserve the past, by placing relics in museums or through the collection of art objects. The effort that was put forth to use these ancient weapons as objects of war should not be forgotten.

The weapon may be less appealing today because it is less practical to use as it was originally intended, but the enhancement of empty hand technique, reflexes and physical development that comes from weapons training is more than enough reason to train. With this training comes a feeling of confidence and well being and one step closer to mastering the "self".

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