Weapons

The concept of using weapons

Weapons in martial arts are considered as a natural extension of the arms and of the consciousness of the practitioner.
In addition, the weapons convey a notion of heritage from the past; this symbolises a tribute to ancestral fighting methods.

Why use weapons in martial arts?

At first sight, weapons as a whole are often a sign of violence, of attack.
However, in the martial arts, the use of weapons is quite different and ensures a development of oneself in all points.

Below are the interests of joining weapons to your martial discipline.

• Better coordination : the handling of weapons allows you to develop your reflexes, your speed, your agility but also your fine motor skills (focuses on the work of small muscles to increase the precision of movements).
• The unlimited power of weapons : indeed, you may want to train with a stick, a sword or a halberd. However, you should not limit yourself to the weapon you wield.
  By this we mean that in real life conditions if you have to defend yourself but are not in possession of your weapon; any other object may be able to help you.
  A person who has already handled a weapon can easily appropriate an object on the spot and use it as a mean of defence (an umbrella, a broom,...)
• A tenfold strength: It may seem contradictory, but the use of a weapon has a greater range than a blow with the hand or foot.
  We also understand that a weapon has a weight (and some are heavier than others), it is certain that training will be required before you reach perfect dexterity and ease. However, as soon as you know how to handle a weapon, you will notice that your strikes intensify, your impacts multiply but require less effort and a reduced attack time (faster and safer attack).

Weapons classification

We have a very large number of weapons.
We can establish 2 classifications that are complementary: the classification of weapons by their associated elements and the classification of weapons by their type.

Their complementarity lies in the fact that one type of weapon, for example the short arms category, may contain weapons with different elements.
For example here for this category (the short weapons) we find the saber which is related to metal and the sword which is related to fire.
You can thus find the ideal weapon according to your discipline, the type of weapon but also the element that most resembles you or that you intend to exploit.

Classification according to the elements

There are 5 categories of weapons; 5 categories corresponding to the 5 elements of the Chinese tradition.

• Fire: this element includes swords. It is said that wielding a weapon related to the fire element confers speed and joy. In addition, using a fire weapon promotes the circulation of blood and strengthens the energy of the heart.
• Water: the main weapon of this element is the spear. The use of this weapon improves the energy of the kidneys and is based on internal work involving the deep tissues of the bones and joints.
• Earth: this element has the stick as its weapon of choice. This connection to the earth includes the use of the stick as a means of refocusing on oneself. This element is described as a regulator and the use of the stick (or any other weapon related to the earth element) favours the reinforcement of the energy of the spleen.
• Metal: this element is a sign of self-development: confidence, self-assurance and affirmation. We also note that the handling of weapons related to this element helps to develop one's breath. Among these weapons we note the main one being the saber.
• Wood: it is the last element. The handling of weapons of this element, such as the halberd, gives courage to the practitioner. Moreover, the heaviness of the weapons of the wood element contributes to strengthen the tendons and the liver.

Classification by type

Initially, the Shaolin Monastery had established 18 types of weapons which were actually agricultural tools.
Over time, the nomenclature has evolved and now includes a multitude of weapons and this thanks to the practices derived from certain martial arts inducing the creation of new weapons and thanks to technical advances.
The following classification is now used, with 5 main categories to visualise the use of the weapon.

• So-called short weapons (sabres, swords, canes, knives, metal fans,...)
• long weapons (sticks, spears, halberds)
• flexible/soft weapons (tri-sticks, chains, whips, ropes with projectile)
• double weapons (double sabers, double swords, double knives, double sticks, ...)
• throwing weapons (shurikens, throwing knives, bows, ...)