Having competed in hundreds of competitions over the past thirty years I’ve discovered a few secrets that have carried me a long way in weapons training and competition. But before I give you info on some of the things that have helped me, consider this. You are only as good as your training. In this I mean, sloppy technique usually comes from lack the of repetition. I treat my training like part of my religion and am never unfaithful. Its easy enough to say, I don’t have the time. But if you really want something bad enough you will find the time and place. So having said that, you now know one of the biggest secrets of all.
Here are six steps that will help in your weapons training:
First: Pick the proper weapon for you.
Someone else may possess greater skill in one particular weapon that you may have trouble learning. Many times this is due to the fact that their weapon is to big or to heavy for you. A weapon can usually be bought in several sizes. Don’t train with the wrong size or weight weapon.
Pick a weapon you like and feel comfortable with. Remember in ancient times a weapon was tailor made for that individual or modified by that person to fit them, their lives were at stake. The Studio weapon is usually not the one for you, besides if you are serious, spend the money for a good weapon, you won’t regret it
Second: Find a place to train that allows you enough space to easily do all the techniques without destroying the weapon or the walls.
Make sure you are training on a surface that is not going to give you repetitive injuries. Try to train in an environment free from contaminants, some outside areas in the city are not healthy and respiratory problems can occur from the pollutants there. Climate control is best, a temperature of 65 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is best for maximum results. If it is to hot or to cold your body will react robbing you of valuable energy or moisture to sustain your workout.
Third: Train using proper techniques.
Wasting valuable hours on useless methods can eventually demoralize you as you compete and get last place or demonstrate usage and look like a fool. Seek out knowledge where ever you can. Remember most martial arts schools specialize in open hand and weapons are a secondary part of the training. What you train in is your business and anyone who says training in other art forms is bad, usually wants your money, and may not possess the talent to give you the skill needed to really master that weapon.
Fourth: Decide what you want to accomplish.
If merely mastering that weapon is what your after, than a different approach to your training must be made than if you are competing. Either way a high degree of skill will be required to achieve mastery. Also open or contemporary weapons training involve more manipulation and higher risk techniques than traditional weapons training. Planning your goals make for a more efficient use of resources such as time and money. Tournament competition can absorb resources and require a sponsor. Just training is much cheaper but involves a commitment on your time. Plan your time wisely and budget your money.
Fifth: Use a video camera to tape your weapons forms.
A picture is worth a thousand words and many of the greatest weapons practitioners out there use this tool to spot sloppy technique and make changes. Time your form, if your form is off by more than three seconds on each run, your doing something wrong. Remember to make all movements as precise as possible. Use a complete range of motion, this will give your weapon more power and look much better to someone watching. You are bending light to the eye of all who watch your movements, yes I said bending light. Any time you move your weapon in fast circular motions you exceed the brain and eyes capacity to compute the light and shape of the object. This gives it the distortion needed to accomplish an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A video camera can easily show all of these details and save many wasted hours.
Sixth: The secret is…
THERE IS NO SECRET. Only through countless hours of repetition can you become great with your weapon. Dedication and motivation are the key to success. Failure is only a step along the path.
The pleasure derived from the mastery of an ancient weapon is something you can experience the rest of your life. You can have great workouts that burn calories and give you exercise. Anyone can master a weapon. I’ve seen under black belt students with the skill to defeat any black belt. And black belts who could defeat anyone in the world. You can enjoy their benefits long into your late years and teach your grandchildren something they will never forget.
