Modern Weapons Training: Practicality and Translating your Traditional art to suit your modern needs

   Ok, so lets talk about weapons.... No not guns, although a well rounded martial artist even if they detest guns should be versed enough to be proficient in their use. Why you might ask? Well last time I checked that was the weapon of choice for most of the bad people in the world so if they are going to use them then I should to if I want to take them away. Think about it for a second You train to disarm a gun but do you know how to use it or unload it or even turn on the safety? Another thing to think about with guns is that if you are familiar with guns then you will have less of a fear, that being said you will also learn better how to disarm if you know how to arm. Ok done with the guns I said my piece.
But what about all the other weapons out there where do they come in are they obsolete....hell no. Ok reality time, the practices of some weapons and weapon arts should be put into the category of spiritual and or sport and not touted as practical. For example when was the last time you went to the grocery store and brought along your samurai sword, spear or halberd? Does this mean that it is worthless...no not at all but we need to train ourselves to think modern. Many of the practices and principles that we are taught for classic weapons can easily be translated to a modern equivalent ( right now your probably like what is the equivalent to a rope dart or three section staff, well hold on I'm getting there). Here are some examples of traditional weapons and weapons techniques that can be translated into use with modern and readily available items.

• Katana / Hanbo / Any two handed sword = Baseball bat, axe handle or any stick (pipe)  30" to 40"
• Halberd / Pole axe = Shovel, spade or rake
• Staff = (pretty much the same) Pool cue / broom stick
• Barong / kung fu Dao and  any Single Handed sword = Machete
• Stick / Club (ok this one doesn't really change)
• Dagger / Dirk = knife folding or fixed blade (pretty much the same)
•  Flail / Whip / Nunchukas / Chain Whip / Rope Dart (see told you) = your Belt, chain, rope with a big knot in it, kubaton key chain

You should also consider adding some non conventional weapons training to your arsenal remember  a weapon isn't inherently a  weapon until you make it one. Here are a few example of some obscure but effective items that can be used as a weapon in a pinch.

• rolled up magazine
• a credit card
• heavy boots or steel toe boots and shoes
• a cell phone
• a pen or pencil
• a marker
• a flashlight
• a backpack or purse
• a shopping bag full of goods
• a stapler
• a book
• pretty much anything you wouldn't want to get hit with.

You should consider adding these ideas and item to your training regimen. Even just  playing with some of these weapons and ideas can not only help you to realize that weapons are all around you but how to utilize your environment better and truly and fully get the most from your weapons training. Remember be practical and the next time your doing a taichi sword form or in kendo class think of other objects that could be wielded in the same manner for a devastating effect in a real self defense scenario.

Remember 
Real Violence needs Real Solutions
M.U.C.T