Students in the martial arts may learn traditional Chinese weapons. Through weapons training all areas of the body are further developed. One will discover an increased ability to use concentration, the mind is more sharp, clear and focused. Students can develop 3 to 5 times further with weapons training than with empty hand alone. Basic weapons taught are the Broadsword, Staff, Straight Sword and Spear. There are 18 weapons taught in traditional Kung Fu systems. Many variations of these weapons exist.
The practitioner of the martial arts might only learn several standard forms using these weapons. Over time, the student may wish to specialize in a particular weapon or type of weapon. An example of this would be learning the Broadsword. At first, one would become proficient at a short form (32 movements) then learn a longer form up to 108 movements. Later, one would continue on to learn double broadsword, broadsword and shield, broadsword and whip chain and different styles of broadsword .Weapons training can further enhance a martial art practitioners ability. Ship Pal Gye, or 18 weapons training has many benefits such as :
- Increased hand - eye coordination
- Improved concentration
- Strength & Endurance
- Improved Reflexes & Timing
There are generally three classifications of weapons used:
Short weapons ( including broadswords, straight swords, knifes, etc.. ), Short weapons possess an advantage over long weapons in that they are easy to carry, more effective at close range and more easily concealed. In order to increase their defensive capability, some short weapons are used as double weapons, double knife, broadsword and straight sword.
Long weapons (including long staffs, spears, Kwan Does, and many variations of these types of weapons), provide advantages over an enemy carrying a short weapon in that they have the ability to strike the enemy before the short weapon became effective and long weapons had more killing potential if it was a heavy long weapon. There could be disadvantages in using long weapons. Endurance could be a problem if the weapon is heavy, and in close a long weapon loses some of its effectiveness.
Soft & projectile weapons (including 3 sectional staffs, nine section steel whips, rope daggers, etc.) are jointed or easily bent; and designed to be secondary weapons for use if the major weapon was lost in combat. The disadvantages of soft weapons are the techniques involved in their use are difficult to learn, they possessed relatively little killing potential and were easily defended against (with the exception of thrown or projectile weapons such as the bow and arrow) if one is familiar with them.
In Asia, as elsewhere, weapons were once practiced for military and self defense purposes. Over many thousands of years, different weapons were designed for unique purposes such as the Kwan Doe or Chung Yung Doe (a long staff weapon with a broadsword blade at one end) being originally used by calvary (soldiers on horseback). Over time, the weapon was cut down in size and weight to be used by foot soldiers to attack the incoming calvary (used to cut the horses legs).
Many weapons were once farming and hunting tools such as the axe and trident (a three tine fork on the end of a long wooden or steel rod). Farmers would have a need to defend themselves from marauding bands of pillagers and bandits and their farming tools were handy for combat.
In the present, weapons used in martial arts training are not very practical or efficient compared to firearms. The main emphasis is on the benefits one gains through weapons training. One should think of the weapon as a tool in order to further enhance training. The goal is to move with the weapon until the person's mind, body and weapon move together as one.
By putting a weapon in the hands of the martial arts student, the student them must use full presence of mind in order not to hurt them self or another. The concentration one develops is then enhanced by use of weapons training.