The Value of Supplementary Weapon Training.

There are many benefits of including weapons training in a Taekwondo program.

For starters, it can give students a greater sense of self-confidence and pride as they master more complex skills.

It also provides additional physical attributes such as: muscular endurance, muscular strength as well as improved hand eye coordination and balance. Incorporating weapons into a Taekwondo program also helps instill important values such as discipline, focus, and respect for traditional martial arts techniques which will ultimately benefit all participants' Taekwondo journey.

Another often overlooked aspect of this sort of training is that it can break up the monotony of always training the same thing over and over again.

Weapons exposure can be done in multiple ways.

There are some fun open tournament style weapons programs. Typically these teach basic weapon skills, however the focus is on the flash and “wow” factor that requires deft manipulation of the weapon in a non-traditional manner. These types of programs will typically work into an existing system without too many, if any, modifications. Typically short in duration, these require more disciplined practice at home.

There are traditional weapon programs that can offer their own rank progression. These systems are much more in depth and focus more on the “art” (forms) and “functional” (test cutting) use of a weapon. These systems/programs can be practiced for a lifetime.

Finally, there are some weapons arts that are practiced in an almost purely “functional” manner. These arts are useful as a work out and as a means of self defense. These systems will require a partner for most of the workouts, to derive the maximum benefit. The training is often quite rigorous, but quite rewarding in the end.

Ultimately supplementary weapon training is another tool in your training toolbox.

For those interested it can be quite a rewarding endeavor.