Taekwondo is about peace and serenity. It’s about finding balance in life, acting for the greater good and defending those powerless to defend themselves. It’s comprised chiefly of kicks and blocks, but can include a passing knowledge of some of the more common weapons used in all martial arts.
-
-
The western world is used to seeing the Sai being used as a sword, dagger or throwing weapon. Movies and comic books such as Elektra, Mortal Kombat and the Teenage Nutant Ninja Turtles show protagonists using twin Sais as their weapons of choice, with the emphasis on stabbing and attacking. Traditionally, however, the Sai is a pointed rod-shaped baton with an unsharpened projection on either side of the handle. It was used mainly in defence, and was particularly effective against the swords of the samurai, blocking the blades in its handles. One of the most effective non-lethal strikes is a short jab to the solar plexus.
-
-
The kama originates from a time when traditional weapons in China were outlawed. Farm workers had no choice but to develop agricultural tools that doubled as weapons of defence. The kama is sickle-like in construction, with wooden handles and curved steel blades. It was used to cut grain and rice, and it is still sometimes referred to as the “hand scythe”. They are often used in pairs, with one kama used for defence, trapping or blocking an opponent’s sword or spear, while the other is used to attack. In a more refined form, with a serrated upper edge and a sharp addition to the handle, it is considered one of the deadliest and stealthiest of all martial arts weapons.
-
-
In ancient times, training was conducted with real swords and real blades, and as a consequence the incidence of injury and death was high. To counter this unfortunate phenomenon, Shinai, bamboo practice swords, were developed for use in training and competitions. Shinai come in a wide range of styles and sizes to accommodate all practitioners; male, female, adult and child. Usually only one shinai is used at a time, but it is possible to use two in a style similar to that used by schools that teach two-handed swordsmanship.
-
-
The tonfa is shaped much like a modern, side-handled police baton and is in fact considered to be the police baton’s predecessor. It can be effectively used in both defence and attack. The shaft shields forearm and hand from incoming attacks, while the handle can be used to hook an opponent’s weapon, thereby disarming him or her. On the other hand, twirling the tonfa by the handle creates a tremendous amount of momentum, lending extra weight to any strike. Like many traditional weapons in martial arts, it can be used singularly or in pairs.
-
-
Taekwondo may be the path to finding your humanity and lead to spiritual enlightenment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get there without a lethal weapon at your side.
-
-
Recommended sites: http://www.wle.com/store/k_weapons.html
No comments:
Post a Comment