Forum Suggestion.

[HDL]

After looking around, I notice you people have different forums for different styles, cultures, and topics. I haven't seen a weapons forum here though. I would think it's a great idea for people to find help regarding their weapon(s) with a weapon forum. Or for those who just like to discuss their weapon, and why they prefer it over other weapons. Just like the styles, the weapons can adapt to different situations and be used differently. My weapon of choice is my mind, but as for tangible, I prefer a staff (I still don't know the name), which is 4'6'' long. Unlike a regular Bo (which the standard size for it is 6'), my weapon requires less weilding technique, and focuses more on alternation between blocking and swift strong strikes. There are the occasional periods where you get to execute an overwhelmingly powerful blow, but as short as the staff is, it isn't recommended for the most part (only if you really have the time). The spins you can perform with it in conjunction with its adaptability make it a nice smooth, fluent weapon when used right. It's also perfectly safe to train with a real Hanbo without having the danger of being cut when you start practicing. That's why I prefer it. I also like to practice with Shaken in case I may need them. Yes, I'm seeking to become more like a ninja. What is your weapon(s) of choice?

[Kosh]

In hapkido we use a few different weapons.

We use mainly the staff, but this is more for conditioning than for self defence, its the closest thing in Hapkido to patterns.

We also learn how to use a batton (about a foot long) properly, this is more for self defence.

We also train with nunchaku and sword, but thats only in the higher dans.

Oh yeah and rope aswell, again more of a self defence thing...imobilisation and stuff.

I personally think that nunchaku are the best self defence weapon (apart from good shoes), since they can be concealed and are very destructive. Some people think they are selfdestructive but i dont think thats true...ive never hurt myself with them and you only need to hit someone once with them and they are down.

Marc

[HDL]

So you like the Nunchakus. My 4'6" staff is wood, and I noticed it cracking a bit. I am going to get a 5' aluminum staff. Not only will it not crack, but it is harder to scratch and it's a nice blue color! Since it's 5', I can properly call it a Bo as opposed to being confused with the name. As for the Batons, I am not very good with them (I never trained with those). I find it a bit harder since they are lighter and you need fast hand action. The Batons are also very similar to the Escrima Sticks (Hanbos) which are 3'. Those usually come in pairs, and they look like Nunchakus that are separate. I am self-taught with the Bo, and after more training and meditation I will try sparring against those who have been schooled. I will eventually be schooled myself, but I want to make sure I have plenty of prior experience. That's why I'm glad I'm getting this new aluminum Bo. Like your Nunchakus, I can deliver a one-hit strike, but that's considering the opponent is an average street rat, lol. It's very flexible (as in situational flexible) and can be weilded with ease after training. It's also cool to demontrate with it, because with plenty of training (and meditation) you can move it around swiftly yet fluently and still look like you're not putting much effort into it. I love passing it around the back of my right shoulder and over, then catching it with the same hand and maneuvering it back into a ready position while my left hand just swings in the breeze, lol. You also said that people in Hapkido use mainly staffs? I've been wondering about what type of style I've been developing, and I figured the only way to find out for sure would be needing an appraisal from someone in a school. If the staffs use only one type of style though, then I would know easier. What else can you tell me about the staffs?

[Kosh]

Like it said, its the clostest thing we have to patterns and is mainly for exercise/demonstration.

I had to do the first pattern for my Black Belt grading, follow this link for some videos.

http://www.dur.ac.uk/hapkido.club/menu.htm

...but the long stick 1st pattern is missing

its mainly spinning, over two hands. there about 10 individual movements. inlcuding spinning behind your back.

The second pattern is alot more fluid, with strikes and stuff.

The thrid is with two sticks.

BTW i cracked my staff too, the other week.

[ryanhall]

Nunchaku the 'best self-defense weapon?' Maybe we should have a weapons forum to correct some nasty misconceptions about them?

I have a few words in response to 'nunchaku':
1) gun
2) knife
3) OC spray

And while we're on the subject of silly weapons that you won't ever be able to carry (like nunchucks):
1) chainsaw
2) 9 iron
3) tire iron
4) halberd

[Szczepankiewicz]

Why carry a 9 iron when you can sport a sand wedge??

[ryanhall]

I was always a fan of the big daddy--the driver. But I have a nasty slice, so it doesn't see much play time.

[Kosh]

Originally Posted by ryanhall

Nunchaku the 'best self-defense weapon?' Maybe we should have a weapons forum to correct some nasty misconceptions about them?

I have a few words in response to 'nunchaku':
1) gun
2) knife
3) OC spray

1) guns are illegal in this country
2) i never want to stab anyone
3) yeah probably right

[Szczepankiewicz]

guns are illegal in this country

Then you got problems my friend.

[Thai Bri]

Correct! Hardly ANY of your fellow countrymen will be killed by guns! That is a big problem to have.

Fortunately our frineds in the US do not have that problem. Only way over 10,000 people get killed by guns over there........

[HDL]

While we're on the subject of guns, I used to live in NYC. I'm still in the U.S. now, but not a state; I live in a territory. Walking around with Machetes and Swords is fine here since people use them for land work. There are more problems with the drunks than there are with blades or guns. When that comes to case, it's usually with cars. Just earlier today I heard a car crash not too far from my house and a woman scream. Anyway, I believe a weapons forum would not only be beneficial for learning more about the weapons themselves and also ideas for using them and going against them, but it's a good topic that can vary since there are many different kinds of them. My aluminum Bo should arrive in about a week or something like that.