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Martial Arts Weapons Training
Introduction to Stick Weapons: Baton, BoStaff, Nunchuck, and Tonfa
In this class, you will be introduced to the basic concepts of manipulating and moving with each of the 4 traditional stick weapons: Baton, BoStaff, Nunchuck, and Tonfa.
After your 4th class trying each weapon, you will choose one apparatus to master.
Here, we will focus on functional movements borrowed from MMA, modernized forms, partnered applications, and freestyle choreography. Look like a ninja in the weapons intro class!
4 traditional stick weapons
Baton: AKA short stick, bastón, billy club, truncheon. The baton is the most commonly used apparatus for compliance and self defense. Learning this basic tool will open up a world of techniques and opportunities into learning other weapons.
BoStaff: AKA long stick, Quarter staff, Polearm, spear, jahnbong, lance, broomstick.
This is the "grandfather" of all weapons. Often used for hiking, a long stick has been used by all humans since the beginning of time. As the stick gets worn out, it may break down into shorter pieces and lend you into other stick applications. The journey of all weapon applications start with the Staff.
Nunchuck: AKA nunchaku, flail, tethered sticks.
The history of this weapon is debated but it derives from a broken stick that is re-tethered for a different form of use. Also derives from a broken long flail that was used in farming rice. The word "nun" means two, and "shaku" was an old Japanese unit of measure. This weapon has become more popular in modern times because of its concealable size for urban practice. The speed and flexibility of the weapon is dazzling to spectators and intimidating to threats.
Tonfa: AKA the night stick.
This is a traditional Okinawan weapon that some say derives from a milling tool. This weapon has been popularized by police enforcement since feudal Japan as a non lethal weapon of self defense and compliance. The beauty of this apparatus is that it is a pure extension of the hand. This makes it the weapon of choice for people with a background in hand to hand boxing, and makes for a great training device to improve your hooks.
