ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS:

The countries of Asia have a rich tradition of weapons use, and over the centuries have developed an astonishing variety of weapons with an equal variety of approaches to their use.  A significant amount of literature exists and training is available for the following weapons: Fan (Tessen), Shuriken, Sai, Kama, Nunchaku, Tonfa, Chinese Straight Sword (sometimes termed Tai-Chi Sword), Chinese Butterfly Swords, Chinese Sabre (Dao), Bokken, Jo, Bo, and Oar.  These represent a mix of thrown weapons (Shuriken), disguised weapons (Fan), law enforcement and military weapons (Sai and Kama), adapted civilian implements (Tonfa, Nunchaku, and Oar), staff weapons (Bo and Jo), and swords (Chinese Butterfly Swords, Straight Sword, and Sabre and Bokken). 

WHY ASIAN WEAPONS AND EUROPEAN FENCING?

Asian weapons offer a wide variety of weapons and techniques that broaden our existing programs, parallel our study of historical European weapons in the Medieval, Rennaissance, and Enlightenment periods.  As a school for modern, classical, and historical fencing it just seems to make sense to offer as wide a look at weapons of cold steel and wood as is practical.  And we are already offering instruction in the cane, a weapon that bridges the European and Asian weapons traditions.  If it is pointy, we want to do it ...  

WHAT WE TEACH: 

Starting in April 2008 Salle Green will start to offer study group instruction in various Asian weapons.  The intent of this program is to present a very disciplined and traditional approach to each weapon over a sufficient period of time to allow the participant to develop competence in its use.  The program will teach techniques, traditional kata (a series of techniques linked together to provide a comprehensive practice of the entire system), and controlled sparring.  The length of time devoted to each weapon will depend on the complexity of the weapon and the requirements for its mastery.  Participants will be expected to master technique and katas from a variety of sources and to develop an in-depth knowledge of the weapon, its history, its literature, and its use.  Completion of study of a weapon will be marked by practical and written testing and will result in award of a belt rank, as common in the Asian martial arts tradition.  This program is for people with a serious interest in Asian weapons and a willingness to pursue a highly disciplined and traditional martial arts approach.

CURRENT SCHEDULE:

Instruction in the Shuriken-jutsu using the hira shuriken (also termed shaken) using the senban shuriken of the Togakure Ryu will start in April 2008.  Preregistration is available.

EQUIPMENT:

Students are expected to equip themselves with an appropriate uniform (either gi or hakama) - for current martial arts practitioners the uniform of your current school is acceptable; for others wear of the Salle gi with the Salle mon patch is expected after the first class.  Students will provide their own weapons for the particular weapon being studied.  We can recommend sources and specific products for each course.

Because some of the weapons studied in this program are regulated under Virginia law, we recommend the following to avoid complications.  First, we will provide limited storage for your weapons in the Salle based on available space - we recommend that you leave any regulated weapon in the Salle.  Second, transportation of weapons in vehicles is governed by strict laws - weapons must be securely packaged and stored in the trunk or in another area of the vehicle where they cannot be readily accessed by those in the passenger compartment - this is specifically applicable to shuriken and nunchaku, and may apply to other weapons as well.  Third, wherever possible equipment that is a reasonable simulation of the actual weapon but that does not involve a sharp blade or solid contact surface should be used. Fourth, at all times when you are transporting weapons carry your Salle Way of Weapons passport with you to identify that you are a legitimate student of a martial art.  

CUSTOMS:

Instruction in Salle Green in Asian weapons is conducted in a traditional dojo atmosphere.  A handout of specific applicable dojo customs is provided to each student, and compliance with these customs is expected.

SAFETY:

Practice with the weapons used in this program requires disciplined performance of skills taught through a variety of drills and kata.  This program does not involve contact with other practitioners.  The Salle reserves the right to immediately terminate the participation of any student unwilling or unable to follow safety guidelines for the particular weapon or activity.   

WITH WHOM ARE WE AFFILIATED?

The world of Asian martial arts is wildly populated by organizations of individuals and dojos, ranging from the very serious organizations that are clearly national and international governing bodies for particular arts to those that clearly are pay money-get a diploma operations.  Because our Way of Weapons program crosses national lines (we expect to offer Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Okinawan weapons for study) and art lines, we have looked for affiliation with organizations that represent independent programs.  For this year we are affiliated with the Combat Martial Arts Practitioners Association and the Independent Martial Arts Federation.