[bamboo]

I train my sword work more than any other aspect of MAs, and the queston sometimes comes up as to "why" amongst my small circle of friends.

Building perception, and the ability to read a situation and people around you is a much negelcted yet enormously important aspect of studying martial arts, at least in my humble opinion.
The art of awareness, posture, breathing, the ability to keep calm under pressure, the art of seeing movement from the very moment it begins, the mindset of direct entry without hesitation regardless of the outcome.

I know that without the physical skillset you cannot call yourself a martial artist, I just think too much emphasis is put on physical skills without much training in the so called "internal aspects" (I'm not talking about "chi, ki, prajna" or whatever mystical activities some people play with). Working with the sword has given that. Not just cutting and footwork but actual sparring using leather bound shinai ( yes they sting like hell when you get hit by them).

There are of course many vehicles to gaining the attrributes I so covet but thought I would mention one that is often over looked. Its also fun as hell.

Well, enough of this, I need more newaza practice, I may be calm and know how to breath, but the ground aspect of my "game" is sorely lacking, back to the physical.

-bamboo

[dscott]

You do it because you enjoy it......is that not enough?

[bamboo]

Definately. Most never try without a reason though.

[BLACK PANTA]

I personally dont find any weapon obsolete. So I dont find the training futile.

[zefff]

3 section staff?

Actually I find sword and knife practice has effects that are far reaching and gives insight into all ranges and types of combat.

[Robert_RedBeard]

Sure some old weapons may be obsolete.

But the knowledge of those simple weapons is valuable IMHO. Never know when you may have to improvise something.

As far as staff, sword and knife type weapons go, I agree that they teach you much about distance, timing and the practicality of one's techniques.

[setsu nin to]

Obsolete? Well maybe you are right, but I will never admit it!

Lets take sword for example, practicing kenjutsu you get some great skills, that can be more than useful in unarmed combat. Great foot work, way to avoid attack, timing when to attack, you develop your muscles, its great for concentration? one advantage of sword art is that you cant have so realistic unarmed training as when real blade is attacking you, maybe even worst is naginata. I cant help to myself, but there is no unarmed drill that ever helped me to break fear from real combat, but yari, naginata and sword helped me. During the sparring I always know that its not for real, no mater who my opponent was or where we were or which rules we had, but when you see blade of naginata and its speed and power you know that its just training, but?

[Stazzy]

Weapons like the staff and spear also teach you to focus your power into a point. If you can extend your chi to the end of a spear, you can easily extend it to the end of your fist.

[Tease T Tickle]

I find it humorous that this thread was started by an aikidoka and no mention was made about using weapon forms to inspire empty-hand forms. The sword was highly important to O Sensai for designing and refining the techniques in his style.

In fact, if you think of some basic weapon motions, like thrusting with a spear, you can see very evidently how the same motion is used in certain Chinese lineages for hand strikes.

My personal favorite, though, is finding the martial arts in everyday activities. When my hands are full of groceries, I close the door with a hook kick. When I am done cleaning behind my fridge, I take its balance and move it back with a Ko Soto Gari. When I am at the club, I do not dance, I shadowbox.

[Gazelle]

Originally Posted by Tease T Tickle

My personal favorite, though, is finding the martial arts in everyday activities. When my hands are full of groceries, I close the door with a hook kick. When I am done cleaning behind my fridge, I take its balance and move it back with a Ko Soto Gari. When I am at the club, I do not dance, I shadowbox.

I admit, i do things like that, only my hands don't always have to be full of shopping.