Shizendo weapons course starting at 10.00am to 1.00pm
The Jian
The Jian is a narrow-blade, double-edged sword, respected as the “King of Short Weapons” in China for millennia. In addition to the obvious self-defense uses, swords were commonly carried by scholars for their elegance and beauty. The study and practice of sword techniques, like any martial art, has value that can benefit all aspects of your life. This art form has been developing for over 4,000 years and represents a great development of human culture. Sword training promotes good health. Like any sport, perfecting the art of the sword requires extensive physical training, which results in a strong, finely tuned body. Sword technique retains its personal defense value because it trains one’s perceptions and reactions, allowing for quick and correct response to any situation. Finally, the most important aspect of the art of the sword remains its moral value. The practitioner must develop their endurance, perseverance, and humility. With continued practice, Tai Chi sword will strengthen your spiritual confidence, self-respect, and power.
Tonfa
Although the tonfa is most commonly associated with the Okinawan martial arts, its origin is heavily debated. One of the most commonly cited origins is China, although origins from Indonesia to Thailand are also possible. Okinawan tradition derives the tonfa from a millstone handle. The Chinese and Malay words for the weapon (guai and topang respectively) literally mean crutch, which may suggest the weapon originating from the crutch. In Cambodia and Thailand a similar weapon is used consisting of a pair of short clubs tied onto the forearms, known in Thai as mai sok and in Khmer as bokgatau. In Thailand and Malaysia the mai sok often has a similar design to the tonfa, with a perpendicular handle rather than being tied on. This weapon might be the original version of the tonfa.
Shizendo weapons course