Through my life, I have studied many systems of combat in depth and long periods of time. Sometimes while teaching one system, I am training/learning another style. I am not a "collector" of rank, but rather a person seeking to close as many "holes" as I can. One or twice, I've had conflict with what was "learned" in one style, and what is being "taught" in another. There was a profound impact in the early 90's when I was a high ranking Kempo teacher, and started my journey into FMA. Kempo stick and knife defense (Gun, don't even get me started on the gun defense) was impractical. I knew this NOW, since training in FMA. I truly believe that in order to understand defense from something, you have to understand it's potential. When you don't know better, you can't question. Kempo people don't "specialize" in stick nor knife use. This brought on an Internal conflict. How can I teach something that I didn't believe in and knew better? This argument went all the way to the top. Needless to say, I left the organization never to return.
So, Thomas C-Gong Fu Dog and I have been talking about his use of the 3SS in the Gatherings. God help us all if he ever learns to use that thing like an FMA person does. Let me clarify...no way do I mean that C-Gong Fu Dog become a Kali guy,...he is after all C-"Gong Fu" dog for a reason. I mean that once he figures out how to use his weapon in the Medio and Corto range (close-combat range)...we're in trouble. Thomas had stated that he has never used it in combat before, only for forms. I told Thomas to get a padded 3SS and start sparring with it on a weekly if not daily basis.
I know that all weapons come from Warfare, and has a purpose...way before it was made into an "art".
So my question is: When does one determine how effective any weapon is? Most of us will "give it a go" with odd weapons or 2 at the Gathering, only to state that "it doesn't work well". Most of us do "Stick Work" everyday and spar with it on a weekly basis.
What if we Had no choice (like training with your weak hand), and HAD to master another weapon?...Nunchuku , 3SS, Sarong..whatever. At which point, you then have to also break down...Is it the weapon or user? Since none of us swing the Stick the same way either, one person might be "better" suited for a particular type of weapon over someone else.
I look forward to your take on this