Ideally everyone should train and know how to use weapons. It can be a wonderful force multiplier and equaliser especially for women when defending themselves against a stronger male attacker. However we do not live in an ideal world today.
With our fast paced urban lives, demanding so much from us at work, home and travel time etc is slowly building up frustration, anxiety and intolerance in many. This is visible in the increase in road rage cases and other squabbles over petty things. To this add the increased racism, hate and biases based on country, colour, race, caste and religion. Now with all this is it safe to train anyone and everyone in the art of weapons????
One needs a level and calm head before they are taught weapons. To judge if the student is aggressive or frustrated or has anger issues etc takes time. To start of new students in weapon training is not safe. I feel it is where an instructors moral responsibility comes into play. So many come and ask that they want to learn just the nanchaku or stick etc but all I tell is join the class and may be after a few months or years we can revisit your request to learn weapons. Not every person wishing to learn to use weapons will misuse the knowledge but some may. Training should first build up discipline, self control, patience, humility etc before a student even begins to train in weapons. So they understand the responsibility that comes with the knowledge.
However this changes when it comes to small to medium sized sharp edged weapons like knives, daggers, machete, axe etc. The sharp edged weapons are very instinctively primal in their usage. One doesn't need specialized training to cause serious injury to anyone by using them. Infact most of the knife stabbings or attacks are by people with absolutely no training and many times with just a normal kitchen knife. Making it very easy to fall prey to someone who has the intention to harm you.
Training in using the knife and defending it is something all should do. However again an instructor needs to vigilant to notice anger issues, frustrations etc in the students, so as to stop their training, have a discussion with them, work with them to get them in a better head space before resuming the weapon training.
Weapons training has its own lure. It is our primal connection with them from the time we were hunters and gatherers. They were our everyday tools required for us to get through our day and work. This connection and bond over thousands of years draws many with the desire to learn to use them. Which is totally normal, we just need to make an effort to try and ensure that the one learning will not misuse it.
With great knowledge comes great responsibility.
Train like a warrior to be a warrior!!!
Comments