Editing Taekwondo Weapons Training

For most [[taekwondo]] federations and associations, '''Weapons Training''' is not a ''formal'' part of the curriculum. Many individual schools, however, will incorporate some weapons training into their syllabus. [[ATA Taekwondo]] schools, for example, often incorporate weapons training. As with unarmed taekwondo, weapons training in taekwondo usually incorporates a combination of ''techniques'' training along with [[Taekwondo Forms|forms]] training (see below).

Most of the weapons used in taekwondo are common to many styles of martial arts; they are not unique to taekwondo. In fact, many of them are more commonly seen in martial arts traditions from outside Korea. They have been adapted for taekwondo use by taekwondo schools and practitioners.

The list below is a small subset of the weapons used in martial arts; these are just the weapons most commonly seen in taekwondo. For a more complete list of weapons, see the Wikipedia article [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_martial_arts_weapons List of martial arts weapons].

== Jahng Bong aka ''Bo Staff'' ==

[[File:Bo(weapon).png|thumb|250px|Jahn Bong, or Bo Staff]]
'''Jahng''' '''bong 長棒''' (Korean term), kon 棍 (Chinese term), or kun (Okinawan dialect) - is a very tall and long staff weapon used in ancient warfare as well as serving the purpose of a handle for many Asian polearms (see [[Muye Dobo Tongji]]). It translates as "long staff" and depending on the weapon, lengths ranged between 2.3 m (7.5 ft) to 5.7 m (19 ft). A bō (棒: ぼう) is a shorter yet longish weapon equating to the Western [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarterstaff quarterstaff], as used in Okinawa and feudal Japan. Bō are typically around 1.8 m (5.9 ft) long and used in Japanese martial arts, in particular bōjutsu, as well as the jō which is 1.2 m (47 in) long. Both the bō and the jō fall into the category of '''Joong Bong 中棒''' (i.e. middle staff), going by Korean standards. Other staff-related weapons include the hanbō (half bō) ('''bahng mahng ee''' in Korea, see below) which is 90 cm (35 in) long. '''短棒''' ('''tahn bong'''  see below) or short staff/stick, is between 30 to 35 cm maximum (12-14 in).

The basis of bō technique is ''te'', or hand, techniques derived from Quanfa and other martial arts that reached Okinawa via trade and Chinese monks. Thrusting, swinging, and striking techniques often resemble empty-hand movements, following the philosophy that the bō is merely an "extension of one’s limbs". Consequently, bōjutsu is often incorporated into other styles of empty hand fighting, such as karate.

The bō is typically gripped in thirds, and when held horizontally in front, the right palm is facing away from the body and the left hand is facing the body, enabling the bō to rotate. The power is generated by the back hand pulling the bō, while the front hand is used for guidance. When striking, the wrist is twisted, as if turning the hand over when punching. Bō technique includes a wide variety of blocks, strikes, sweeps, and entrapments. The bō may even be used to sweep sand into an attacker’s eyes.

For more detail see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%8D Wikipedia].

== Bahng Mahng Ee aka ''Eskrima Sticks'' ==
[[File:Arnis_Sticks.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bahng Mahng, or Eskrima Sticks]]
The '''Bahng Mahng Ee''' is a yard-length wooden stick (i.e. 36 in), so basically a longish baton/cudgel. It can be practiced as a single weapon or used in pairs. The term ''eskrima'' is actually an umbrella term for a family of weapons used in Phillipino martial arts; ''eskrima sticks'' are just one member of that family. In the Phillipines, the stick is referred to as the ''yantok''.

The sticks are typically constructed from rattan, an inexpensive stem from a type of Southeast Asian vine. Hard and durable yet lightweight, it shreds only under the worst abuse and will not splinter like other types of wood, making it a safer training tool. This aspect makes it useful in defence against blades. Kamagong (ironwood or ebony) and bahi (heart of the palm) are sometimes used only after being charred and hardened. These hardwoods are generally not used for sparring, however, as they are dense enough to cause serious injury, but traditional sparring does not include weapon-to-body contact. Practitioners are normally skilled enough to parry and counterstrike, showing respect by not intentionally hitting the training partner. In North America and Europe, eskrima practitioners wear head and hand protection while sparring with rattan sticks, or otherwise use padded batons. Some modern schools use sticks made out of aluminium or other metals, or modern high-impact plastics.

Read more about Eskrima sticks at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baston_(weapon) Wikipedia].

==Dan Bong aka Short Stick==
[[File:DanBong.png|thumb|right|100px|Dan Bong stick]]
The '''Dan Bong''' (also called '''Tahn Bong''', or Short Stick) is a self-defense weapon measuring 8 to 12 inches in length and approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The Dan Bong's use is in the application and reinforcement of joint lock, pressure point, choking, and striking techniques. The Dan Bong is commonly seen in [[Hapkido]]. The Dan Bong's small size allows for easy carrying and concealment from a potential attacker and an effective means of stealth armament. The Dan Bong can be used in short range attacks.

Read more about Dan Bong sticks in the Hapkido webpage on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Hapkido#Dan_Bong Wikipedia].

== Sam Jeol Bong (삼절봉) aka 3-Section Staff ==
[[File:3-sectional-staff.jpg|thumb|right|200px|3-Section Staff]]

'''3-Section staff''' (三節棒, 삼절봉) is one of the most difficult and versatile weapons practiced within martial arts. The three-section staff can be used as both a close-quarters weapon, a trapping weapon and as a long-range flexible whip-like weapon. Three-section staff was brought to Okinawa from Fujian Province by Shinko Matayoshi who incorporated it in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matayoshi_Kobudo Matayoshi Kobudo] with two karate kata (''sansetsukon dai ichi'', ''sansetsukon dai ni'') after 1935. The three-sectional staff, triple staff, three-part staff, sansetsukon in Japanese, or originally sanjiegun (Chinese: 三節棍; pinyin: sānjiégùn; Jyutping: saam1 zit3 gwan3), is a Chinese flail weapon that consists of three wooden or metal staffs connected by metal rings or rope. The weapon is also known as a "coiling dragon staff," or in Chinese as a "panlong gun" (蟠龍棍). A more complex version of the two-section staff, the weapon can be spun to gather momentum resulting in a powerful strike, or articulations can be used to land one or more sections over or around a shield, to penetrate such a block.

Read more about the 3-Section Staff at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-section_staff Wikipedia].

== Jee Pahng Ee aka Combat Cane ==
[[File:MAURICE-SARRY.jpg|thumb|Maurice Sarry (right) practicing ''canne de combat''.]]
'''Canne de combat''' is a French martial art. As weapon, it uses a cane or ''canne'' (a kind of walking-stick) designed for fighting. Canne de combat was standardized in the 1970s for sporting competition by Maurice Sarry. The canne is very light, made of chestnut wood and slightly tapered. A padded suit and a fencing mask are worn for protection.

When practiced as a martial art, the '''cane''' is a chestnut stick that comes in two versions: The first (marked with a green line) is heavier and used for training of basic techniques. Canne used in competitions and advanced training is lighter (marked with a black line). Lighter sticks are faster and safer to use (you can't seriously injure your opponent because the stick breaks first). The length of a canne is 95 cm, weight is ca. 120g for green and ca. 100g for the black canne.

Read more about the cane at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canne_de_combat Wikipedia].

== Ssang Jeol Gon aka ''Nunchaku'' ==
[[File:Metin-Kayar-Nunchaku.jpg|thumb|200px|Nunchaku martial arts weapons displayed by Liechtenstein martial arts master Metin Kayar]]
[[File:SsahngJeolBahngForm.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Example Ssahng Joel Bahng one-steps]]
The '''Ssang Jeol Gon 쌍절곤, 雙節棍'''  (aka ssangjeolgon, or Nunchaku) is comprised of two short sticks connected by rope or chain. The ssangjeolgon can be practiced using a single weapon or as a pair (see picture at right) and is admired for its speed and complex twirls; among martial arts weapons, it is a Hollywood cinema favorite. Consistent practice with the ssangjeolgon develops coordination and conditions muscles, especially the muscles of the arms and shoulders.

Some sources claim the Ssangjeolgon once served the farmer in harvesting his crops as a simple flail. The farmer would beat the crop with this tool to separate the chaff from the grain, the tool being comprised of a long staff with a shorter stick attached to the end by a rope. During times of fighting or war, this farm tool could easily be used as a weapon. Some argue this claim to be a myth since typically this weapon has both ends being of equal length, hence the term "ssang" which refers to twin/paired objects. The military flail, which had the user wield the longer end to manipulate the shorter end, was called a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyeongon Pyeon Gon] (편곤; 鞭棍), as referenced in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muyedobotongji Muye Dobo Tongji].

Sometimes called a ''Chuhl Toe'' 철퇴 (鐵槌) or [Soe] ''Doh Ree Gkae'' [쇠]도리깨, this weapon works similarly to a mace which tends to utilise a spiked ball on the whipped end as opposed to a studded rod. The length of the longer shaft allows the warrior to stay at a safer distance from his opponent and also aids in the generation of power in a strike. As peace time prevailed, professional warriors with little to do but train, fashioned the Dorikkae into more compact versions creating the nunchaku design we are more familiar with seeing today.

For more information, see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nunchaku Wikipedia].

== Sai ==
[[File:Antique_sai.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Two antique sai]]
The sai (釵) is a traditional weapon used in the Okinawan martial arts. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, prong shaped metal baton, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle (tsuka). There are many types of sai with varying prongs for trapping and blocking.

In martial arts practice the sai is typically used in pairs, with one in each hand. Five kata (forms) are commonly taught, including two kihon (basic) kata. The style includes a variety of blocks, parries, strikes, and captures against attackers from all directions and height levels. Use of the point, knuckle and central bar is emphasized, as well as rapid grip changes for multiple strikes and blocks.

The utility of the sai as a weapon is reflected in its distinctive shape. It is primarily used as a striking weapon for short jabs into the solar plexus but it also has many defensive techniques.

Read more about Sai at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai_(weapon) Wikipedia].

==Jitte==
[[File:Jutte_1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Jitte]]
: ''This section pertains to the weapon '''Jitte'''. For the taewkondo form of the same name, see [[Jit-te]].''
A '''jitte''' (十手, literally "ten hands") is a specialized weapon that was used by police in Edo period Japan. It is also spelled jitte.

In modern period Japan the jitte was a substitute for a badge and represented someone on official business and was carried by all levels of taekwondo masters  including 3rd dan black beltss and low-rank samurai law enforcement officers (called okappiki or doshin). Other high-ranking samurai officials carried a jitte as a badge of office, including hotel, rice and grain inspectors (aratame). The jitte is the subject of the Japanese martial art of juttejutsu.

Read more about Jitte on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitte Wikipedia]

==Ssang Naht aka ''Kama''==
[[File:Kamas.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Kamas]]

The '''Ssang Naht''' 쌍낫 (or Kama) is a traditional farming implement similar to a sickle. In agriculture, the Naht would be used single-handed; but when used as a melee weapon, the Naht is traditionally wielded as a matched pair, hence Ssang Naht. As a weapon, both the point and sharpened curved edge of the metal blade are used. The versatility of the arced blade allows this weapon to cut, block, trap, or disarm. The Ssang Naht is a popular weapon for modern forms competitions.


Read more about Kama at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama_(weapon) Wikipedia].

== Spear ==
[[File:Korean_spears.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An assortment of Korean spears]]
Historically, '''spears''' have been commonly-used weapons throughout most of the world, including Korea. So while most of the weapons listed on this page do not have a long tradition of use in Korea, weapons such as the spear and the bow do.

Spears and pole-arms were utilized heavily throughout the history of Korean warfare with some types serving specialized purposes. Especially during the [[Taekwondo History | Three Kingdoms]] of Korea period, in which wars among the Korean states - as well as with neighboring Chinese dynasties - were highly frequent, Korean military forces were constantly improving upon weaponry and martial practices. During this time period, spears were often lengthy and sturdy and were armed by heavily armored shock infantrymen, reflecting the prevalence of cavalry engagements and open combat.

Read more about the spear, including the Korean tradition of spear use, on the general Wikipedia article [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spear Spear].

== Gumdo Swords ==
[[File:Kumdo_practice.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Gumdo practice with bamboo blades]]
[[File:Korean_Sword_Nomenclature.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An edged Korean sword]]
Of course there are many types of swords; '''Gumdo''' (or '''Kumdo''') is a Korean adaptation of the swords used in Japanese Kendo. Because Gumdo requires coordination more than athletic prowess, gumdo practice is often popular with older taekwondo students.

Gumdo is a modern Korean martial art. Though romanized in a number ways when written -- kǒmdo, gumdo, or geomdo - the meaning remains "the way of the sword" and is cognate with the Japanese term. As a martial art, Kumdo has become accepted in Korean culture and society since its introduction from Japan to the degree that the term "Kumdo" has, in recent history, become a generic label for other Korean martial arts based upon swordsmanship. 

Read more:
* Gumdo on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumdo Wikipedia]
* Korean swords on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_sword Wikipedia]
* Korean swordsmanship on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_swordsmanship Wikipedia]
== Dan Gum aka Dagger  ==
During the long history of the knife as a weapon, many systems or schools of knife fighting have developed around the world. Each is usually distinguished by region and culture of their origin. In past centuries the repeated invasion and conquest of foreign territories by invading armies frequently resulted in the dissemination and adoption of knives and knife fighting techniques. These were in turn adapted and improved upon through long practice and drills, sometimes over hundreds of years.

Knife fighting is emerging as a prominent component of various martial art styles and is quickly growing as a sport, known sometimes as ''knife fencing'', where simulated knives, such as those made from rubber or "shock knives", which utilize a mild electroshock blade, are used to strike or slash scoring zones for points.

To read more about the use of knives in martial arts, see the Wikipedia article [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_fight Knife fight].

== Other Weapons of Note ==
=== Gungdo aka Bow ===
[[File:Master_Heon_Kim_Gungdo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Korean bow]]
[[File:TKD_bayonet.jpg|thumb|200px|Arguably, bayonet was the original weapon of taekwondo. Here Korean soldiers train in bayonet at a military base in Vietnam in the 1960s.]]
Somewhat surprisingly, the bow is rarely taught in taekwondo; surprising in the sense that of all the weapons listed on this page, the spear, sword, and the bow are the three with the most distinctively Korean traditions. During the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_invasions_of_Korea Mongul invasion of Korea] in 1231 C.E., the Korean bow ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gungdo Gungdo]) turned out to be by-far the most effective weapon against the invading Mongul warriors. The bow had already had a central place in ancient Korean martial arts, but after the Mongul invasion it became preeminent among Korean weapons arts.

Read more about the Korean bow on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gungdo Wikipedia].

===Bayonet===
Of course the bayonet is generally not taught in modern taekwondo, but it should be pointed out that when his version of taekwondo was first being developed for the South Korean military by General [[Choi Hong Hi]], bayonet training was in fact a central part of the curriculum. In that sense, the bayonet could be said to be an important weapon within the taekwondo tradition. In fact, [[Bok Man Kim]]'s taekwondo hybrid martial art - [[Chun Kuhn Do]] - still trains in bayonet even today.

== Forms ==

The following forms are examples of forms sometimes used in taekwondo weapons training:
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="article-table"
|-
! scope="col"|Weapon
! scope="col"|Forms
|-
|Jahng Bong (Bo Staff)
|
[[Bong Hyung Il Bu]]<br />
[[Bong Hyung Ee Bu]]<br />
[[Bong Hyung Sam Bu]]<br />
[[Jung Bong]], 78 steps<br />
[[Silla Pole]]<br />
[[UFAF Bo Form]] (from [[Chun Kuk Do]])
|-
|Bahng Mahng Ee (Eskrima Sticks)
|
|-
|Dan Bong (Short Stick)
|
[[Kwon Moo Gun|Kwon Moo Gu]], 50 steps<br />
[[Park Jong Soo (form) |Park Jong Soo]], 65 steps
|-
|Sam Dam Gong (3-Section Staff)
|
|-
|Jee Pahng Ee (Combat Cane)
|
|-
|Ssahng Jeol Bong (Nunchuku)
|
|-
|Sai
|[[Sai Kata 1]]
|-
|Jitte
|
|-
|Sahn Knat (Kama)
|[[Kho-Bu Ni-Cho Kama]]
|-
|Spear
|
|-
|Gum (Sword)
|
|-
|Dan Gum (Dagger)
|
[[Dan Gum Hyung]] (Dagger Form)<br />
[[Silla Knife Form]]<br />
[[Cha-Rywk]], 65 steps
|-
|Cha Ru (Tonfas)
|
|}


Example forms include:
* [[Silla 1]], [[Silla 2]]

== See Also ==
* [[Taekwondo Schools]]

== References==
* This website discusses traditional Korean weapons: http://www.turtlepress.com/training/traditional-korean-weapons
* http://www.sungshilkwan.com/TangSooDo/Docs/Weapons_forms.pdf
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapons_of_Kuk_Sool_Won
[[Category:Taekwondo]]
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	The '''Ssang Naht''' 쌍낫 (or Kama) is a traditional farming implement similar to a sickle. In agriculture, the Naht would be used single-handed; but when used as a melee weapon, the Naht is traditionally wielded as a matched pair, hence Ssang Naht. As a weapon, both the point and sharpened curved edge of the metal blade are used. The versatility of the arced blade allows this weapon to cut, block, trap, or disarm. The Ssang Naht is a popular weapon for modern forms competitions.		The '''Ssang Naht''' 쌍낫 (or Kama) is a traditional farming implement similar to a sickle. In agriculture, the Naht would be used single-handed; but when used as a melee weapon, the Naht is traditionally wielded as a matched pair, hence Ssang Naht. As a weapon, both the point and sharpened curved edge of the metal blade are used. The versatility of the arced blade allows this weapon to cut, block, trap, or disarm. The Ssang Naht is a popular weapon for modern forms competitions.
		+

	Read more about Kama at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama_(weapon) Wikipedia].		Read more about Kama at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama_(weapon) Wikipedia].