Weapons Program
Ranking System


Beginner Ranks


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Intermediate Ranks


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Advanced Ranks


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Weapons Program

Our weapons program is currently only taught to our Black Belt Club members although some forms are taught at advanced levels in the Kenpo curriculum. In our weapons program students learn how to use a series of weapons in a safe, supervised and controlled environment.  Each student learns a series or techniques, practice drill and forms.  Our curriculum is testable, exciting to teach and fun to do. 

In order to monitor a student’s growth and experience in our weapons program we have developed a ranking system similar to that of our martial arts program.  As a student becomes more skilled with a particular weapon they will be tested in order to advance in rank. 

What makes our weapons program from others is the innovation or foam weaponry.  Beginner student are required to start their training with foam weapon.  This allows the student to learn the different techniques and drills without any danger of harming themselves.  The revolutionary foam padding also allows students to test their skills through controlled classroom sparring.  Due to the foam padding, students can strike and hit each other at full speed without the risk of injury or any discomfort.  

Due to our Safety Regulations and the requirements of our insurance company, certain safety equipment is MANDATORY and must be acquired before students can participate in our Padded Weapons Sparring Program.  All safety equipment must be purchased at the school as our safety gear has been tested and certified for providing the proper protection for our type of sparring.

The required equipment for Padded Weapons Sparring Program includes, but is not limited to, Padded Weapons Head Gear with a Face Mask and special gloves that give coverage for the forefinger, thumb and back of hand.  Students are also required the wear Foot Pads. Other safety equipment is available.

Weapons History

Even though the term "karate" means "empty hands", most weapons were developed to be extensions of those empty hands. Most techniques we learn can be modified to have a weapon in hand.  Nearly all weapons were first developed for the same reason Karate was developed; the common people needed to protect themselves. Tradition suggests that while under the rule of foreign powers people were prohibited from carrying weapons and even practicing with them. Because of the restriction it is thought that some farming tools soon evolved into weapons. . Listed below are the various weapons taught in our program. We have also included a brief description and possible origin of each weapon.

Nunchaku - The Nunchaku is two sections of wood about 10 inches or so in length attached to each other by a cord or chain. There are a couple of suggestions as to its origins. Some believe it evolved from a threshing flail while the other suggests that it was developed from a horse's bit.

Bo Staff - Possibly developed from a farming tool called a Tenbin: a stick placed across the shoulders with baskets or sacks hanging from either end or Perhaps it evolved from the handle of a rake or shovel.

EscrimaS tick - This weapon was also used by many fighting systems. It has many origins, but is most commonly associated with the Philipines.

Kama - The Kama is thought to come from the traditional farming sickle used to cut grass or sugar cane.

Tonfa - It supposedly originated as the handle of a millstone used for grinding grain. At first glance it might be recognized by its modern development into that of the police nightstick (PR-24).