WEAPONRY CLASS
MODERN WEAPONS & CLOSE QUARTER TACTICS
- The Martial Arts Center of Austin takes great pride in being the only school in Austin to offer Combative Science classes and training for Military, Law Enforcement, and civilians. Our comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of hand-to-hand combat training, including striking, throwing, joint-locking, grappling, disarming, strangulation, and armament.
- In our modern weapons training, we cover a wide range of tools including the 1 ft stick, 2 ft stick (baton), 3 ft stick (half staff and cane), knife, rope, and various improvised weapons. Our stick training focuses on concealment, trapping, disarming, arresting, and assault defense techniques. Not only does this class offer an excellent cardiovascular workout, but it also provides practical self-defense skills for real-life situations.
- Training in stick fighting is versatile and can easily transfer to the use of other field expedient weapons such as a hanger, walking stick, flashlight, and more. Join us and experience the effectiveness of Combative Science training at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- Long before the convenience of grocery stores, humans relied on hunting and fishing for sustenance. Our ancestors were skilled hunters, as evidenced by the fact that modern humans exist today. While we no longer need to hunt for food, many people have lost touch with the use of traditional weapons such as knives and spears.
- At our training center, we use Combative Science to educate our students on the proper handling and care of weapons like knives. Our curriculum includes techniques for knife offense, as well as weapon trapping, disarming, and retention.
- Some may argue that knife work is too dangerous to practice, but we believe that understanding and respecting the use of this ancient tool is essential. Knives and other blunt tools are still widely used in various activities, from outdoor adventures to daily tasks like remodeling and camping.
- By learning knife and stick techniques, our students gain practical skills that can be applied beyond self-defense, enriching their lives and fostering a deeper appreciation for these historic tools. Join us and discover the multifaceted applications of Combative Science at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- At our school, we believe in teaching what students are ready to learn, regardless of the order in which they learn it. Whether students begin with empty hand techniques or weapon techniques, both approaches are acceptable.
- One significant advantage of learning knife, stick, and other modern weapons is their seamless integration into empty-hand techniques. By interchanging between armed and unarmed movements, students develop a consistent flow of both skills. In class, we may start with a weapon or begin empty-handed, then transition between disarms, counters, locks, attacks, and more.
- Through this holistic approach, students come to understand that altercations are often violent, chaotic, and emotionally traumatic. By transcending these fears, they gain the ability to navigate conflict without restrictions or obstructions. Knife, stick, and modern weapon techniques open up a world of endless possibilities, empowering students to defend themselves effectively in any situation. Join us and explore the interconnectedness of martial arts techniques at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- Our tactical classes at the Martial Arts Center of Austin place a strong emphasis on military combative tactics and close-quarter tactics for law enforcement. Prospective students are encouraged to approach this program with an objective mindset, as it may differ significantly from their previous training experiences.
- In our tactical classes, held on Wednesday evenings, students will engage in heavy weapon training commonly used in life-or-death situations. Additionally, they will learn unarmed movements to defend themselves when facing an armed opponent or when they have lost possession of a weapon.
- One major distinction of our program is the incorporation of live training, which many other schools do not utilize. We believe it's essential for students to test their abilities in realistic scenarios to prepare for high-stress encounters. Therefore, students will engage in knife and stick sparring to simulate real-life situations.
- Furthermore, our program addresses scenarios where a person is on the ground with an assailant wielding a knife—an aspect often neglected in other schools. We equip our students with the necessary skills to defend themselves effectively in such dangerous situations.
- If your current school does not provide comprehensive training for close-quarter tactics, including ground defense against armed assailants, we urge you to consider seeking training elsewhere. Our goal is to ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge and techniques needed to protect themselves in any situation. Join us and learn the proper techniques to stay safe and confident in challenging circumstances.
Traditional Weaponry Training
- The Martial Arts Center of Austin is honored to offer training in traditional Japanese weaponry, including kenjutsu (sword), iaijutsu (sword drawing), naginatajutsu (polearm), jojutsu (staff), hojojutsu (cord binding), tantojutsu (knife arts), and more.
- It's important to note that training in traditional weapon arts requires extreme dedication. Prospective students should carefully consider the level of commitment required before beginning any of these programs.
- Students interested in these programs must provide their own weapons and attire. While these classes are generally not open to the public, exceptions may be made by the sensei on occasion. Prospective students must undergo an interview process before being admitted.
- Training typically takes place on weekends, and specific details regarding time and location will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Join us and embark on a journey into the rich tradition of Japanese weaponry at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- The Japanese Samurai were renowned as some of history's most formidable warriors, highly trained in military science. Kenjutsu, or "sword art," was the system they developed for combat with the katana, a truly magnificent weapon. Lightweight, razor-sharp, and artistically adorned, the katana could endure numerous battles and cut through any known metal.
- Our style of Kenjutsu emphasizes traditional Japanese techniques, including solo and paired kata, as well as free-form practice. Before beginning this program, students will need to acquire proper attire such as a keiko gi, kaku obi, hakama, and a bokken (wooden sword). Join us and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Japanese swordsmanship at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- Iaijutsu holds a prominent place in our dojo's curriculum. This art focuses on the swift drawing of the sword from its scabbard and executing a cut on the opponent in a single fluid motion. It's a sophisticated discipline that demands extensive practice and dedication.
- Students interested in our iaijutsu program must possess their own iaito (practice sword) before admission. For safety reasons, we do not use live blades (shinken) in our programs.
- Both our kenjutsu and iaijutsu programs aim to impart not only the techniques of swordsmanship but also valuable lessons in balance, posture, breathing, timing, and mental fortitude. Join us and delve into the art of Japanese swordsmanship at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- The Naginata, a type of polearm, comes in various sizes, ranging from just a few feet to several feet in length. Attached to the end of a wooden pole is a blade, making it a formidable weapon. Historically, both men and women used the naginata, but today, it is primarily wielded by women in Japan. However, adults of all genders can participate in our practices.
- Renowned for its effectiveness against shorter weapons like the sword, the naginata provided skilled warriors with a significant advantage. With its length, it offered excellent cutting leverage and allowed horsemen to overpower ground adversaries with relative ease.
- At our dojo, we teach traditional naginatajutsu rather than "atarashii naginata" (sport style). For practice, students will use wooden naginata without a fixed blade on the end. Join us and explore the art of traditional naginata at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- The Jo, also known as the "yon bo," is a 4 ft staff made from various woods and is used similarly to any other staff. However, it offers distinct advantages—it's less cumbersome than longer staffs yet generates more centrifugal power than shorter ones like the 2 and 3-foot staffs. Many consider it the perfect weapon, with most any walking staff serving as an excellent Jo.
- Legend credits the invention of the Jo to the warrior Musō Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi after his victory over the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Records suggest that the 4 ft staff was used long before in Japan. While most Jo techniques are designed for dueling against swords, we also teach techniques against other weapons and unarmed opponents.
- Our Jo training encompasses both indoor and outdoor practices, drawing from teachings of both Jodo and Jojutsu, with a focus on modern styles. Students interested in Jo training will need the same attire as other programs (keiko gi, kaku obi, hakama) along with a Jo, which is easily obtainable and inexpensive. Join us and explore the art of the Jo at the Martial Arts Center of Austin.
- Hojojutsu, unique to Japan's martial culture, is the art of immobilizing a prisoner with cord or rope using a variety of intricate knots. These techniques are both complex and effective, embodying a sense of beauty in their execution. Historically, samurai were required to use specific knots for different types of captives and seasons, with considerations given to the rank of the individual being bound. The process often involved first subduing the captive with joint-locking techniques before beginning the binding using cords like sageo or tasuke.
- Different knots served various purposes, such as binding individuals together, restraining prisoners, or capturing escapees. Hojojutsu has always been considered an advanced aspect of Japanese Jujutsu styles.
- At our dojo, we offer seminars on hojojutsu periodically throughout the year. However, the art is reserved for high-ranking students due to its complexity and advanced nature. If you're interested in delving into the intricate world of hojojutsu, stay tuned for our upcoming seminars and opportunities for advanced training.
- Tantojutsu, the art of knife or dagger combat, encompasses a rich array of techniques used across various cultures worldwide. The samurai, in particular, regarded the knife as a crucial weapon, often carrying one or more at all times. With its versatility and effectiveness in slashing and stabbing, the tanto served as an excellent backup weapon when the sword was impractical to use.
- At our dojo, we offer instruction in both classical tantojutsu and modern knife fighting techniques. Students will begin training with the knife early in their martial arts journey, typically within the first month of training. Our curriculum covers a wide range of techniques designed to enhance proficiency and adaptability with this versatile weapon.
- For those interested in exploring our close-quarter tactics training with fixed and folding blade techniques, we invite you to refer to our Modern Weapons page for more details. Whether studying classical or modern techniques, students will discover the knife's formidable capabilities and its significance as a critical tool in self-defense and combat scenarios.