Weapons Mastery

Weapons Mastery is an auxiliary course that is offered exclusively to our Crow Martial Arts Black Belts.

Once the Black Belts have completed the training required at our school to be awarded the honor of Black Belt 1st Dan they immediately gain access to the Weapons Mastery course.

The course involves the study and training in six Martial Arts weapons over an eighteen month period with one weapon focused on each term.

Each Weapons Mastery term delves into several vital areas of learning for the chosen weapon of that term. In each class areas such as historical content about the origins and uses original or otherwise of the weapon, and an Academic study of the dimensions, uses and strengths and weaknesses of each weapon would be covered. The students would then be taught dexterity drills and strike, block, trap, throw and restraint techniques for each weapon. 

At the end of each term an exacting exam takes place at our school where the students are required to demonstrate skill in the application of techniques, dexterity and understanding of the nuances of the weapon being studied. The students also have a take home written exam that involves historical and academic questions as well as an essay type question for them to expand their own ideas on the facets and philosophical aspects of weapons training.

Below is a list of the current weapons on the weapons mastery curriculum and a short bio on each.

Weapon Outline.

Nunchaku (nun: twinned- connected by cord or chain, Chaku: the approximate length of each arm)

Originally a farm tool for threshing rice and soy beans. Traditionally an Okinawan weapon but also used in some Escrimma systems. Can be use to strike, apply joint locks and control techniques.


Bokken (bok: wood, Ken: sword)

The size and shape of a traditional Katana. Traininig with Bokken includes techniques and forms derived from Kenjitsu.


Kali Illustrisimo (knife)

Blade based Fillipino Martial Art.

*NB. Students under the age of 18 will require written parental consent too attend this course. An alternative course will be offered for those unable to attend the Kali course.

Bo Staff (Six foot long Oak, Bamboo or Rattan, originally used for carrying water buckets or baskets.)

Using the Maru-Bo (round) staff techniques are derived from Bojitsu. These include the arts of wielding the Bo with Blocks, strikes, sweeps and traps.


Twin Sticks/ Kali, Arnis, Eskrima (2x 60-90cm rattan sticks)

Derived from Arnis de mano (harness of the hand) Footwork derived from small circle jujitsu. Techniques focus on three major ranges of combat including footwork for each range.


Danbong (single rattan piece less than 30cm in length.)

Traditional weapon of Combat Hapkido. Used for application and reinforcement of joint locks, choking and pressure point strikes.