Musashi's Dokkodo (The Way of Walking Alone)

Warrior:
I have to disagree with this precept. To do anything but disagree
would be hypocritical, as I have a huge weapon collection. Many of
them that I practice with are more for preserving the older “arts” they
come from and enjoyment in doing so than for anything practical or
useful today. Sure, one can fantasize that during the zombie
apocalypse the katana will be useful again, a la Michonne in The
Walking Dead,
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 but in reality it is extremely doubtful I’ll ever use my
swords outside of training, and the same goes for my nunchaku,
throwing knives and tomahawks, and other weapons that I’ve
amassed over the years and practiced during my martial art studies.
Except for my knives (tools that can also be used as weapons) and
firearms, one could argue that all of the other weapons I possess
and train with are beyond useful. And it isn’t even that clear cut with
the guns and blades as there are numerous magazine articles each
month debating the merits of various firearms and cutlery. Rather
than go through my entire collection, I’ll focus on the nunchaku, a
staple of martial art schools after Bruce Lee made two sticks joined
by a short chain or cord popular in the early 1970s. Legally, I’d be in
just as much trouble for beating a person to death with nunchaku as
I would be for shooting him or her. So, why in the world would I
practice swinging and striking with these two sticks when I own a
firearm?
The easy answer is that I enjoy learning and passing along
knowledge accumulated through the traditions that have been
handed down from generation to generation. Without the continued
training with such weapons, that tradition would be lost. Training with
nunchaku and older traditional martial arts weapons preserve the

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various styles and systems. While I fully understand that the
practicality and usefulness of some martial art systems and weapons
have been lost to modern advances in not only technology, but in
science and training of the human body, I still enjoy practicing these
ancient ways, and feel the preservation of art is a worthy goal in
itself.
Beyond the preservation of tradition, training with older weapons can
help develop coordination skills and the ability to recognize weapons
all around us. I think everyday items are more readily identified as
improvised weapons by those who have trained with a variety of
traditional weapons first. A broom, mop, or pool cue resembles a
staff. Scissors or a tactical pen can be used like a dagger. And when
you think about farmers using whatever they had available to defend
themselves, you start to see how the tools and items you have
available can be used in self-defense.
I personally like the fact that training with nunchaku helps develop
coordination and timing, both important attributes for any combat,
modern or ancient. Many martial arts teach that the weapon is an
extension of your body, and this means coordination and timing are
essential. And hitting yourself in the mouth (I only did it once) is a
good way to learn a lesson you won’t soon forget.
I could go on and list more reasons why I disagree with Musashi and
believe that collecting and training with weapons that may be
considered of little or no use by many is a valuable endeavor, but I
think one of the most important reasons is that it’s fun. So when you
go back to the question, why train with nunchaku, the easiest answer
is because it’s enjoyable. It’s fun.
Yes, the modern warrior should be proficient with the most up to date
weapons available and carry those that are the most useful. But,
there is nothing wrong with enjoying the collecting of weapons and
the practicing with them for the sake of preserving older traditions
and the enjoyment of training in and of itself. There’s nothing wrong
with having fun with your training. And who knows, you just might
find yourself someday needing to defend yourself with nothing but a

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pair of sticks and a short cord. If that happens, you’ll be glad you
spent all those hours twirling and striking with an archaic weapon.