Samurai and their Japanese weapons are almost impossible to imagine without: the katana, the characteristic curved sword from Japan. But there are many other exciting weapons that are used in martial arts. In the weapons course with Sensei Thorsten and Sensei Timo on 14 December 2025, there were intensive practical sessions that pushed us to the brink of exhaustion, but also exciting approaches to theory and philosophy.

First, we did an interval session, armed with bo staffs, basic strikes and free movement in the correct fighting stance. A 30-second break, just to change partners, then straight back to it, full concentration and silence throughout the exercise. Then there was a session on protective equipment and sparring variations. The protection of the trainees is a priority and knowing which equipment is suitable for what is extremely important. The bo techniques can be transferred to the yari, the Japanese spear. But of course, one of the most widely used weapons in human history has even more to offer.

One of the most important basics to master in combat with long weapons (and elsewhere) is footwork. The next session was about running. Being able to move correctly with weapons and within range of weapons, even when you are unarmed yourself, requires practice. Even after disarming an opponent, the fight is not over. Sensei Timo demonstrated some principles and techniques from unarmed combat that can be used against an armoured or armed opponent. Finally, there was theory, demonstrations and tasks relating to some other weapons from the arsenal: tonfa, sai, jitte, shuriken, kusarigama and kama.

There is still much to learn, we will continue to train, and the next advanced course on this topic is expected to take place in February 2026.