Weapons Training

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[ajbarron]

I just attended a seminar over the past weekend where the visiting Sensei (Kazuo Igarashi Shihan 7th Dan) worked with us on hand and weapons techniques.
There were about 50 participants ranging from 6th Kyu to 3rd dan.
It was interesting to note that some participants were unfamiliar with some of the basics of jo and bokken. One shodan I was told recieved his grading in Japan and he was not required to do any weapons for his testing.
In our dojo , our sensei, teaches us weapons from the initiation of our training because of his belief in the benefits such as maai, timing and application to hand techniques.
My question is what do other dojos have as part of their curriculum? Are weapons initially taught at a higher level in Japan than in North America or is it dependant on the sensei, organization or some other factors?
Personally I find weapons very challenging and find that knowing how they apply to hand techniques has helped my understanding.
I would be interested in hearing from others out there.
Thanks

[egoebel]

Personally I find weapons very challenging and find that knowing how they apply to hand techniques has helped my understanding.

I would be interested in hearing from others out there.

Thanks
At the dojo I attend, weapons are taught regularly (2 classes a week) for all students. They are part of the testing requirements for 4th kyu up to Shodan. (Shodan and higher must test with Yamada Shihan.)

Sensei will also grab a weapon during our "regular" classes to illustrate a point or have uke or nage use one for a technique. I find that very helpful.

ARV Testing Requirments (http://www.aikidospirit.com/testing.php)

[Adrian Smith]

Depends purely on the dojo Andrew. I haven't found any difference between Japan and anywhere else. We train with weapons in our dojo in Japan, while the classes at Aikikai Hombu don't very often - not enough room on the mats since the classes are usually quite full.

I don't think there's any difference between Japan and any other country - different styles and different dojos practice differently, that's all.

-Adrian

PS. Nice to see another Albertan on the board. I'm from Sylvan Lake, myself, although I haven't lived there in QUITE some time. :)