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Old 09-24-2009, 01:26 PM   #13
Lyle Laizure
 
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Dojo: Hinode Dojo LLC
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 566
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Re: When should a beginner learn the jo, bokken?

What is taught, whether weapons or empty hand etc is at the discresion of the instructor in charge. Depending on the instructor weapons training may not be introduced to new students for some time. I can't remember when I was introduced to weapons training but I start my students on day one for most. If a student has a lot of diffiuclty with coordination I find a weapon can help but if the student is a danger to him/herself then perhaps not.

Whether or not a student should train weapons I beleive should be left up to the instructor. At the same time who among us has strictly adhered to what we are told to do by an authority figure. It's human nature to want to do what we are prohibited from doing. The forbidden fruit is far too tempting to ignore. Our judgement becomes clouded and like so many young people we want what we want with little or no thought for the consequence. Safety should be the first concern to determine whether or not someone should train with or without weapons.

I think I have wandered some from the topic, if so, I apologize.

Lyle Laizure
www.hinodedojo.com
Deru kugi wa uta reru
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