Carrying on from an off topic idea in the Sport Fighting thread.

"The question was, are weapons simply extensions of the arm/hand/body?"

A point was made that one must wield a weapon uniquely, each with its own individual character and skills, (more or less?) I can let others speak for themselves or rejoin as they see fit.

I made the point that I think weapons are more anonymous. That basic skills get modelled across multiple weapons types, and that anything becomes a weapon.
Personally, I don't get attached to weapons, and I like playing with different ones for the variation.

I don't think they are simply an extension of the body, but core skills are the same in many areas.

If you agree that modelling exists, then the issue becomes how well you train that skill, not how well it applies.



The metaphor applies to Guitars and Motorcycles as well, I reckon.

Some guys get attached their own set-up and find other guitars a bit awkward.
Other guys can jump from guitar to guitar, good or bad, and play with comfort.

Not talking about subjective quality of music or guitar, but simply the ability to adapt and perform at your average level or better.

I used to ride a 750F Supersport, now a VTX1800c Motortrike, some time on a Bavarian Manure Wagon too. I jumped on my friends 1100F variant, and couldn't get it OUT of first gear! Jumped on another friend's fireblade 250 and couldn't get it INTO first gear! LOL

I think the modelling skill is trainable, and its an attitude. Adapt, look for strategic advantage, act.
When you pick up a staff, do you think, this is too heavy, or too skinny, or do you immediately think, "with this weight I could crash most guards..." etc...
Do you get emotionally attached to favorite weapons?

Chinese weapons have a similarity across many groups, and the differences in techniques for special weapons are simply to take advantage of the different elements on that weapon. Foundation skills aside, understanding the unique character of each individual weapon and being able to integrate that character is the key skill.

Fighting with a pencil isn't like fighting with a knife. Fighting with a shovel isn't like fighting with a Kwan Dao. But, of course, we all know, they are.

I will submit, however, training with Wu Shu grade weapons is rather self indulgent.