Of the five categories of handheld weapons that exist universally, flexible weapons can be among the most difficult ones to master and deploy.  Their complexity is due to the very fact that they are flexible – as opposed to solid – which makes their proper use relatively more complicated than the use of solid impact and edged weapons.  Some flexible weapons are used to strike an opponent, while others are used to ensnare his weapon or limbs.  Still other are used to strangle the unwary enemy under cover of night. 

The Martial Principles of Flexible Weapons course will explore some of the historical and modern flexible weapons that have developed throughout the world and reveal their attributes, their primary functions, and the specifics of their use.  Participants will practice a variety of methods used to make flexible weapons a formidable and lethal complement to the more traditional edged and impact weapons.

Content Outline

Qualities of Flexible Weapons

• General Qualities
• Specific Qualities

Striking Applications

• Sjambok
• Latiko
• Chain
• Neck whips
• Belt
• Talith
• Monkey’s Fist

Snaring Applications

• Boleadoras and Quilamitautit
• Nawa
• Faja
• Bandana and Diklo

Strangling Applications

• Garrote
• Ruhmal

Necessary equipment for this workshop:  

Belt; Bandana; 5-ft length of Kernmantle rope