Dry Fire and other weapon drawing "arts".

[Tgace]

I was putting my time in with my SIRT Pistol last night...

...working on my presentation, the mechanics of grip, target transitions, reloads...etc.

Later on, before bed, I was reading another chapter of Japanese Swordsmanship:Technique and Practice when a thought struck me. What practical difference is there between drawing a sword and drawing a pistol?

Is drawing, cutting and re-sheathing a Katana somehow physically different from drawing a pistol while laterally moving, engaging a target (live or dry), assessing then re-holstering? Isn't the physical/mental/spiritual benefit of a weapon based martial art more about the mental attitude of for lack of a better phrase "perfection of movement and mental clarity"? Couldn't that be accomplished just as easily with a different weapon being drawn from a different container?

 

[jks9199]

Well, the mechanics are specific to the instrument in question -- but a lot of the principles of drawing and bringing it into play are going to overlap. Just like the specifics of a draw from a different holster can require different steps to release the gun. So, could you do a "gun kata" with the same mental focus and so on as someone doing iaido? Absolutely!

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Absolutely Tgace! Great thread!

 

[Tgace]

When it comes to mindful practice of movement with a weapon, the weapon itself is really irrelevant isn't it?

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Whether I am training on drawing my folding knife, firearm, iaito or shinken in iaido, etc, I am working towards efficiency in movement!
The same mindfulness and intent is always utilized!

 

[Carol]

When it comes to mindful practice of movement with a weapon, the weapon itself is really irrelevant isn't it?

^^ *** THIS!! *** ^^

The weapon itself is largely irrelevant. Look at the Filipino stylists that can flow seamlessly from empty hand, to sticks (impact) to blades (edged). The overall motions are the same.

I remember a time in the training hall when my instructor worked us vigorously on the mat. And after we were all exhausted and dripping with sweat, he had us focus on a complicated kata. To suddenly slow down after being so worked up was quite a challenge. It is one that I've tried to duplicate in some real-world applications, such as doing dry-fire drills or knife practice right after I get off trail, in a state of mental or physical exhaustion.