However, no early records mention his actual teaching of weaponry to his disciples. Gonosuke had earlier been defeated by Musashi who told the young warrior to go off and master his long stick techniques before trying again. Gonosuke's return years later gained Musashi's great respect. Musashi is said to have then gone intensively into staff, stick, and kendo training in the later years of his life. It offers a means of martial arts training and discipline.
Weapons training teaches the meaning of control, timing, distance, and flexibility as one unit.
The practitioner is required to possess speed, coordination, strength, and endurance in utilizing the respective weapons. As in any martial arts training, respect and responsibility are of utmost importance while inside the training hall and in daily life. Extension tools are to be treated with the same spirit and discipline as are the techniques learned in the dojang's regular workout. The humility and control one exhibits in the martial arts speak clearly about the lessons a karateka is learning. Length may vary from 4'-8'.