There are often important principles of aikido movement and technique that may be more easily demonstrated by the use of weapons than without. Training in weapons kata is a way of facilitating understanding of general principles of aikido movement. Weapons training can add an element of intensity to aikido practice, especially in practicing defenses against weapons attacks. Training with weapons provides aikidoka with an opportunity to develop a kind of responsiveness and sensitivity to the movements and actions of others within a format that is usually highly structured. In addition, it is often easier to discard competitive mindsets when engaged in weapons training, making it easier to focus on cognitive development.
Weapons training is an excellent way to learn principles governing lines of attack and defense.
Text on this page excerpted from The Aikido Primer by Eric Sotnak.