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Many martial arts employ weapons training while emphasizing empty handed self defense. Such practice helps one understand the structure of the empty handed art and also raises one's level of awareness as one deals with "dangerous materials." Defense against weapons attacks is also most useful.
However, other martial arts study weapons alone. These are typically arts developed exclusively for warfare.
Kendo and Iaido are martial arts that exclusively study the Japanese Samurai Sword. Iaido emphasizes the art of drawing sword in self defense situations and is purely taught in kata form. Kendo is a competitive art that employs bamboo practice swords and heavy protective gear. The focus of competition is one on one.
Jodo is a Japanese martial art that teaches one how to use a 4 foot wooden staff. The staff was used by some samurai against a sword. The movements are more versatile and a staff can break a sword in two if it is struck from the side.
Archery is a also a martial art that requires the utmost concentration. The bow is full body length as opposed to western archery, and breathing is an integral part of the practice.
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