We’re peace-loving folk generally, but training to use knives, sticks and guns properly can do wonders for hand-eye coordination, and balance (and, let’s be honest, they can also make you feel thrillingly dangerous for a few minutes, even if it’s just pretend). But whatever your reasons, trying out these martial arts (or the gun range, if finesse isn’t your thing) is a great way to pass the time during the summer months, particularly as all of the session are held indoors.
Aikido
What it is: Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defence rather than attack. Movements are designed to use an attacker’s force and strength against them, through throws, immobilising holds and disarming your opponent. Many of the weapon-free aikido movements are derived from traditional sword and spear movements, and some schools also incorporate firearm-disarming techniques.
Weaponry: Weapons training in aikido traditionally includes the short staff (jo) and wooden sword (bokken), as well as knives.
Try it at: Instructor Freddy Alfaro holds classes at Hilton Abu Dhabi on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8.30pm-9.45pm. A package of 10 lessons costs Dhs295, or walk-in classes cost Dhs35 each. Contact Freddy on 050 412 2395 for details.
Kendo
What it is: Think fencing, but with bigger swords and cooler outfits. Admittedly, it’s not particularly constructive to compare Japanese kendo to European-style fencing – kendo is Japanese for ‘the way of the sword’, a discipline that derived from samurai swordsmanship and was originally part of the samurai training system. Kendo training is a combination of samurai philosophy and physical exertion, and is both physically and mentally demanding.
Weaponry: The most famous weapon used in kendo is the long, thin, bendy sword made of bamboo and leather, called the shinai. Stylised armour is worn to protect the head, arms and body.
Try it at: Abu Dhabi Kendo Club. Contact Ikemoto San for more information on 050 621 6294.
Kobudo
What it is: This martial art is a fighting system from Okinawa, Japan and is said to be developed in part from the everyday tools and routines of peasant farmers. The name means ‘old martial arts’ in Japanese, in reference to the ancient weapons used, and the practice goes hand in hand with traditional karate. In many schools, students are only allowed to practise kobodo once they’ve mastered the basics of karate since the techniques are so complex.
Weaponry: Since kobudo is an exclusively weapon-based art, there are all sorts of vicious pieces of equipment to play with. Try some of these: the sai, which are forked metal clubs, nunchucks, nichogama, which is a set of sickles, as well as metal knuckle-dusters called techu.
Try it at: The Oriental Karate and Kobudo Club, Tourist Club Area (02 677 1611) Monthly fee for two days a week Dhs250 plus additional admission and uniform fees.
If you don’t want to train…
Shooting
What it is: Letting off a few rounds, just like they do in the movies. You can live out your Jack Bauer fantasies at one of Caracal Shooting Club’s six 25m lanes. A session involves a 30-minute briefing, covering safety and the basic technique for firing. Then the fun bit – you’re given 25 rounds of ammunition to blast at the target.
Weaponry: A 9mm Caracal handgun, which is a service pistol produced on the outskirts of the city and used by the UAE’s security forces.
Try it at: Caracal Shooting Club at Armed Forces Officer’s Club and Hotel, Al Maqtaa (02 441 6404). Annual membership costs Dhs4,000, and members are free to visit as often as they like and pay Dhs50 for 25 9mm bullets, while non-members pay Dhs205 for a walk-in session with 25 bullets, plus Dhs50 for a first-time safety briefing.
