Martial Arts training of all kinds has always included the use of weapons. But the legal use of knives, rice flails, swords, spears and wooden batons is limited to members of the armed forces. The old battle fields of the East no longer exist and we must look to a new and modern battle field to test our martial skills.

Most of our cultural battles (not wars) are now played out in the sports arena. From boxing to football and from swimming to sky-diving we pit our skills against each other in conflicts which are limited, have rules and are designed not to be lethal. Individuals, teams and nations can compete in this arena.

Recognising this Spirit Combat has developed a system of weapons competition using ancient and traditional martial arts weapons in a new way. While it is enjoyed by adults, this system is particularly popular with the children and teenagers. The nunchaku or rice flail, used in Nunchaku Combat has been made from padded plastic material, the central chain of the original weapon being replaced by nylon cord. A padded head guard is also warn and competitors can then win points by striking specific target areas on their opponent. This is an activity which not only requires resilience but also a lot of stamina.

In Viking Combat the same head guard is worn but each competitor has a padded plastic shield and a padded plastic baton. Similarly the competitors may now score points by striking specific target areas on each other.

During class practice of these two activities students get to take part in each bout as judges, corner men and referees under the guidance of the senior instructor, thus learning a broader range of skills than just those involved in the fighting. Both the syllabus and the competition rules are regulated by SCI and have been developed with a view to safety but without losing the test of the particular skill.

Kick Boxing

Kick-boxing training develops fighting skills. There may be no better place to test your power, accuracy, defence and attack strategy and stamina than in the kick-boxing ring. Kick-boxing involves the use of the hands and feet (but not the knees or elbows) in an attempt to beat your opponent, either by scoring more points - as in the case of semi-contact kick boxing - or by incapacitating your opponent - as in the case of full-contact kick boxing .

The training syllabus which SCI has developed for kick-boxing is based on the sound principles of health, safety and fulfillment. This means disciplined and effective safe training methods with opportunities for safe and responsibly run competitions.

SCI is presently involved along with other kick-boxing organisations, under the guidance of the Sports Council, in the formation of the first kick-boxing governing body in the U.K. This will lead to even better facilities for kick-boxing and better regulation of a potentially dangerous sport.

As with other SCI training styles, kick-boxing instructors must satisfy the minimum requirements for association membership in relation to safe and responsible practice.