Kirkland School
Northgate School
Ship Pal Gae
( 18 Traditional Weapons )
What It Develops
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Coordination
Handling a weapon requires more than just strength, it requires awareness of space, timing, and alignment. Training with two weapons (or two parts, like nunchaku) forces both hands to move independently yet in sync, building deep coordination and reflexes.
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Mental Focus & Accuracy
Weapons like spears or swords demand that every movement, from the wrist to the blade tip is aligned and intentional. Maintaining blade angle, distance, and direction teaches precise control and strengthens mental focus.
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Internal & External Strength
Heavier weapons like the Chung Yung Doe (Long Staff with Blade) or 9 Ring Broadsword develop total-body strength. Proper technique requires more than muscle, it requires internal strength to generate power without losing control.
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Application to Self-Defense
Smaller weapons like the Sai, Fan, or Short Staff improve grip, dexterity, and agility. While mimicking movements that could be used with household items. This makes Ship Pal Gae not just a display of skill, but practical and adaptable.
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Whole-Body Engagement
Because each weapon moves differently, students activate muscles and neural patterns that aren’t used in daily life. This not only improves physical performance but also supports long-term brain health, reflexes, and agility.
"I used to go to a gym, but that got boring. Then I tried out this place and haven't regretted it for a second. The instructors -- patient, thorough and providing personalized instruction -- make sure everyone improves.
It's a unique mix of martial arts, self defense and mindfulness that challenges the brain as much as the body.
Highly recommend their adult classes and the women's only self defense class."
- Carolyn H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
History & Lineage
Ship Pal Gae, meaning “Eighteen Skills” or “Eighteen Weapons,” is rooted in the traditional military training of ancient China. These weapons were practiced by soldiers, bodyguards, and martial artists alike - not only for combat, but for developing a complete warrior. Over time, the system evolved into a formalized set of weapon categories used across various martial arts schools.
Each of the eighteen weapons carries its own lineage, purpose, and technique. Some were developed for battlefield combat, such as spears, swords, and halberds. Others were adapted from farming tools, like the staff or sickle. Practicing all 18 was considered essential to becoming a fully rounded martial artist, capable of adapting to any situation.
Today, Ship Pal Gae continues this legacy. Some weapons are fast and flexible; others are heavy and powerful. But regardless of the tool, the principles remain:
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The weapon and body must move as one
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Timing, breath, and coordination are always aligned
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Offensive and defensive movements are performed with full body intent
To specialize in any weapon at an intermediate or advanced level, it must also match the practitioner’s body type and condition. A smaller student may work more efficiently with lighter weapons, while larger practitioners may handle longer or heavier ones.
What This Style Is
Ship Pal Gae translates to “18 Weapons” and represents one of the most diverse and challenging styles in traditional martial arts. In this practice, students learn a wide range of traditional Chinese weapons, from simple to complex. Each developing different aspects of coordination, power, and awareness.
Training often begins with weapons like the Dong Bong (Short Staff) before progressing to more complex tools such as the Sam Chuck Chu Chuck Bope (Three Section Staff) or Sang Pyo Kom (Hook Swords). With each new weapon, students must adapt their body mechanics, balance, and focus to move as one with the weapon.
Rather than specializing in only one weapon, students are encouraged to build understanding through variety. Learning how different weapons emphasize timing, control, angles, and spatial awareness. The goal is not just technical skill, but total unity of mind, body, and weapon.
OOM YUNG DOE
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