I have been working through the Dokkodo, Miyamoto Musashi’s final list of precepts for his students.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dokkōdō
They’re all brief, thought-provoking and well worth considering in depth.
But number 16 really surprised me.
“Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.”
That’s counterintuitive, coming from a renowned swordsman.
But Musashi was not one to follow convention, deceive himself or waste his time.
I think the crux is “what is useful.”
What is the purpose of your practice? Are you getting sidetracked with non- essentials? Or does every practice take you closer to your goal? Is your weapons practice frivolous or useful to you?
If not, it is not useful to a martial artist. Focus on what is important and what matters to you in your training. That’s all you really have time for.