I have a question regarding the training of pole arms(Fang Tian Ji, Spade, Trident etc) in traditional kung fu.
I have noticed there does not seem to be a clear structure to training for many pole-arms in the sense of seeing basics or a clear path, other then a small selection of forms that are seen on youtube. Even I don't see many DVDs or VCDs for things like the Fang Tian Ji.
To that I wonder, how do pole-arms fit into the structure of training in kung fu? Is there a level that someone gets to where they would normally be allowed to learn these weapons? In general I am curious what exactly constitutes the learning process for any sort of advanced weapon that is not so common.