...a empty hand techniqe? If I wanted to create an empty handed form of a classical weapons based martial art, which martial art would be the best to learn in order to understand this process?
Just my personal opinion, but I would go with Aikido. If you've ever seen an Aikido demonstration you will notice that most of the techniques are based on staff, and sword techniques.
American Kenpo, chopping set would set you right up. Krav Maga = Isreal taking American Kenpo and making it their own. So if there is a better instructor or if 1 is more pricy or if only 1 is avalible let that affect your decision as both would have the same outcome.