Marsden is Here

One of the things which bugs me about the D&D3 monk is how they get proficiency with several interesting weapons but are actively dissuaded from using them by the disconnect between their improved unarmed damage and the relatively low damage of said weapons. One could just rule that the monk deals at least unarmed damage with any weapon they are familiar with, but this seems a bit overpowered and also detracts a bit much from the specialised combat feel of the class.

With that in mind here is a Monk-only feat designed to add a bit more flexibility.

Monk weapon training
You have trained with one type of weapon, such as kama, until using one is like an extension of your own body.

Prerequisites
Monk Level 1, proficiency with selected weapon

Benefit
Attacks with the selected weapon do your unarmed damage or the weapon damage whichever is greater, and the weapon takes on the properties of your Ki Strike.
Additionally the weapon counts as a special monk weapon for purposes of Flurry of Blows even if it would not normally.
* You still don't get to combine Flurry of Blows with Two Weapon Fighting for 3 attacks at 1st level, munchkins.

Special
This may be chosen as the bonus feat at level one in place of Stunning Fist or Improved Grapple.
DM's option to let this be acquired in a regular feat slot.

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Character Concepts
Half-orc or dwarf with axe who literally kicks butt at the same time. (Spend first level feat on weapon proficiency.)
Human duelist (Spend a feat on rapier proficiency)(I briefly thought of the 3 musketeers but they would probably have an issue with the lawful alignment of the monk)
Legolas (elven monk-with-bow-training)