The Miao Dao (苗刀) – literally, Sprout Saber, is also referred to as the Grain Leaf Saber. It is a single-edge type of sword. The name derives from the sprouting leaf of a seedling. Origins The Miao Dao is often associated with ancient types of Daos (刀) such as the Huan Shou Dao (環首刀) –…
The Shuang Gou (雙鉤) – Double Hooks, or Twin Hooks, also known as Hu Tou Shuang Gou (虎頭雙鉤) – Tiger Head Double Hooks, is one of the exotic traditional weapons of Chinese martial arts The hook sword is said to have originated from the ancient Ge (戈) or Dagger-Axe Halberd, which was a large-scale military weapon…
Any discussion of the Fu Chen (拂塵), or Whisk, should begin with the following adage “Shou Na Fu Chen Bu Shi Fan Ren.” This means “The One Holding the Whisk is not an Ordinary Person.” This saying is significant because it implies that the person holding the Whisk is someone of high status. The Fu…
It is customary for every traditional Chinese martial arts school to have a Guan Dao (Guan’s Knife), proudly displayed on the weapons rack. The Guan Dao takes its name from the famed General Guan Yu who lived during the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty (160-220 AD). Guan Yu was renowned for his prowess with…
In the annals of Chinese martial arts there are many stories of heroes and heroines wielding their swords, and also tales of magical swords. Some of these stories are clouded in myth and legend, but they have been transmitted from generation to generation, and many have survived in modern times. During the Spring and Autumn…
The Qiang, or Spear, is one of the most common weapons in Chinese Martial Arts.Known as the King of All Weapons, the Spear falls into the Long Weapons category. Often used in battle by many famous generals, the Spear has a long history that dates to the Han Dynasty. Over many centuries in Chinese history…
San Jie Gun, or 3-Sectional Staff, is one of the esoteric weapons in Chinese martial arts. It is usually made of Bai La Gun, or White Waxwood, which is pliable and resilient. The 3-Sectional Staff is made of three separate pieces linked by chain rings. The chains rings render the weapons dexterous and flexible; this…
Historically, in a traditional Chinese martial arts school, the Shifu should be versed in the use of 18 Weapons known as Shi Ba Bing Qi. As it pertains to Traditional Long Fist, there are Four Major Weapons or Si Da Bing Qi, which are considered of primary importance. These are listed here in the typical…
Chinese Martial arts have a rich history that spans millennia. Many different Gong Fu styles have developed over this time as well as a countless variety of weapons. In ancient times, proficiency with weapons was necessary as one did not go into battle barehanded. In time, many weapons that were once used on the battlefield…
The posts on this Blog reflect the knowledge I have received from my teachers, and the volumes of information I have accumulated while doing research and conducting interviews with many masters, during the years of publishing the Wu Gong Journal and the Journal of Chinese Martial Arts. All the material published on this Blog is copyrighted. — Nick Scrima
