Traditional Chinese Gong Fu Weapons Partner Practice

Traditional weapon practice with partners is known as Chuan Tong Bing QI Dui Lian. In this post I focus on the “traditional,” since what is presented in Contemporary Wushu as Weapon Fighting Sets borders on the ridiculous. Such forms use weapons that are extremely light, purposely shortened (such as in sets that incorporate the spear), and highly acrobatic.

Bing Qi Dui Lian, Partner Weapons Practice, is common to most Chinese martial arts styles, and an important aspect of training in the Long Fist school. Both Mizong Luohan and Ying Zhao Fanzi contain numerous partner sets in their curriculum.

What is the practical function of Partner Weapons Practice?

There are several aspects to consider when we refer to “practical. ”You are not going to carry a saber or spear with you in the street without facing dire consequences. Therefore, sabers, swords, spears, and other exotic weapons are certainly not practical. On the other hand, a Duan Gun, Short Stick, which can be seen as a walking stick, is indeed practical and can be used to ward off human or animal attacks.

From a training perspective, there are numerous benefits from practicing weapons with a partner that are not easily duplicated while practicing empty hand forms, and this includes Partner Empty Hand Sets. Following are some of these benefits:

Attentive concentration: While all martial arts practice requires concentration, when you are defending against another weapon your concentration level is elevated; any lapse in concentration can result in serious injury.

Distance and timing: When defending attacks from another weapon, you must be able to accurately gauge the distance. Defending from attacks with a spear is different from defending attacks made with a saber, sword or three-sectional staff. Each weapon is used differently and from different distances. You must be able to read the attack and properly time your response and counter.  

Added element of danger: While kicks and strikes are indeed dangerous if not properly defended, a spear poking at your face or a saber chopping at your legs presents an elevated element of danger. You must learn to remain calm and not flinch as any hesitation can lead to serious injury.

Expanded understanding of skills and strategy: It is said that a weapon is an extension of your hands. While this is true, it is an oversimplified explanation. In fact, many empty-hand techniques derive from the use of various weapons. This becomes evident as you gain proficiency with the use of various weapons. A short weapon pitted against a long weapon requires you to develop certain skills and strategies. This translates to empty hands when a short fighter faces a taller opponent.

Renewed interest in training: Learning and practicing partner weapon sets brings a new dimension to your training which challenges you to master new skills and renews your interest in the arts.

The spear versus other weapons

In Northern styles, the Qiang, or Spear, is often pitted against all other weapons. Perhaps the most common is a Spear-versus-Saber form. Other sets include the Spear versus the Three-Sectional Staff, the Spear versus the Pudao, the Spear versus Double Sabers, Spear versus Double Hooks, Spear versus Double Daggers, and so forth. The Spear is known as the King of All Weapons, for its speed, accuracy, and wide range of techniques. Because it was so dominant, different weapons were used to fight against it.

Traditionally, one would only master one weapon, but ignorance in the use of other weapons was dangerous.