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SHAN GIEH KUN(Three sectional staff) At the beginning of the Sung Dynasty[960 A.D.], Emperor Tai Gzu specialized in the use of the long rod. One day his favorite rod broke, he repaired it by chaining the two pieces together. This weapon is the sweeper. He found it very effective in fighting an enemy bearing a shield because the short staff could hook over the shield. Later he broke his seweeper into three pieces and chanied them together. This became the SHAN GIEH KUN(Three sectional staff). This consists of three equal lengths of hardwood or rattan conditioned with wood-oil and chained together. The three sectional staff can be used either as a short or long weapon depending on which staffs are held. More complicated than the sweeper, the three sectional staff can be used on either side and has greater injuring potential. There you go Rush. I will catch you in the other clubs..time has become to short..and I can't keep up with both. Still love ya. Peace, Tae

SHAN CHAR(Trident) In Northern China, the trident is called SHAN CHAR. In Southern China, it is referred to as a BAR. The three-pronged metal head was attached to a wooden rod. Occasionally a metal staff was used. The trident was slightly longer than the user's body. In the North the prongs were flat with sharp edges, in the South, the prongs were tapered. The trident was mainly used as a hunting tool, and not a favorite battle weapon, it was also thought to scare off evil spirits, so many families and temples kept them close by. As a fighting weapon, the trident was used to block the enemy's weapon. it was also used to stab or sweep. in hunting tigers, the hunter would hold the trident tilted at a 45-degree angle upwards, as the tiger sprang to attack, it would impale itself on it. It was first used as a weapon by Huang Di(2690-2590 B.C.). However, farmers were probably using them before that to hoist hay and to hunt. Peace, Tae

Amen to that. Wouldn't trade the experience for being young for anything. Peace, Tae

Nope you are not alone. Peace, Tae

Hi guys, The infrared camera showed that the heat looked like fire...but it is really just heat. There is nothing mystical about Ki..It is just learning how to use and control the energy of the body..and the energy around you. In the 50's, 60's amd early 70's..a lot pf photographers whork on the idea of photographing the energy that the body ..or other living things give off. Kerlin photography is the result. with this photography..you can acually hpotograph the enrey that is being given off by the body. All liveing things give off enenrgy..including plats..trees and what ever. Qi Gong is learning to control the way you breathe..and therefore teaches you how to build energy...and draw energy from the things around you. Peace, Tae

CHAN(shovel or spade) The general structure of the shovel is a flat metal head on the end of a metal rod. There are three different shovels(spades). 1) The Crescent Moon[Yueh Yar Chen]. 2) The Farm Bian Chan, is like the crescent moon, except the blade is convez. 3) The Golden Coin[Gin Chain Chan] has a coined-shaped metal head. The shovel was the weapon of priests. After wars, and famines they would also bury the dead with them. If it was used in fighting, it was used the same way as the spear or rod. The Golden Coin in some books has been dated as far back as the Hsia Dynasty[2205-1782 B.C.] The Crescent Moon was exclusively a monk's weapon until the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty[1644-1911 A.D.] Peace, Tae

Smilyes do not haide sarcasm. I really don't have anything to chill about. I take my studies in the arts very seriously..just the way I am. I glad you don't have a problem with me Angus...I certianly do not have one with you either. Peace, Tae :lol:

The technique in the katana is in Iai-do. Also the is quite a few very good techniques in Kamas, Double blade..etc. Again though they must be live blades. All weapons can be beautiful, if used correctly. Peace, Tae

GHI([Gee] Halbred) There are two kinds of Halbreds. 1) The two or trhee pronged head. 2) The flat head. Both have a string and heavy rod, that is usually made out of metal. Horsetail tassels were used on both. This not only distracted the enemy, but also prevented blood from flowing down the shaft. The Halbreds primary use was in a horse-to-horse confrontation, however, there could be times when it was used in horse-to-ground, and ground-to-ground fighting. The Initial technique that would be executed with the halbred, was stabbing, thrusting upward, sweeping, and cutting. The first halbreds probably date from the Spring and Autumn period, and the Warring states period [770-221 B.C.] Their popularity expanded during the Three Kingdoms era[220-280 A.D.] Peace, Tae

Patrick, I was asking out of real concern...but maybe you can't see that. I wouldn't want you to leave that is why I was asking. Just because you have a problem with me..and decided that I am not worthy of respect..does not mean I have to follow your example. I have no problems with you..and I do respect you. However, I will keep my concern to myself from now on..because I don't think it is right to auume the worse of anyone. Again, I am sorry that I was concerned..but I am glad you are staying. Peace, Tae

Patrick, Don't tell me you are thinking of leaving. Peace, Tae

egarlock, LOL, I agree...by far the best weapon is the human brain. However, I also like any bladed weapon, as long as it is a live weapon. Peace, Tae

GUNN(Long Rod) The Gunn(long rod), can be traced to at least the period of Huang Di[2690-2590 B.C.]. It is one of the most convient and easily used weapons because long pieces of wood can be found anywhere, both on the road, and at home. The gunn us generally nade of hard wood(e.g. birch or oak), it was oftened imersed in oil to increase strength and resilience. Occasionally, long rods were made of brass or iron and were either solid or hollow. One made a heavy and powerful weapon, while the other provided the user with lightness and speed. The circumference of the long rod was such thatthe thumb and first finger of its carrier just touched around it. There are three kinds of long rods. The first and most common consists of a straight piece of rod. The second called a water-fire rod, has metal covering both ends of the rod, but miether end is sharp. The third, called spear rod, has one tapered end that can be used for piercing. Brushing, sweeping, striking, and thrusting upwards through the opponents crotch are common techniques used with the Gunn. sliding the rod through one hand to utilize either end brings the long rod alive. More later. Tae

Hi Rush I am gald you are enjoyin it..that is why I am posting..so people can enjoy iy, and maybe learn something new. Be patient..I will get to you three sectional staff. Still love ya! Peace, Tae

Zak, History shows..that the only ons who carried just a sword..was usually a roman officer. Most all foot soilders carried both long weapons..and swords. Anyway, I hope that answers your question..like I said..I am only puttin the history out here for people to read. I do wonder though..why you would assume that I would not politely answer you....don't you know what they say about the word assume? Don't make judgements based an what you think you know...and don't judge me without knowing me. Make sure you have all the facts first..and then if you have a problem..tell me abouot it. Peace, Tae

Zak,' Please get you qoutes straight. I am the one who said that if you learn the ancient weapons, that it does apply to modern society. Thaiboeren is the one who made the long answer..that you put my name on. Peace, tae

I would give you a longer answer..but it is about to storm here..so It will have to wait. Peace, Tae

Foot soilders used both. I will be getting to the swords...as I go along. Peace, Tae

I don't wear stripes..I wear the ranking belts. From fourth up..there are also ranking belts instead of stripes. This belt I wear at testings. In class and competition..I wear a plain black belt. Peace, tae

Hi Javier, Welcome to the forum..I hope you enjoy it here. Peace, tae

First i would like to post some of the long weapons. These weapons were used from horseback, or chariots. Long weapons provided the martial artist with two major advantages over a warrior carrying a short weapon. 1) Greater killing potential because of the power inherent in the long and heavy weapon. 2) A strategic advantage in being able to strike an enemy before the short weapon could be used. There was however, also disavantages. 1) Endurance was a problem because of the weight. 2) Carrying a long weapon for self-defense was impractical. The short weapon was easier to transport. In spite of all this, many famous Chinese Generals carried them into battle. Yeh Fei[Southern Sung Dynasty 1127-1279 AD] and Chi Gi Kwan[Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 A D] used the spear. Kuan Yu[Three Kingdoms 220-280 A D] chose the Long-Handled broad sword. Please keep in mind that the weapons I am listing here are just a small example of Chinese weapons. There were three very long weapons, varying in technique and size. All are first know to be used during the "Spring and Autumn period", and "the Warring states[770-221 B.C.]. These later evolved into the spear. 1) SHUO(18ft Tapered Ploe) This 18ft. pole was used by warriors on horse back against enemies on horses, or in chariots. To increase the strength and resiliency it was commonly immersed in oil. The Shuo became very awkward at close range. 2) SHU(12 ft. Tapered pole) The Shu was identical to the Shuo, except it was shorter..and therefore, a warrior had to learn to compensate for the difference in weight..It had the same purpose of the Shuo, but because it was much lighter..it could also be used by a weaker soldier. Because of the reduced weight. the Shu could be maneuvered with greater speed and flexibility. 3) GIAU-CHIZ(9 Ft. Tapered Pole) This was similiar to the very long poles, with the addition of being used in ground to ground fighting..so the fundamentals had to change a little. More tommorrow Tae

So am i...I have used all kinds of weapons for years...so if you already know all the waepons and how to use them...why the Questions? This is just the history for the enjoyment of those who want to read it. Anyway, good luck with your forum. Peace, Tae _________________ Kyoshi Deborah R. Williams 7th Dan Founder/Senoir Instructor Tae Su Jutsu Board member International Martial arts Association. "Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor." Proverbs 18:12 This Message was edited by: Patrick on Jul 23, 2001 4:20pm

The Tang Dynasty[618-907 AD], to this day remains one of the brightest eras in Chinese history. It was a time of peace, and produced many of the famous scholars, poets, and artists. The empoerors of this period encouraged the people to give up the martial arts in favor of more peaceful endeavors. The Tang Dynasty ended in 907 AD, when China was once again divided. Known as the Five Dynasties period[079-960 AD], this period only lasted 53yrs. The Sung Dynasty[960-1206 AD] reunited China once again. One of the most important events during this dynasty was the invasion of the GIN race from Siberia(northeast of China). Invasion by the Gin precipitated development of many new weapons and Martial arts. In part this evolution resulted from the Chinese banding together with them to battle a common enemy. Additionally, new weapons evloved from the mixture of the HAN(Chinese), and GIN(Siberian) armaments. In 1206 AD, the Mongolians invaded China from the North. The established the Yuan Dynasty[1206-1368 AD]. This era produced many new weapons, as Yuan weapons and styles mixed with those of the Han and The Gin. 1368 AD, the Mongolians were defeted by the Han race and the Ming Dynasty[1368-1644 AD] began it long reign. The MIng witnessed a great expansion, with the influence of Buddhism. Buddhist priest not only spread through China, but also exported their preaching to Japan as well. With the priest went their weapons which were adapted by the Japanese for their own use. The Han race was once again forced from power by foriegners in 1644 AD. This time it was the Manchurains. The Ching Dynasty[1644-1911 AD], in order to preserve its power, supressed all martial training in China. This time the Shao-lin Temple was completely destroyed and the monks that escaped, hid, and taught in secret for many years. The locations famous for weapons during the Ching Dynasty are known, two areas LONG CHUAN and WU KAN, are in te Zurgian province in Eastern China. The third area, CHINN YOUNG is in the Hou Nan province, site of the Shao-lin temples. Although not a very big area, Long Chuan attracted many great swordmakers because of its water. No one knows what qualities the water possesses, but great arms have been forged in that area for many centuries. In 1911, Sun Yat-Sen lead a revolution of the Han people, and founded the Republic of China. The evolution in Chinese weapons, from stones picked from the river, to intricately carved swords mode of metal alloys to the gun took nearly 5,000 years. Today martial artists the world over are resurrecting the art of the ancient Chinese weapons. However, today we appreciate the weapon as an art form rather than as a tool of combat. More later.

Well, I think if you were a practioner..and not just a fan..then you would understand that just learning one weapon..doen't in any way give you the fundalmental in all weapons. But it is one of those things..that you would actually have to practice to understand. Different weapons..although they can be used similar to another has different fundalmentals as far as philosophy and trainig. However, the point is not what you carry on you..it is in knowing how to pick anything up and us it. Sounds like if all you use is a knife it would limit you to just those techniques. anyway, I am only here to put the history in...what you do or do not do with the knowledge is left up to you. Whether you or not you choose to try other weaponsiis left up to you..I think that everyone should learn the ancient weapons(which is also part of Kobudo), but then I believe a person should not limit themselves just to what they know. Peace, Tae

By the Shang Dynasty[1751-111BC], weapons made of copper alloy were in use. Bronze weapons ushered in the era, and by the close ironware had come into being. During the Chou dynasty[1111-1022BC], new metalurgical techniques were directed toward improving agricultural implements rather than arms. As the power in the Chou Dynasty diminished, China was thrust inot a series of civil wars. The first period is known as the spring and Autumn period[770-403 BC], the second is known as the warring states period[403-221 BC]. During these periods of civil unrest, each of the warring factions strived to produce stronger, and sharper weapons. The Chin dynasty[221-206 BC], saw no new developments in weapons. After the Chin Dynasty came the Han Dynasty[206-220 AD]. The beginning of this era witnessed the first book about martial arts weapons fabrication. During this period China also had the first contact with a foriegn race. After the Han Dynasty, came the Thre Kingdoms Dynasty[220-280 AD]. The Thre Kingdoms of Tsao-Tsao, Lui Peiu, and Sun Chien, added much to the history of martial arts weapons. It was during this period that a Black smith named Pu Yuan discovered the secret of water-quenching(cooling a metal quickly to make it harder and stronger). The Liang Dynasty[502-557 AD] was unremarkable as far as weapons go, it did however mark the iniation of the Shao-lin Temple's involvement in the Martial Arts, an event that affected the developement of Chinese weapons for many centuries to come.( I can cover Shao-lin later in the History of the Martial arts, if anyone is interested. The next two Dynasties, Chou Dynasty[557-581 AD] and the Sui Dynasty[581-618 Ad] were united under one ruler and shoed little progress in the way of new weapons. More tommorrow night. Tae