Chinese Broadsword questions...

[parkerlineage]

I have just had the privelege of learning part of a Wu Shu broadsword kata from a visiting instructor. I happen to pick of kata quite quickly, and weapons kata especially so. He said I showed a lot of skill and promise with the blade...however, I only learned part of it!

I know the best way to learn is from an instructor - and I certainly plan to have him teach me the rest when he returns again. In the meantime, can anyone direct me to a site that has info/kata/technique with the Chinese Broadsword (Dao, right?)? I am also interested in buying one, so thoughts on that would help, also.

Thank you;

Parkerlineage

[fallen_milkman]

Wow, still no one answered this? Well, I am new to the broadsword myself, but I do have an entire Shaolin-do form under my belt.

Google for those forms. There are probably about a million websites to pick your favorite from, a billion if you don't mind paying for a video or dvd.

As for buying a sword, I am not sure if you prefer wooden or metal swords. For metal, I wouldn't pay much more than $40 for a single Chinese broadsword. I would hit up http://www.martialartssupermarket.com. My instructors and I all buy our swords there.

And lastly, one small tip that keeps your arm from getting sore. Remember to let the sword do the work.

Edited June 30, 2005 by fallen_milkman

[parkerlineage]

I know...everybody hates me. They didn't answer me on the Chinese forum, either.

But thank you for your advice. At least somebody cares about me.

Remember to let the sword do the work

I shall try to keep that in mind. Being a semi-hardstyle martial artist, I found myself wanting to really power the blade through all the cuts and strikes, but I'm getting over that.

Thanks;

parkerlineage

[fallen_milkman]

No problem, glad to help.

A friend and I just purchased this sword: http://www.martialartssupermarket.com/index.cfm?action=moreinfo&itemid=2476 and I highly recommend it. Just thought I'd pass the info along!

Good luck, the broadsword is a really fun weapon.

[parkerlineage]

Looks awesome - cheaper than the one I was going to go with, too.

Another question, if you (or any of you other 77 people who have looked at this care to actually say something) happen to know - how long should my blade be? I'm 6' 6"...so I'm assuming I need a fairly long one...

Peace;

Parkerlineage

[fallen_milkman]

Really, whatever you are comfortable with. If there are any MA weapon stores near you, I'd go check them out and see what feels comfortable. 30" is really great for me, and I am just under 6 feet tall.

[dtstiachi]

I start the broadsword in Sept. Sorry I can't be of any help right now. If I hear or find any new info, I will let you know.

[nanfeishen]

I have found this to be a reasonable way to judge the length i need: hold the broadsword in your right hand, and lay the spine of the blade along you outstretched arm, try for a blade length that has the tip if the sword sitting on your shoulder, then lift your arm and hold it out at shoulder height, if the tip of the sword pokes you in the neck, it is too long for you.

hope it helps!

[fallen_milkman]

Actually, a master of many styles my teacher knows was helping us just the other day and gave us this method. Balance the gaurd on your fingers, blade pointing up along your arm. The tip of the sword should be around the same height where your jawline goes under your ear. So basically, the blade should be as long as the measurement from your fingertips resting at your side to the bottom of your ear.