History of Chinese Weapons

[Taesujutsudrw]

This thread is about the Chinese weapons..there is quite a bit of info..so it will take a while to put out.

 

In the mean time..please post whatever you want about the wepons..if you have info about the Chines Weapons this is the place to put it.

 

Peace,

 

Tae

[iamrushman]

personally i'm interested in the history of the three sectioned staff.

 

 

[Taesujutsudrw]

A country as vast as China encompasses many types of terrian. deserts and high plateaus cover the Northern territory, mountian ranges dominate the West, and the southeast oast and the Central zones are rich with many lakes, and rivers.

 

Because of this there has been a variation in the weapons developed there over the centuries. The Northern Chinese tend to be taller, and nore powerful, then the Southern Chinese, so martial artists from the North would utlize longer and heavier weapons. On the other hand, the Southern Chinese being shorter and generally weaker, would use weapons appropiate for thier stature which is shorter and lighter.

 

Cultural backgrounds and the resultant lifestyles in different areas also contributed to variations in weaponary. Northern Chinese because of the wide expanse of countryside, developed what can best be described as the Texan attitude, being better on horseback than those of the south. Southern Chinese martial artists who were more a "New England" type who lived in a more crowded enviroment and grew to become better at ground fighting. The Southeast was a great agricultral plain people, used the HOE and the HARROW for cultivation. As a result hoe and harrow fighting techniques developed.

 

Because the farmers could be struck with little warning by bandits, farmers used whatever was at hand as a weapon. Therefore, the people became adept with the Hoe, Rake, Harrow, Trident, and other common farming, or hunting tools as weapons of defense.

 

Generally speaking a well trianied martial artist would carry at leat three kinds of weapons. 1) primary weapon, such as a sword, saber, of spear. 2) A hidden weapon such as a chain, or daggers. 3) Darter weapons[darts or throwing knives].

 

To be cont'd

 

 

[Taesujutsudrw]

We will definitely get to that Rush. I have a pretty good supply on all the weapons...hope you enjoy.

 

Peace,

 

Tae

 

 

[Taesujutsudrw]

P.S. Still love ya!

[Taesujutsudrw]

There are three things that a seriuos martial artist should consider when choosing a weapon that suits them.

 

1) If they are tall and strong, they should take advantage of the long heavy weapon such as the Large Saber, or the Halbred.

 

2) If they are tall but not strong, they might want to choose a spear as this is a light weapon, but still strong.

 

3) Short people had the advantage of the center of gravity being closer to the ground, and they usually have better balance. They can make best use of the swords, double-swords, double-sabers, double-rods, double-daggers, and the hook swords.

 

fighting strategy, a decisive factor in both large battles and personal efforts, had an inseperable relationship with weapons. The hook sword, together with the shield, was designed specifically for attacking horse's legs during a large battle in the Southern Sung Dynasty[1127 AD-1279AD]. Some soilders, especially the strongest, would use the long weapon even in close fighting. the long staff, spear, or large Saber were very difficult to block because of its weight. However, once at close range, the long weapon which was so powerful became a hinderance to its weilder, and the martial artist using the shorter, lighter weapon coould emphasize speed and maneuverability.

 

most of the documents that have been found, are about the sword, because the ancient Chinese considered it a more important weapon. The pure physical beauty of the sword contributed to the great appreciation it won. Mastering the complicated techniques of sword fighting was so difficult, that experts were held in highest regard. They popularized the sword to such an extent that not only did the men carry swords, but women also.

 

The Chinese word for weapons[bIN CHI] was a word that included all weapons. e.g. spear, sword, and saber, just ot name a few. Prior to 2700BC weapons were very simple. Small stones were probably considered state of the art. Eventually someone discovered that a stone could be used to chip and sharpen another, allowing ancient societies to develope axes, and spear.

 

The first recorded evidence of Chinese weapons dates back to the Emperor HUA HUANG DI[2690BC-2590BC]. Huang Di had weapons made of Jade, Copper, and Gold.

 

Fighting between Huang Di, and Chih Yu introduced the Battle Axe into warfare for the first time.

 

 

 

[iamrushman]

and wecome back to you.

 

 

[Taesujutsudrw]

Thanks...

 

 

[thaiboxerken]

" There are three things that a seriuos martial artist should consider when choosing a weapon that suits them. "

 

Do you mean that these were elements that used to be considered? I think many of these things don't apply to modern society since most people don't want to carry spears and swords around with them.

 

Good info though. Culture, terrain and many other factors have molded the design of many weapons and martial art strategy.

 

 

[Taesujutsudrw]

If a person learns how to use the ancient weapons correctly..Yes it does apply to modern society.

 

The discipline of ancient weapons...teaches a person a great deal about themselves..and it also allows for techniques that can turn anything in the street into a weapon.

 

Hope this answers your question.

 

peace,

 

Tae