Uses of chinese weapons

[lordtariel]

a side question that relates to the topic: Are the tassles on alot of the chinese weapons really meant to confuse an opponent? I'd imagine that they are more of a recent addition for show, but I know very little about CMA weapons...

That was one of there purposes. On spears they were used to hide the point so you couldn't tell where the thrust was coming from. I've also read that some of the old ones were made of wire and could be flicked into the eyes of an opponent.

[TigerCrane]

One theory that I've heard of is that Chinese weapons like the Dao are flexible (but not originally designed as flexible as the modern ones designed for competition) to create an even greater amount of power and duration when being used right. To make up the weakness of the weapon compared to say, the katana, the Kung Fu practitioners transfer and use their Chi through the weapon, so that the weapon is no different than an extension of the fighter's arm.

[bushido_man96]

To make up the weakness of the weapon compared to say, the katana, the Kung Fu practitioners transfer and use their Chi through the weapon, so that the weapon is no different than an extension of the fighter's arm.

I don't know how far I would go with this idea. The Chinese did have swords as well.

[TigerCrane]

The idea is that there is a transfer of Chi between the practitioner and the weapon - any weapon. The flexible weapons weren't made solely for this purpose, but the idea is that even though they may seem more fragile compared to swords, they are reinforced by Chi.

Let me ephasize that this is strictly a theory, and depending on how much and what you believe with regard to Qi Gong, you may or may not endorse this theory.

[bushido_man96]

The idea is that there is a transfer of Chi between the practitioner and the weapon - any weapon. The flexible weapons weren't made solely for this purpose, but the idea is that even though they may seem more fragile compared to swords, they are reinforced by Chi.

Let me ephasize that this is strictly a theory, and depending on how much and what you believe with regard to Qi Gong, you may or may not endorse this theory.

I understand what it means...however, couldn't this chi be transferred to non-flexible weapons as well?

[lordtariel]

It was also said that a trained gim fighter could actually bend the sword through gaps in armor.

[bushido_man96]

It was also said that a trained gim fighter could actually bend the sword through gaps in armor.

I'm not so sure about that, either. I think those ideas border more on myth than fact.

[TigerCrane]

Yup, Chi can be transferred through non-flexible weapons as well.

As for the gim bending through gaps in armor... that's something interesting that I've never heard of before. Are you talking about the flexible gim? I have a sturdy Tai Chi gim that is slightly - only slightly - flexible.