Gun (Staff)
The staff is the most fundamental weapon and often the first taught. It develops arm power and rooting.
Characteristics:
- ✓ Approximately 1.80 m long
- ✓ Power weapon
- ✓ Develops stability
- ✓ Excellent for coordination
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Kung Fu weapons
Kung Fu includes the study of one or more traditional or improvised weapons. Their practice extends empty-hand work and maintains a living connection with Chinese martial tradition.
The number of traditional weapons in a school or style may be limited or very large. Each weapon has its own movements, style, Tao and technique.
Chinese weapons have been part of Kung Fu's cultural heritage for centuries. Their use in martial arts keeps a connection with the ancient tradition.
Kung Fu weapon classification
Weapons can be classified into six broad categories. This is only one possible reading, but it provides a useful overview of the technical landscape.
- Long weapons : Longer than a person and wielded with both hands, such as the spear, staff, long sabre, halberd, fork or crescent moon blade.
- Short weapons : Shorter than a person and generally wielded with one hand, such as the sabre, sword, axe or edged whip.
- Flexible weapons : Weapons whose length can vary during execution, such as the nine-section chain, three-section staff, dart rope or flying meteor.
- Double weapons : One weapon in each hand, used in coordination, such as double sabres, double swords, hooks, double axes or sabre and shield.
- Throwing weapons : Concealable weapons generally used once, such as darts, throwing stars, needles, coins or meteor balls.
- Weapons by purpose : Agricultural or domestic tools adapted for martial use, such as the bench, rake, cymbals, opium pipe or sais.
Main weapons
Traditional Kung Fu weapons are not accessories, but extensions of the practitioner's body and energy.
Their study strengthens the principles learned empty-handed.
Dao (Saber)
A symbolic Kung Fu weapon, the sabre is known for its martial effectiveness. It develops fluidity and precision.
Characteristics:
- ✓ Curved, sharp blade
- ✓ Precision weapon
- ✓ Develops fluidity
- ✓ Important wrist work
Jian (Sword)
A straight, fine-bladed sword practised especially in internal styles. It develops elegance and grace.
Characteristics:
- ✓ Straight, fine blade
- ✓ Internal precision weapon
- ✓ Graceful movements
- ✓ Subtle and elegant work
Qiang (Spear)
A traditional warrior weapon, the spear develops a deep understanding of distance and movement. It is rarely practised but highly respected.
Characteristics:
- ✓ Long combat weapon
- ✓ Distance work
- ✓ Broad movements
- ✓ Tactical application
Weapons taught at CAMC
Long weapons : Drunken spear, Shaolin spear, Mizong spear, Tang Lang spear, Xing Yi spear, drunken staff, monkey staff, Shaolin staff, Mizong staff, Tang Lang staff, Baji staff and Mizong halberd.
Short weapons : Baji, Shaolin, Mizong and Tang Lang sabres; Shaolin, Mizong, Emei and Bagua swords; Bagua great sabre and Baji short staff.
Flexible weapons : Mizong, Tang Lang and Hong Quan three-section staff; Tang Lang nine-section chain.
Double weapons : Double sabres, double swords, hooks, double daggers, double staff, Bagua double crescent and Yin Yi Liu He hook.
Weapons by purpose : Tang Lang fan, Hong Quan fan, Shaolin cane, Mizong cane, Emei flute and Hong Quan umbrella.
Conditions for learning weapons
Weapon study begins only after a solid empty-hand foundation has been acquired. The general criteria are:
- ✓
Good understanding of the fundamentals
Master the style's stances, footwork and basic techniques.
- ✓
Body control
Be able to control energy and movements precisely.
- ✓
Regular practice
Have attended classes for at least several months.
- ✓
Teacher's approval
The teacher will validate your progress before you begin weapons training.