Weapons in Chinese Martial Arts
In the martial arts of China, there are several types of weapons used by practitioners. The designs of most have survived many centuries, some since the Bronze Age (when weapon-making became more rampant in the country). As a result, the weapons used in Chinese martial arts are a significant part of Chinese culture and tradition.
Each martial art tends to focus on a particular collection of weapons. Practitioners are required to practice their handling in drills as well as many stylized forms (alone or with one or more partners).
The following is an example of some of the most popular types of weapons used in the Chinese martial arts. They are split into categories according to the style of weapon, and can be made of metal, wood, or both.
Long Weapons for Long Range Combat
Long weapons are typically handled with both hands, with only brief periods of single handed handling. The weapon is generally taller than the person using it.
Examples of long weapons in Chinese martial arts are the Trident, Staff, Lance, Halberd (Guan do), Battle-axe, Shovel, Fork, Long-blade Spear, and Wave-bladed spear.
Short Weaponsfor Close Range Combat
Short weapons are held with one hand, with only brief periods of two handed handling.
Examples of short weapons are the Truncheon, Hammer Hatchet, Axe, knife,Broadsword, and Straightsword,
Flexible Weapons For Close and Long Range Combat
Flexible weapons are held with one or two hands.
Some examples of flexible weapons in the Chinese martial arts are the Whip, Mace, Meteor hammer, and Three section staff.
There 18 weapons typically considered essential for use in Chinese martial arts. These are known as the “Eighteen Arms” and include the fork, sabre, spear, sword, halbert, axe, battle axe, whip, mace, hammer, trident-halberd, talon, cudgel, long-handled spear, short cudgel, hook, stick and meteor hammer.