Wu - Chinese Martial Arts

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Weapons
Sword (Jian)
The sword is one of the most ancient weapons in Chinese martial arts history. Archaeologists have discovered swords from as early as the Bronze Age.

The sword is one of the short weapons of Taichiquan, it is usually light in weight, with a flexible blade. It has cutting edges on both sides, as well as a sharp tip for stabbing motions. At the base of the handle is a metal pommel that is used to strike backwards.

Broadsword (Dao)
Introduced to China as a result of the Mongol invasions, the broadsword with its characteristic curved blade became the most widely used short weapon in military circles. Its popularity was such that it eclipsed the older straight sword (jian) as the dominant military sidearm.

The broadsword is single-edged and heavy. The strength of the weapon means that cutting movements tend to be large, expansive and powerful. In appearance, using the broadsword is "like splitting a mountain".

Spear (Qinag)
When the routine is performed well, the martial roots of the spear form become obvious. Few movements are done slowly. The overall tempo is forceful, direct and rapid, with an unpredictability liked to thunder and lighting. Utilizing numerous explosive releases of power or fajing, the form takes just two minutes or so to complete, despite its length. Within Chinese wushu circles, the spear considered to be an advanced weapon. This is reflected in it being recognized as the "King of weapons".

Spring and Autumn Broadsword (Guan Dao)
The guan dao was the favored weapon of the renowned General Guan Yu. During the Three Kingdoms Period of Chinese history, he was famous for his great strength, martial ability and readiness to champion the cause of the oppressed. He is usually portrayed with a long beard, red face and stern expression, together with his guan dao, which is a large and heavy weapon. To the observer the form should give off a spirit of expansiveness and ferocity.