The Chinese broadsword, one of the most common and popular weapons developed in China, makes numerous appearances in the country’s history and legends. TSANG HER is the God directly associated with the broadsword. The name TSANG HER means 'arrives and kills whatever it touches.' This nickname gives a good indication of the great military power associated with the sabre.

Chinese historians and poets chronicled many famous sabre wielding martial artists. Wang Wu was a martial artist known for his sabre skills. He wielded a big broadsword with nine rings on the back of the blade. The rings were used to distract the enemy and dull his weapon. The broadsword play of Wang Wu was described as being as 'violent as a tiger on a prairie'. One poet described broadsword play as 'hurricane sweeping leaves off the trees'.

Broadswords once were the preferred weapons of the Chinese military. In the 1940s, the sabre was used in the anti-Japanese war in northeast China. The broadsword has existed in China for thousands of years. There are long, short and very short variations of the weapon. The prototype of the modern-day sabre is the long-handled broadsword, similar to the short but much heavier weapon. Its size was proportionate to the physique of the bearer.

The average blade weighed about 40 pounds and was about 5 to 8 feet in height. A circular metal guard was attached to the base of the blade to keep the enemy’s weapon from sliding down and cutting the bearer’s hand. It was also used to keep the blood from dripping onto the owner’s hand.

The long handle was made of either metal or hardwood. A small piece of metal placed at the base of the weapon could be thrusted at the enemy. Three of the most famous variations of the long-handed broadsword are the Kuan-Dau, the Yueh-dau and the Chay Yang-Dau, named after their famous users.

Some short adaptations of the Chinese broadsword include the Scrape sabre, which is the length of the forearm, and the even shorter sabre dagger, which came in pairs. The weapons were less than 2 feet in length and were used as back up weapons to the longer blade of the sabre or as a primary weapon of self-defence. The blade was used to stab and cut. These short sabres were either strapped to the forearm or hidden in the boot. Quick and easily reversible movements could be executed with these very short weapons.

The popular modern version of the sabre or broadsword is known as the Dau or Don-Dau. Dau means knife, with the sabre actually being a long knife developed from a agricultural tool. The Don-Dau's blade is curved and wide, with the sharpest area near the tip. The back of the blade is thick and blunt and is used for blocking. The average blade length is from 25 to 30 inches.

This famous weapon of ancient China, also known as the 18 Ping, was used for combat in the middle and close range. The Don-Dau is constructed from a single piece of metal. By wrapping the handle with cloth or leather, sweat is absorbed and the weapon is easier to grip. A cloth hung from the handle of the broadsword was used to wipe blood from the blade. The blood groove, an indentation on either side of the blade, was used to break the suction so that the broadsword could easily be withdrawn from the enemy’s body.

The broadswords were among the earliest weapons of ancient China, with the Don-Dau considered to be 'the root of short weapons' because its techniques are relatively simple to learn. In northern China, the countryside the weapon was generally longer because its user was taller and the countryside more open. The southern blade however was shorter and heavier because shorter people in crowded cities used it.

Soldiers preferred a lighter, quicker blade that could be carried over long distances. Mountain men and farmers chose a heavier, machete like sabre that could double as an agricultural tool. This type of Don-Dao featured tremendous cutting power, but lacked speed and was difficult to reverse once the user began his motion. Some of the more popular Don-Daos include the Willow leaf, Pok Dao, and the Ghost head saber.

Originating in the north, the Willow Leaf was light with little a little curve to the handle and blade. The Pok-Dao (executioner’s sabre) was thick, heavy and wielded with both hands. From southern China came the Ghost head saber, a shorter weapon used for chopping. Other types of Don-Daos are Grain leaf sabre, Goose feather sabre, Tiger tail Knife, Tornado knife, Plum blossom sabre, Oxtail knife, Whirlwind, Sun-mother sabre and crescent knife.

Sabres also come in pairs and are referred to either as Cern-dau or Swang-dau. Double-sabre techniques come primarily from northern styles. The energy behind the sabre comes from the tiger, hence the famous Chinese saying, 'brandish the sabre like a Tiger pouncing'. The Don-Dao is used to slice, chop or thrust at middle to close range. The sweeping figure-eight slashes require extreme shoulder flexibility. And are commonly known as 'flowers'. They not only act as attacking techniques, but also, create a barrier around the wielder.

WEAPON PHILOSOPHY

It is a shame to see the study of ancient Chinese weapons decay. The martial arts themselves have fragmented into different types of theatrical showmanship that have very little to do with the arts original purpose, combat.

Too many students are practicing forms without knowledge of the techniques, applications. Instead, they mercilessly manipulate the weapon through the air, not even slaying an imaginary opponent. Some say the knowledge of combat with ancient weapons has no place in the modern world. This may be true but neither does combat with the empty hand. If forms are intended to honour the style and the originator, then the application and strategy of the techniques are to honour the warrior. Those who do not believe this dilute the wine they drink. 'To understand the roots is to understand the blossoms'. If you believe this, then here are the seeds of comprehension.


Contributor: Reg Penson      # ar0002