Originating from Wudang Mountain, Wudang martial arts have several branches, with some focusing on sword techniques. There are 365 techniques, so learning one technique a day would take a practitioner one year to learn the whole thing. However, it is the longest and has the most movements of all the well-known sword methods. The Qingping jian became famous because its movements are beautiful to watch, and its techniques are practical for actual sword fighting. The system was designed to cope with sudden changes and has a unique style, incorporating force with grace. It reflects the ancient standards of Chinese swordsmanship, though its forms were constructed not earlier than the 1800s. The Qingping jian is a stand-alone Chinese sword system that focuses on the straight sword, the jian. Each weapon follows different principles, fighting applications, and sword training methods. Most martial artists train with both jian and dao to get the unique advantages of each. There are different forms of Chinese sword art and sword fighting styles. Shield-bearers only carried a single-handed sword with a short reach, complementing longer polearms and wolf brushes of other soldiers. To defeat the invading Japanese pirates, the Chinese soldiers used swords and shields to defend at the front while other soldiers used the wolf brush to disable Japanese swords. Also, the shield was made of rattan which could block and trap the incoming blade. These pirates were former samurai skilled in sword fighting, so the formation allowed the Chinese forces to win based on tactics rather than individual skills. The sword-and-shield fighting was part of the Mandarin Duck Formation invented by general Qi Jiguang to defeat the Japanese pirates. Sword and Shield Fighting Sword and shield swordplay – Credits: Some martial artists practice the techniques solo or against an opponent. Today, the dadao serves as an inspiration to martial artists in terms of sword fighting techniques. Although the name dadao applied to various Chinese weapons, it most often refers to the iconic post-Qing military saber. Efficient for slashing through soft targets, it was ideal in the era of firearm warfare as soldiers wore minimum protection. The dadao sword or Chinese war sword was popularized by the 29th Route Army, who fought the Japanese at the Marco Polo Bridge incident. Dadao Sword Fighting Tongzhou incident 29th army dàdāo – Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques Interestingly, the two-handed, straight sword techniques were also taught to the Koreans when Korea faced invasion from the Japanese samurai. The ancient Chinese military book Wu Bei Zhi (武備志) teaches the use of the two-handed long straight sword. In the late Qing dynasty, many served as practice swords used by martial artists, though there were also actual fighting weapons used by military officers. The Chinese straight sword jian served as a self-defense sidearm of civilian elites. Swordplay style using Jian – Credits: Great River Taoist Center
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |