Kung Fu Weapons

Dating back thousands of years ago to the training of military soldiers, the use of kung fu weapons certainly has a rich history. Interestingly enough, weapons in kung fu are looked at more like a part of your body than they are as a separate entity. They are to be thought of as extension of yourself, branching from you with potentially deadly force. Of course, kung fu now is mostly taught for self-defense purposes and for those training for organized competitions, but the ability to attack as one with your weapons is still very much emphasized today.

To add potency to a kung fu attack, schools and sects also pair mental strategy and body coordination. A pupil is taught a series of deft footwork maneuvers in order to defend, neutralize and attack. These are all centered around the Eighteen Arms of Wushu: dao (sabre), qiang (spear), jian (straight sword), gun (staff), halberd, axe, battle axe, hook sword, fork, steel whip, mace, hammer, talon, ranseur (trident-halberd), long-handled spear (lance), short cudgel, stick (crutches), and meteor hammer (liu xing).

Of course, kung fu students do not automatically start using fighting weapons in their training. Instead, they put hours of practice into perfect their form, poses and footwork. This includes building up their flexibility, internal and external strength, speed and endurance, muscle control and balance and hand-eye coordination. Only once they’ve achieved a solid foundation in these areas do they begin training with the Eighteen Arms. And each of the arms carries a different set of lessons to help students competently master each one.

Related Information

Kung Fu Fighting
You will be able to effectively defend yourself if you learn kung fu fighting.

Kung Fu Styles
Each of the kung fu styles involves both physical and mental components.