Traditional Chinese Weapons

These courses introduce students to the basic principles and handling methods of a variety of traditional Chinese martial weapons. A month long course is too short to give anyone anything but the barest of introductions to a weapon, so courses are usually three to six months long and delve into the characteristics and personality of the weapon and how the body-mind must map the weapon into itself. We cover basic manoeuvers, offence, defence, handling skills, conditioning, and simple tactics. Then one must learn how to integrate the weapon with the art one practises.

 

Prerequisites for all weaponry courses

Daoqiquan Kung Fu Basics Course

 

Uniform

School T-shirts and traditional, black Hanzifu (“Kung-fu” uniforms) are required and indoor shoes are recommended

 

Ongoing Courses

• Combat Jian (Double Edged Sword)

Combat Jian (Double-Edged Straight Sword) is offered once weekly. The Jian is the Chinese double-edged straight sword, often incorrectly called a “tai chee sword.” This class will cover combat principles of the jian, not fancy forms. You will learn how to train with the same principles you are already learning in Jiulong Baguazhang, more in-depth stance work, power generation, and two-person drills. Of all the traditional weapons taught by the Li family, Jian is Shifu Orchard’s specialty!

 

Combat Jian Equipment

• Wooden Jian are adequate for beginners.

• Steel Training Blunts are recommended as soon as possible.

• Sharp Jian for solo work and test cutting.​

 

Combat Jian Protective Gear -  Mandatory for Partner Drills

• Fencing Mask

• Gloves

 

Suggested

• School Fencing Jacket

 

Optional

• shoulder, elbow, knee, and groin protection  

• Chest protectors (Highly recommended for Ladies)

 

Intermittently Recurring Courses

• Dragons Claws (Twin Elbow Knives)

The Li family weapons training is always about serious combat methods. There are no fancy forms or trophies. Students will gain an appreciation of the deadly nature of edged weapon engagements. The Li family Dragon Claws (Lóng Zhuǎ) are long knives, nearly short swords, used singly and in pairs. Historically, they are descended from knives common in the Khyber Pass area and were used primarily for thrusting. They can, however, slice and chop effectively, as well.

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• Iron Cudgel (Combat Staff)

Combat Staff explores elements of traditional Chinese weaponry from the Li family’s Daoqiquan perspective and ties it closely to the Jiulong Baguazhang foundation taught at Orchard Kung Fu.

 

• Tiger Sabre – Hu Dao

Tigers were famed in China for their ferocity. Powerful beyond all other animals, tigers represent an unbridled expression of full yang energy. The Tiger Sabre fighter requires an unrivalled boldness and ruthlessness to survive combat against longer or faster weapons.

 

Sabres are used primarily for slicing and chopping, but can be used for thrusting, as well. Dao means “knife”. Many people mistakenly try to use the jian like a sabre. If you have a familiarity with the jian, here’s your chance to find out what the sabre does.   

 

Prerequisite

The course is open to any students who have learned the Strolling Immortal Step and Night Swallow Turns. The course requires you maintain enrolment in Jiulong Baguazhang classes as higher level use of the Hu Dao will be tied to Jiulong Baguazhang methods.

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• Spirit Sword Qigong​ - Shen Jian Dao (entry level) 

Purify your heart and focus your mind by becoming one with nature during the meditation of drawing the sword. The initial practice requires clear, precise actions and strong mental focus to calm the spirit and create a state known as Wu Ho, or Balanced Heart-Fire. Integrate the Four Virtues with your actions and learn to change your fixed mental and emotional patterns. Re-shape your paradigm while practicing Unity Through Action. Learn to Draw the Chinese Double-Edged Sword (Jian). This is not a martial/fighting class.  Think of it as learning how to live with the choices you’ve made. Arguably far more important than just learning how to fight others, learn how to deal with your inner doubts, fears and negativity in a constructive manner.

 

 

 

Special Workshops And Events