The Weapons of Choy Li Fut, Part III: Flexible Weapons
Flexible weapons are usually reserved for the more advanced students, since their flexible nature makes them dangerous and hard to control. Like the short weapons, they are very easy to carry and even to conceal; yet once extended they can generate enormous power, with the same reach advantage as the long weapons. That flexibility also lets them trap and control an opponent’s weapon.
The Three-Section Staff (Sam Jeet Kwun)
The three-section staff is made of three wooden rods — traditionally white oak or maple — joined by rope or metal rings; additional rings are sometimes added to create an intimidating sound as it whips. The ideal length of each rod is given by the length of the practitioner’s arm, with a diameter comfortable for the hand (about 32 mm), so the total length is roughly that of the staff.
Its advantage is that, being divided in three, it can be used to attack and block at both long and short range. Up close, one end can block while the other strikes; extended, it becomes a very powerful staff that can be swung overhead and used in a whipping motion to strike the mid-section or to sweep. The linked sections let you entangle an opponent or his weapon, so the techniques include striking, blocking, choking and «stabbing». It takes many years to master. We cover this weapon in depth in a dedicated article: The Three-Section Staff (Sam Jit Gwun) in Choy Li Fut Kung Fu.
The Chain Whip (Gow Jeet Bien)
The chain whip comes in various lengths and sections — there are seven-, nine-, thirteen- and three-section versions, the latter often used in pairs. This articulated metal whip, made of several linked rods, is used by swinging it overhead and then striking the opponent. It can also be thrown against his weapon, wrapping around it on impact so that a quick pull disarms him. Easy to carry — it could be coiled around the waist or slipped into a pocket — it was favoured by both cavalry and infantry, able to trap an opponent’s weapon and strike with lethal force.
Why Train with Weapons Today
Beyond those described here, there are many unusual weapons, in many cases developed from everyday objects such as the farmer’s hoe. Each weapon has its own unique character, and each student gravitates toward the one that best suits their skills, physique and temperament. Although weapons no longer serve the military needs of the past, their role in martial training is essential: it keeps alive the tradition and art of kung fu, gives the student the knowledge to use everyday objects for self-defence if ever needed, and — depending on the weapon — develops coordination, strength, endurance and muscle tone.
«Sup bot boon bing hay geen geen guy lung.»
Article by Tin Sing Kwun (María Arias Antoranz 何天萍). Part III of the series «The Weapons of Choy Li Fut».
