The Weapons of Choy Li Fut, Part I: Short Weapons

The Chinese have a saying, «Sup bot boon bing hay geen geen guy lung», which we might freely translate as «a good martial artist must be expert in the 18 kinds of weapons». Another reading divides them into 9 short weapons and 9 long weapons; and since the word for nine, «gau», also means «never-ending», we may conclude that a martial artist should be expert in many weapons. To this day, weapons training remains an important part of a Choy Li Fut practitioner’s curriculum.

From the earliest times, humanity’s need to survive and protect itself led to the development of weapons. China, with its long and turbulent history, developed a wide variety of arms unique to its martial arts, and within these, Choy Li Fut has its own impressive array. One reason this style has so many weapons is that it draws on influences from both the North and the South. Given that our founder, Chan Heung, was a leading figure in the fight against the Qing dynasty in the early 19th century, it is only logical that our weapons have a practical, martial purpose.

Weapons can be classified by many criteria — short, long, flexible, single, double, thrusting, bladed — but we divide them into three main categories: short, long and flexible. This first article covers the short weapons.

Short Weapons

A common feature of short weapons is that the angle of strikes and blocks changes direction rapidly, which is why strong, flexible wrists are essential. A common exercise to build this is to hold a weighted metal bar and describe inward and outward circles using only wrist rotation.

The Saber (Dahn-do). One of the most important short weapons, a single-edged blade used with cutting and thrusting techniques; it was a basic combat weapon in ancient China. The saber is fast and strong like a tiger — indeed, one of our forms is called Fu Mei Dahn Do, the «Tiger-Tail Saber». A saying goes «Dahn Do Hon Sau» («a single saber guards your hand»), meaning that the empty hand plays an important role in coordinating and executing the techniques.

Butterfly Knives (Sahren do). Always used in pairs, these are the concealed weapon most commonly seen among the kung fu styles of Southern China. They are unique in that they are often held hidden beneath the forearm to execute elbow techniques. The hooks on the guard are designed both to catch and strip an opponent’s weapon and to allow the grip — and thus the striking edge — to be changed quickly.

The Straight Sword (Gim). A double-edged sword with three cutting areas including the point. The upper edge connects with heaven, so its movements are more subtle; the lower edge is linked to the earth, so its energy is more intrinsic; and the flat centre of the blade relates to humanity, positioned between heaven and earth. Held by the handle in the right hand, the right side of the outer face is called Yang Men (outer gate) and the left side of the inner face Yin Men (inner gate). Its handling is graceful and flowing. Historically the gim was carried less by the common soldier than by high-ranking officers and the cultivated, wealthier classes — both a weapon and a mark of status. The most prestigious gim came from a place in China called Lung Chuen («Good Dragon»).

The Fan. This everyday object was easy to conceal and not at all threatening — yet made of steel with razor-sharp edges it could be deadly. Closed, it can strike and «stab» with either end; open, its sharp edges cut and slice. Its effectiveness often lies in striking the pressure points of the body.

The Bench (Wan Tao Dong). An everyday sight in Chinese markets, used for sitting outdoors during meals, but in a trained martial artist’s hands a very powerful weapon. Every part — the legs and the seat — can be used in a combination of blocks, strikes and traps of an opponent’s weapon. It can also be swung and flipped to generate great power against high and middle targets, or to sweep low. A very strong weapon, it is also a great aid for the modern practitioner in developing strength.

The Cane (Jueng). Another everyday object that, in the right hands, becomes one of the most practical weapons — one of its advantages being surprise, since anyone can carry it without arousing suspicion. The shaft, the tip and the curved handle can all be used for effective strikes, blocks, joint-locks and trapping techniques.

Article by Tin Sing Kwun (María Arias Antoranz 何天萍). Part I of the series «The Weapons of Choy Li Fut».