Pole-arms

Introductionto Pole-arms and Heavy Weapons

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Daqiang ( Great Spear ):

The most commonly seen daqiang is approximately ten feet long. Compared to the common qiang, the daqiang is much heavier. It techniques are also difference. The strengths of this weapon is the power it produces.

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Sanjiandao:

A pole-arm, also known as Erlangdao. Legend has it that it was the weapon of the famous god Erlangshen. In the front of this weapon, there are three blades like a fork. Both sides of the blade is sharpened making his techniques unique. Aside from the common moves of the Dadao, it also has the use of sou and chan. Together with various footwork and body movements forms are complete routine. In this day, there are very little schools which teaches this weapon. Information says that Shaolin and Preying Mantis teaches this weapon.

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Dapa:

Also known as Cha, it is another pole-arm as well as a heavy weapon. In the early stage, it was used for hunting large wild animals. It was split into two or three spikes. The three spiked version has one in the middle of the two. The two on the side each measures around three to four inches. Main techniques for this weapon includes lan, heng, qian, tiao, ci, guan, pai, gun, zha.

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Mau:

Also known as Shemauqiang. It was made famous from its use by Zhang Fei during the times of the three kingdoms. To practice this weapon, it is required that the person to stay as close to the weapon as possible and the blade never leaving the centre Main moves includes pi, za, gun, bang, dou, chan, tsou, tiao, etc. In Kong Kong, Choi Li Fut and Shaolin teaches this weapon.

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Dadao:

One of the Pole-arms, it is one of the preferred weapons for generals in combat in times of war. Main moves includes pi, liao, mo, gua, chou, zhan, yun, tou, duo, chuan, zai, lan, tiao, etc.  The correct way of performing these moves includes the hand not leaving the guard, power infused in the blade, move in all four directions, etc. In Hong Kong, the teaching of this weapon is very common. Including in the school of Preying Mantis in the form of Chunqiu-dadao, Qinglung-yanyue-dao, Lingnan's Tsaiyangdao(See image), Jiuhuan-dadao, Lanmen-jaidao, Shaolin's Shimen-dadao and Wangjong-dadao, etc.

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Chan:

Mostly used by monk, this weapon comes in various forms as well as names. For example Fangbianchan, Jinzhongchan and Yueyachan. It moves are quite similar to the dapa, such as tsou, ya, pai, zhi, gun, chan, zai, tiao,  etc. In practice, is is fast and dynamic with many combinations of body moves. The North Shaolin of Hong Kong as well as Xingyiquan practices this weapon.

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Jie (Changjie) :

Jie could be split into two forms of long and short. Because of the difference in shape, it  could also be known as  Fangtianjie( right ) and Huajie(left )Gujie, Hudiejie, etc.  It's moves are unlike those of qiang, mau, dao or fu. Mainly in the form of "Wun". Through this, there are moves like chongchan, hweikan, hengci, shapici, shelei, etc Also difference exists in the form of circular movements. Moves such as hengkan, zaige, etc shows this point. Schools which teaches this weapon includes Taiji Preying Mantis' Lubujie, Paqua-lulujie and Shaolin's Fangtianjie.

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Yue:

In the ancient times, fu(axe) and yue is the same thing. A jufu (large axe) with a long handle is called a yue. Because of the difference of uses, fu and yue does have their differences. Whenever there are hooks on the back of the axe and spear points on the head is classified as yue. yues are used on the battle field for warriors on horsebacks. Its characteristics are quite similar to the fu. But in addition, it has moves such as ci, gou, zhuang, etc. In Hong Kong, the styles which teaches this weapon is Taiji Preying Mantis' Kaishanyue.

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Jie ( duanjie ):

There are a difference between changjie ( long jie ) and duanjie ( short jie ). Duanjie was developed on the fundamentals of changjie. There are those who are famous for using a pair of duanjie such as Dean Wei of the three kingdoms. In practice, a pair of jie is supposed to have the power of a tigar and the flow of a dragon. Float as clouds, strike like thunder, it's power requirements are fast, quick manoeuvre, strong and long in length. Main moves includes ti, li, zai, lan, gua, lou, zha, tiao, jia, duo, liao, pi , sou, dai, etc  Shaolin teachings this weapon in the form of Pingan-shangjie.

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Shaozigun:

Split into the long and short form, it is believed to be created by the first emperor of the Sung dynasty. Originally called Daparn-lungshao-zigun and Xiaoparn-lungshao-zigun. Da-shaozigun consists of the moves luen, pi , zai, liao, wu  as well as special ones such as yau, gua etc. Today, the school of Taiji Preying  Mantis and Shaolin practices them. Xiao-shaozigun also known as Shoushaozi, could be practice in both single or double form. It could also be used in combination of other weapons such as dandao, etc. Main moves includes dian, chou, chan, sao, chan, li, zhou, chiau, da, etc. It is taught by Preying mantis and Shaolin.

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Fu:

An ancient weapon also one of the earliest tools to be used by man. Many famous warriors used this weapon including Cherng Yeau-Jin of the early Tang era, "quick striker" Suo Chao in the Tale of Water Margin. For the short axes, there is "black tornado" Li Kwei, Main specialities of shangfu ( see image ) with short handles are strong moves, powerful, dynamic. Main moves includes  pi, duo, lou, yun, pian, kan, xiao, zhuang, etc. Preying Mantis' Xuanfeng-shangfu and kaishanfu are the ones taught in Hong Kong.