"Each man needs his own style, one that suits him and any wise man chooses one, matching his ability.
He concentrates on that, until it's mastered, quite completely. No man can learn them all....."
- The 7 Grandmasters
While there are hundreds of weapons associated with Martial-arts training, I will focus on the numerous ones that can be found in countless kung-fu films. These are the ones that are displayed most often and are easier to distinguish.
Weapons List
Ax
Used as a weapon during ancient times, an Ax was a formidable weapon, as the blade posed the most danger. Not being well-balanced, was definitely one of its' major drawbacks. Yet, weilded by an expert, it could be used to ward off a number of weapons, except for rapid thrusts of Staffs, Spears, or Swords. Strikes from axes, are (pretty much), "finishing" blows. Unlike most weapons, there are no "setup" strikes, just killing blows. This is because, missed strikes, makes recovery, very hard to do.
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Bamboo Shield
Usually used in conjunction with the Tiger Fork, it can also be used with a Sword. It is used as protection against a variety of weapon attacks, aimed at the body or the head. The user would usually kneel close to the ground, making them a much harder target to hit. Inside of the shield, is loop where your arm goes through and a handle, to prevent easily losing it, during battle.
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Bo Staff |
(cudgel)
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The long pole, usually about 6 feet in length (Wing Chun's pole is 9-feet long) and as with most weapon, is used with deadly accuracy. A basic weapon in just about every style, it is excellent in keeping an oppnent at bay, because of the distance it affords the user. Even with constant practice, it can take the user a number of years to totally master the weapon.
Films that showcase this
- The 5 Superfighters
- Stroke Of Death
- 10 Tigers Of Shaolin
- The Jade Claw
- The Kung Fu Instructor
- 8 Diagram Pole Fighters
- Challenge Of The Masters
- Shaolin Invincible Sticks
BullWhip
Actually is a weapon associated with the Crane Style, but has been seen in a number of kung-fu films. Actor Fong Yeh swings a mean whip, showing his expertise in the film, Fist Of The Double K. The late Kwan Tak-Hing was an expert with the 9-ft Bullwhip, said to have been able to exstinguish the flames from candles at will. You can only imagine the number of hours it would take, in order to master, such a flexible weapon. In many early martial-arts films, the fighter carrying the Bullwhip, also carried a backup set of knives.
Films that showcase this
Films that showcase this
- Invincible 8
- Thunder Fist
- Fearless Fighters
- Twins Of Kung Fu
- Fist Of The Double K
- Magnificent Swordsman
- Wong Fei-Hung's Firecracker Festival ??
Cane
Often seen as sign of weakness (and an aid for the elderly), that very fact can hide its' deadliness, when used by a proficent exponent of this weapon. The shortness of the stick can be weld as a short staff or club, while the curved handle acts as a hooking device securing limbs from the arms, legs, groin, and neck. In most kungfu films, canes usually have a hidden blade inside, posing an additional treat.
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Chain Whip
Coming in a variety of lengths from 3, 5, and 7 sections, each strike can be devestating. While the 7-Sectional Whip is usually reserved for demos, they all possess the ability to severely injury a man with one blow. The 3-Sectional Whip is the heaviest and swinging it is about the equivalent of swinging a thick metal chain.
Strikes to the arm, legs (shin, knee) have the power to cripple, while a head blow can easily render someone unconscious almost immediately. This weight can also help with the blocking of other heavier weapons and the recoil (because of its' short length) is excellent for counter strikes. It's very compact, making it easy to carry, as well as conceal.
Films that showcase this
- Fists & Guts
- Drunken Tai-Chi
- Hands Of Death
- Killer From Above
- 5 Masters Of Death
- Kung Fu Executioners
- Fists Of The White Lotus
Cymbals
These musical instruments are used so differently in kung-fu film. They are usually used by Shaolin Monks as weapons. The monks bang a them together in a deafening rhythmn when fighting someone. The object is to try to throw their defenses off and weaken their structure with the sound, while attacking.
Once they're off-balance or distracted by the sound, the monks launch them at the opponent like Freesbies with sharpened edges, intended to cut off the head of the intended victim. If they miss their intended targets, the Cymbals return to the in a boomerang-type fashion, ready for them to try again.
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Double Daggers
As with any knife, these are also very easy to hide, giving the user a big advantage with the element of surprise. You will find men and women using these weapons in films, though it's normally the females who seem to hide them the most. An excellent short-range weapons, where accuracy isn't as important as with other weapons.
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Escrima Sticks
This deadly Filipino weapon's beauty lies in the fact that you can use any stick in the same fashion. While this devestating art's concepts go beyond the mere stick, this is one of the weapons it's mostly known for. Usually seen in pairs, the single-stick is just as deadly. Weilded with blinding speed, the main concept is to Defang the Snake (injuring the hand holding the weapon, so that the opponent can't use it). Targets are any parts of the body.
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Fan
Though most view these as accessories for upper-classmen, and made of paper, those used in martial-arts styles, were actually made of canvas and metal (iron). Strikes with the fan could be deadly, as blows were delivered to the eyes, temple, throat, and groin. In kung-fu films, the fan is most associated with Shaolin hero Fong Sze-Yu.
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Hatchet
This short deadly weapon is usually found in the kung-fu gangster films where groups (gangs) carry them as a quick method of killing. So compact that them can be concealed in the sleeve of a Gi (suit) and hid by the open hand. An opponent barely stood a chance unless his wits were about him, as these weapons could be thrown with precision from across the room, by an expert.
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Kamas
Also known as the Sickle, this weapon is of Okinawan origin and was used to cut wheat and grains. During this time the people weren't allowed to have weapons and began to use their farming impliments to defend themselves when needed. It's use eventually spread to Japan, where it gained attention and was in a number of martial-arts styles. It can be hand-held or used on a chain or rope, with the results just as deadly.
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Knives
This is one of the most common weapons to be seen in almost any kung-fu film. Sleek and compact, they can be used be just about anybody from men to children. The fact that it can be concealed almost anywhere on the body, makes this one of the more deadlier weapons. It is also a favorite among women who can't be trusted.
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Kwan-Do
Named after General Kwan, this is one of the more heavier weapons that a person can handle. Kwan Dao is approximately 8-feet long, weighing more than 20 lbs. It calls for well-conditioned arms, shoulders, and wrists; in the hands of an expert, it's very deadly. It is said that these blades were sharp and strong enough to cut through a Horse's leg.
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Monk's Spade
One of the more exotic and mysterious weapons in kung-fu. It was said to be the weapon of high ranking Monks at Shaolin Temple. There was a flat Shovel-like blade on one end and a Half-moon blade on the other.
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Nunchaku
Originally used as a farming tool in Okinawa to beat Rice, it gained its' usefulness in secret as a weapon to use against foreigners. When Bruce Lee brought its' popularity to the forefront in the film Chinese Connection and it became one of the most recognizable weapons in kung-fu films.
It was eventually banned in the USA, because of its' use against the Police, in riot-like fights and confrontations. Films carrying their use, had these segments cut out, when shown in places like the United Kingdom.
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Sai
This Trident-like weapon, who's origin traces back to Indonesia, can also be found in China, Okinawa, India, Indo-China, Malaysia, and many other places, including the Philipines, where it is called the Tjabang (ja-bong). Used to parry, block, or even capture bladed weapons,they were usually carried in pairs.
Some Filipino styles carried (3), as one was used to pin (pierce) a person's foot to the ground, while using the other (2) to stab or beat him with. In kung-fu films, many Karate styled fighters use them against an assorted number of weapons.
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Spear
Dating back before 400 b.c., the Spear has been one of China's most famous weapons. Its' flexibility and maneuverability, makes it a difficult weapon to deal with (especially in the hands of an expert). Some spears have tassels near the metal point, as it is said to confuse an opponent, to ensnare their weapon, and to stop the spirt of blood (when a foe was pierced straight through). There is also a Double-Ended Spear, which has a metal tip on each end, making the weapon twice as deadly.
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3-Sectional Nunchaku
Though similiar to the 3-Sectional Staff in looks, it is closer associated with the Nunchaku. Its' use can be as awkward as using a 3-Sectional Staff because of the 3rd stick. Yet, that extra stick adds additional length to the weapon, making it able to go up against other lengthy weapons such as Staffs and Swords. It's origin dates back to China.
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3-Sectional Staff
Most people remember the 3-Sectional Staff being used in the film Master Killer (36th Chamber Of Shaolin), where novice monk Sante developed it after being defeated. But, Chao Hong-Yin, was the Shaolin-trained monk associated with being it's creator. This was before he would eventually, became the 1st Emperor of the Sung Dynasty (960 a.d.).
As a bodyguard, he broke his staff twice, each time having it fixed by a blacksmith, who added the metal rings between each stick. It is said that a 3-Sectional Satff is (3) times as difficult to master than a regular staff (which can take up anywhere from 5 - 10 years to master).
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Tiger Fork
This weapon gets it's name from it's use in capturing (or killing) Tigers. It wasn't uncommon for Tigers to roam the countryside and dipendiing on their moods, they would strike without warning. This weapon looks like a 3-Pronged Fork, with the middle prong longer than the other two (this was used to stab the tiger or keep him at a distance). The Tiger Fork was almost, always used with the Bamboo Shield for added protection against clawing (when dealing with Tigers) or against fighters, using knives or swords.
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Tonfa
The proto-type of the weapons that policemen carry today, they were initially used as a farming tool. While a number of strikes can be delivered with it, it's main used is defensive as it's used mostly for blocking strikes from various weapons. The Chinese version is longer than the standard Okinawan versions.
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Umbrella
Its' use is similiar to the Cane (in most cases), except in some films, where the handle was also a hidden knife or sword.
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Wooden Bench
In kung-fu films anything could be used as a weapon, and these benches were no exceptions. Usually, used during fights in taverns or inns (restaurants), a person without a weapon handy could pick up his seat (bench) and defend himself. It was sturdy enough to protect him from swords or spears and hard enough to cause serious damage to an attacker.
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Swords
*** There are a number of different Swords displayed in films and hopefully, the descriptions below will help you to identify them, when you see them on the screen.
Broad Sword
Wider than the Gim Sword and a much more sturdy weapon. Outside of slicing, it is also used for it's hacking capabilities. This is the 2nd most seen sword used in early Wu-xia films and the main one used in Kung Fu films. They are usually seen, being carried by the Emperor's men or most soldiers.
If someone was Beheaded, this was the sword you were most likely to see.
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Butterfly Swords
Found in the Wing Chun and Choy Li-Fut styles of kung-fu, these are Short-range weapons that are just as deadly as any longer sword. Their short length helps to control them better than most longer weapons. They also have a Hand-guard that gives the practitioner some degree of coverage against strikes to the hand when using them, as well as prong-type vises that can trap an opponents weapon, rendering them virtually helpless against strikes.
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Double Broad Swords
Same as the single Broad Sword, except used in pairs, making them twice as deadly. Both swords are used together, making them harder to defend against.
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Double Hook Swords
These awkward looking weapons are very deadly in that most find it hard to defend against them mainly because they get hypnotized by their odd looking structure. There is a pointed hook at the end for hooking, grabbing, and stabbing. Your hands are shielded by an arc-blade handguard (also used for striking) and there is a pointed dagger-like bottom used to stab an opponent with. And, to make matters worst (for an adversary), the 2-top end Hooks are usually hooked together and swung at an opponent like a Sling-blade.
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Gim (Straight Sword)
Also known as the Tai-Chi Sword, was said to be named after Taoist Priest Tung Hsuen (Chang San-Feng). A very narrow sword that is razor-sharp. It usually has a tassel connected to the handle that is somtimes used to perplex the opponent during battle. It's mainly a thrusting weapon with the tip, being the most deadly part of the blade. Most Straight-swords fall into this category.
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Pu Dao (Horse Cutters)
A weapon also used by Monks at Shaolin Temple, these weapons look like a smaller version of the Kwan Do, but half the length and the blade is much narrower. Originally, an infantry weapon, they were also called Horse Cutters. If an adversary was on horseback, it was harder to reach him, so men armed with these blades would actually, "Cut the Horse" (legs, body, etc..), thus immobilizing him.
Your foe had no choice but to continue his fight on foot, giving you equal fighting ground. It is a compact weapon that could be carried around just like a Spear and was much more sturdier, because of it was all metal.
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Samurai Swords
These Japanese swords made of forged steel, were considered some of the strongest swords made. It was considered a major offense to bump into the sword when carried by a Samurai warrior, which, in itself, could result in fight. In kung-fu films, Samurais (Japanese), were some of the most formidable opponents for the Kung-fu hero. Their methods (and weapons), were foriegn to the unarmed fighter, resulting in him having to make adjustments in his fighting, to deal with this new obstacle.
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Esoteric Weapons
These are the weapons that aren't normally known in basic martial-arts styles. Some of them are Hidden Weapons used to catch one off-guard, as their usefulness is in their deceptiveness. Once an opponent discovers their use, it is usually too late to protect against them.
Acupuncture Needles
Used to penertrate vital points and cause paralysis or death.
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Dart Gun
Either Dart or Blow guns where the neck, eyes, and the back seem to be the primary targets. Though, in reality any part of the body can be hit by a dart. This was an exotic weapon, that wasn't used in many kung-fu movies
Elbow Knives
This weapon, almost, always catches someone off-guard, as they concentrate mostly on the hands and the feet, when both are fighting Empty-handed. A punch could stop short of hitting its' target, yet, when the knife darts out from the sleeve, the defender is left completely helpless. Now, that the threat is known, the hero can deal with trying to stop it.
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Finger Claws
These claws have very sharp tips and are used to rip flesh or gogue the body. The claws are worn over the fingertips and used like the fingers, themselves. Claws were, often, fashioned after the talons of an Eagle. These birds were known for their tremendous grip-strength and tearing motions. While, blocking these attacks with the arms could work, the problem arose when the user grabbed someone. The claws were dug deeply into the flesh, weakening the defender's arm strength and reducing his effectiveness, in countering additional blows.
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Metal Claws (hand-held)
There were (2) kinds of Hand-held Claws. One version slipped onto the hand, making it an extension of your arm, while, the other one, had the Claw, at the end of a stick. The one with the stick (though, just as deadly), could be stripped from one's grip, much easier, than the hand-held version. Yet, the stick, afforded, one greater reach (distance), which, could keep an opponent at aespecially, when surrounded).
These claws are held in the hand and made of a hard dye-cast metal with sharp tips. Used in a raking motion, they'd be just as deadly swinging at any part of the body. They add length to the users' reach and can make it difficult for the Hero to get inside of the user's defenses. The fact that they were metal, made it easier to rip the flesh, from whatever bodypart it hit. The stomach (where major organs were), was the main target area, because, once you were injured there, your chances of survival were very small.
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Metal Claw (with Chain)
Similar to the Hand-held Claw, this weapon is used on the end of a chain and swung repeatedly at the adversary. The claw is aimed mainly at the arms and the legs, though any part of the body can be targeted.
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Metal Elbow Plates
Metal plate that covered the elbows and was used to severely injure (or kill) an opponent when using Elbow-strikes. These are usually worn under the the clothes and easily hidden from view.
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Metal Rings
Though, it looks like a toy, these metal rings can be quite deadly. By being made out steel or hard metal, anywhere a person is hit (arms, legs, body, or head) equals the equivalent of a metal bar. An expert, could capture an opponents arm or leg, thus breaking it, while trying to subdue them. Even deadlier, is it's use to choke or strangle an opponent, once placed around his neck. When certain weapons wer outlawed in certain provencies, these rings were often over looked as they could easily pass as toys for the kids.
While this metal ring can be used to cause considerable damage, it was not seen as a dependable weapon, along the likes of the Staff and the Sword. In kung-fu films, it was usually used more like more of a prop than a weapon. It's either used in forms (katas), used to break someone's neck from the back, or by monks. Other than these instances, it has no real use as a weapon.
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Smoking Pipe
A pastime usually reserved for masters. They would often smoke Opium (which was allowed at that time) as another form of relaxation, unaware of the potential dangers the drug would eventually cause. In many kung-fu films you'll see masters fighting with these pipes (with the tobbaco in a small pouch attached to the pipe) and using them as weapons. In areas where weapons were under the watchful eyes of the Emperor's men, a Pipe was usually considered harmless.
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Shoes Weapons
The first time I ever saw a 'Shoe Weapon" was on the television show The Wild, Wild West. Agent James West (Robert Conrad) would take on all comers, using Karate and Judo to subdue them. Yet, it was he that had a Knife that stuck out of the Toe of his shoe, to help him and his friend Artemis Gordon (Ross Martin) cut through ropes, when they got tied up. He never used his shoe-knife to stab or injure people, during his fights. This is where Television and Kung-fu films differed. I do believe that Asian film-makers took this element and added it to Martial-arts movies.
Just by adding a knife to the shoe, help elevate a villain's Kicking game, dramatically. Kicks became deadlier, as the properly place kick, could now kill someone, much easier. Blocking kicks were one thing, but now the opponent has to be even more precise with his blocking, for fear of being cut by the blade. As kung-fu films became popular, we would see Shoe weapons of various designs began popping up. Below are some of the shoe designs you may find, when watching a kung-fu movie.
Shoe Blades
Similar to Shoe Knives, these blade stick out of the Side of the shoe and are more of a Slicing than a Stabbing weapon. Blocking kicks from someone wearing these types of shoes could prove fatal, as an expert could easily slash major areas (arms, legs, throat) causing death. These were definitely thought of by someone with a vivid imagination, because of the way you would have to use them. Shoes like this would have to be use with Circular Kicks, in order to use the Cutting surfaces correctly.
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Shoe Knives
A knife-blade hidden in the front (or the rear) of the shoe of a person (usually a villain), to give him an edge in a fight. When seen, it makes even blocking kicks much harder, yet, unseen and caught off-guard, it can spell instant death. When it comes to Shoe weapons, this is the most widely seen version. Basically, any kind of Kick using this weapon, is highly deadly. A Front Kick to leg, groin, or body could puncture or severe Arteries. By the time that you realize that you've been hurt -- you've been hit, cut, or stabbed more than once.
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Metal-Tipped Shoes
Metal tips attached to the front of the shoe, would inflict more pain than an ordinary kick could. The metal helps the kick to penertrate the body more (internally), making the pain sharper. This would be the equivalent of kicking someone in the body, while wearing a pair of Steel-Toe boots.
The metal would easily bruise the arms of someone trying to block a kick from these. A kick to any part of an opponents Legs, would almost render them helpless - especially, the Shins or knee. The fleshy Thigh area was also susceptable to cramping or blood-clots when this metal is used in conjunction with a well-placed kick.
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The Flying Guillotine
The Cathay film - Unconquered (1970) seemed to establish the use of this weapon in films (CTO) - (4) years before Shaw Brothers brought it to the screen. Simon Chui Yee-Ang was MAI on both films. Shaw director Ho Meng-Hua helped to establish a new trend in kung-fu films with the introduction of this killing-machine in his film The Flying Guillotine, starring the heroic Chen Kuan-Tai. One of the things that China had in common with France, was that they found beheading criminals easily kept the people in line. This devices was a portable version of the guillotines used in France, except the concept was to kill people from a distance.
It utilizes blades installed within a Hooded-apparatus, which is flung at the person up to (100) yards away. Once on the person's head, the user pulls the chain connected to it, which activates the blades. Once the blades come together, the head is severed and is retained in the hooded portion. In the film Fatal Flying Guillotines they are referred to as the Lightning Strike, while in Dragon Missile, the guillotine was utilized like a Boomerang.
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Dragon Missile
Imagine being able to throw the Guillotines' Blade to sever someone's head and have it return back to you like a Boomerang. This seemed to be the concept of the Dragon Missile and (while quite entertaining) left alot to be desired. The guillotines [themselves] were a beautifully crafted weapon, and the pouch they were held in, made it look even more menacing. No matter what it struck when it missed its' intended victim, "Sparks" flew from it. Once someone was beheaded, the guillotine automatically returned to the thrower, which didnt seem like it should work that way, but --- Hey, we are talking about a movie here.
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