Exotic Martial Arts Weapons

Many people are familiar with numerous martial arts weapons. Across the world, various cultures came up with the sword, knife, axe and staff. Although fighting styles with these weapons vary drastically from one culture to another, and even the curvature of the sword varies, the weapons themselves are not exotic. But in martial arts, there are also some unusual and exotic weapons, such as the unexpected fan, many Wushu weapons, and the relatively unknown Chinese wind-fire wheel.

  1. Fighting Fans

    • In the Chinese martial arts system, fans are used as defensive and offensive weapons. A fighting fan is typically larger than a fan used for fanning oneself. The fans typically spread out to just over 27 inches wide. For fighting purposes, the fans are made with metal tines (or staves). When folded, the fan acts like a metal club. When opened, it provides some shielding purposes. There are numerous fan forms, of which Plum Blossom and Mulan are popular styles. The Mulan fan differs from other fans in that the fan's fabric extents beyond the fan's staves, creating a sort of ruffle around the edge. Fans have also been made with pointed staves that extend beyond the fabric.

    Wind-Fire Wheel

    • This old weapon was rediscovered by Dr. Steve Sun, who has created wind-fire wheel tai chi forms. The weapon has a basic ring design, much like a chackrum (or chakra) with a section of the ring reinforced and wrapped for hand holds. Opposite the hand hold are metal extensions--three wavy, sharpened prongs like fire flames. Another set of these flames are found on either side of the hand hold, making three such protrusions on the metal ring. The weapon is used defensively in blocks, but also as a stabbing and cutting weapon.

    Nine-Ring Broadsword

    • The Chinese broadsword, also called a broadknife because it has a single edge, is an unusual weapon. The weapon measures approximately 33 inches, making it slightly shorter than many two-edged swords. In appearance, the broadsword looks more like a pirate cutlass than a European, two-handed broadsword. The blade is slightly curved and ends in a sort of hooked point. Along the flat edge there are nine metal rings piercing the sword, set apart equidistantly.

    Wushu Half-Moon Sword

    • The half-moon sword looks much like the letter D. The sword's blade is curved and connects to the handle at both ends. In combat, the weapon acts much like a hand guard, albeit a large one that can be used one or two hands. The weapon's length is approximately 20 inches.

    Fei Tou Flying Weight

    • The fei tou flying weight is much like a flying dart, except that this weapon is heavier. The basic design is that of a conical weight attached to a rope. In use, the flying weight can be shot toward an opponent, but in practical use, the weight works best as a bludgeoning device, swung around to strike an opponent more like a meteor hammer.

    Shaolin Chain Whip

    • This weapon is exactly what its name describes, a chain whip. Nine sections of metal are linked together with rings and attached to a handle which allows for swiveling motion. At the end is a metal tip, like the tongue of a whip. Shaolin chain whips come in different weights for practice and use. The overall length of a chain whip is approximately 58 inches.

    Yin Yang Dagger

    • This short weapon incorporates both round and straight edges for attack. It resembles a hand axe with the bottom of the handle sharpened to a point. Often, the tops of these daggers are decorated with tassels. Tassels and flags are common decorations on Chinese weapons. The yin yang dagger's curved edge also serves for some protection for the hand while in battle. It is popular as a double weapon, meaning the practitioner wields two yin yang daggers at a time.