Weapons are taught as part of the Chinese Kung Fu tradition. Though most of these weapons are not used
today, they play an important part in the development of strength, dexterity, concentration and coordination.
Weapons require much more skill to perfect than regular empty hand forms and some are quite complex. Weapons
forms can also vary from ten to hundreds of moves.

There are different types of weapons in Chinese Kung Fu. Weapons are divided into four categories, Long
Weapons, Short Weapons, Soft Weapons and Double Weapons. Each kind of weapon teaches the practitioner
to be disciplined. Full concentration is needed when practicing a weapon form due to its high risk of injuries.
The practitioner must make his mind and body into one while practicing a weapon form. Traditionally, the use
of Chinese Weapons is taught after the student mastered the empty hand forms of his style of Kung Fu. Weapons
are considered advance forms in Chinese Kung Fu.

Tai Chi Single Fan
Tai Chi Single Fan Form combines the Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and Sun Style of Tai Chi Chuan. The form combines
the essence of these family styles with artistic and martial functions of the form. The fan is used as a weapon and
as a way to hide and obscure one’s movements from the opponent. It is practiced today for its elegance and
health benefits. It also develops one’s flexibility, strength, and balance.

Three-Section Staff
Three-Section Staff is one of the most flashiest and intricate weapons of Shaolin Kung Fu. It is considered a
“flexible weapon”. Flexible weapons have a joint, which makes them more versatile and more challenging. The
Three-Section Staff can be used as both a short-range weapon and as a long, flexible whip-like weapon. It is
considered as one of Kung Fu’s most effective weapon.

Nine-Province Eyebrow-Height Staff
The staff is known as the “father of all weapons”; it is indispensable for weapons training because all other
weapon techniques have variations of staff fundamentals. The staff is a long weapon and draws the greater
bulk of its power from the sheer speed of its whirling strikes. Staff use relies heavily on properly mastered
empty-hand basics for its stance work and jumping techniques. This Shaolin Staff Set was famous across nine
different provinces of China for its devastating techniques.

Spear
The spear earned the name “King of Weapons” from its remarkable effectiveness on the battlefield. Quick as a
serpent’s tongue, the Spear’s long reach and simplicity make it a formidable opponent for any other weapon.
Spear techniques rely on threading and thrusting maneuvers and swift footwork, which take advantage of the
spear’s speed and long reach. To master the spear the practitioner must learn its deadly techniques from its
basic attacks for its spectacular spins.

Dragon-Head Walking Cane
With the vast array of Kung Fu weapons, it’s ironic that something as common as the Cane is rarely seen. Cane
is a weapon that is ultimately practical. No one would think twice if you were walking down the street with a
cane, and yet it is a highly effective weapon. The movements are circular. The cane also uses a wide hook for
grappling the assailant’s neck and a wider shaft diameter to withstand a blow by a baseball bat. A man carrying
a cane carries what can be a formidable weapon in itself, and the cane as a weapon is generally quite well
camouflaged as either a walking aid or an affectation.

Broadsword
The Chinese Broadsword, or Dao, is a weapon, which historically saw use most often as the hand weapon of
military soldiers. A single-edged blade with distinctive curve, it was wielded in an aggressive, energetic fashion
and modern broadsword forms reflect this tradition. It is said that the Broadsword should attack ferociously
“like the wild mountain tiger”. Known as the “Marshall of all Weapons”, the Broadsword is included with the
Staff, the Spear, and the Straight Sword as one of the four basic weapons of northern styles.

Dragon Movement Straight Sword
The Straight Sword, known as the “Gentlemen of Weapons”, was favored by scholars, generals and nobles.
Sophisticated and sublime, the Straight Sword is often the weapon of choice for the old masters. The Straight
Sword, or Jian, is a slender, double-edged blade and its forms display quickness, precision, and grace of a sort
different from but no less impressive than that of the Broadsword. The graceful flowing movements of this set
are inspired by the symbol of the East, the Dragon. Straight Sword is practiced by millions of Chinese everyday,
making it a strong candidate for one of the most popular weapons in the world.

32 Step Tai Chi Sword
Created in China from traditional Tai Chi Sword, this simplified form is not only popular in China but in the world
also. It includes all the basic straight sword techniques. In Tai Chi Sword practice, one should focus on calmness
in movement. The mind is as calm as the lotus pond, a clear surface to reflect the inner feeling of the form. The
body should float like the boat, gently among the lotus blossoms as not to damage any of the delicate petals.
Tai Chi Sword form is one of great subtly, nuance and grace.

Double Daggers
Originally carried as discreet back up weapons, the Double Daggers are pointed dirks that were concealed in the
sleeves, boots, or belt. This form of Kung Fu is designed to enhance the student’s self-defense capability, quick
reaction and response in dangerous situations. It is an effective physical workout involving every part of the
body. After mastering this weapon, the practitioner should be able to rapidly alternate between stabbing blocks
and slashing cuts. Double Weapons train your left and right hand equally so your body is more balanced.

Double Tiger-Head Hook Swords
Double Tiger-Head Hook Swords are one of the truly unique weapons of Kung Fu. With blades in every
direction, they are versatile as they are deadly. This weapon is used to stab, sweep, pull or hook. Some of the
techniques learn are for close distance combat, medium range, even a method on how to hook both weapons
together for extended reach.

Chinese Weapons are studied to bring the mind and body into harmony. To correctly use a weapon, the student
must make it an extension of his or her body. It is essential to extend the mind through the tip of the weapon.
These should be a smooth flow of power from the feet to the weapon. The body should move the weapon.
Moving only the arms to move a weapon shows a lack of connection and understanding of Chinese Kung Fu principles.