Chinese Martial Arts Weapons

Chinese martial arts weapons are used for conditioning the body and strategy exercises. The purpose of weapon training is to consider the weapon as an extension of the body, in addition to learning the footwork and body coordination.

1. Bo Staff A common term in Chinese martial arts weapons is "Bo Staff." Made out of wood, rubber or metal and having a light or heavy consistency, these Bo Staffs are often used in the practice of martial arts. With the extra distance available from the staff, users are able to increase the force of a strike.
2. Broadsword In China, the Broadsword is also referred to as Dao, which is another one of the Chinese martial arts weapons. Chinese Martial Arts schools train extensively with different types of broadswords because they are powerful conditioning tools as well as a versatile weapons. 
3. Spear The spear is one of the first Chinese martial arts weapons that is usually introduced to students learning martial arts. The spear is a superior weapon because it is light and can be used quickly. Its primary use is for stabbing, but it can also be used for blocking and slashing.
4. Straight Sword Also known in Chinese martial arts as Jian or double-edged straight sword, the straight sword has been used in China for over 2,500 years. The Jian is known to be the weapon of choice in Chinese martial arts movies as it is referred to as the Gentleman of Weapons.
5. Butterfly Sword The martial arts weapon known as the Butterfly sword is from South China. This Chinese martial arts weapon is great to conceal within sleeves or boots since it is the size of a forearm. This type of sword is good for maneuvering a spin and rotating in close quarters. Butterfly swords are used in Chinese martial arts called Wing Chun, Lau Gar and Hung Gar.
6. Tiger Hook Sword With a blade similar to the straight sword, the Tiger Hook Sword is also a Chinese martial arts weapon. The blade has a hook near the tip. Often used in pairs, this Chinese martial arts weapon is used to catch or detract other weapons and the second sword is used for a multitude of different attacks.
7. Deer Horn Knives Used to catch their opponent off guard, Deer Horn knives can be easily concealed and can be moved with great speed. Made of two steel crescents crossing, Deer Horn knives are often used against longer weapons such as a spear or broadswords.
8. Double Daggers Commonly referred to as Bi Shou, Double Daggers are also Chinese martial arts weapons. Only used by the very quick and mobile experts in martial arts, double daggers are kept in the boots and released by the rings at the butt ends
9. Rope Darts: Known as a soft weapon in Chinese martial arts weapons, Rope darts are long ropes ranging from 14' to 16' with a metal dart on one end. Rope darts allow the user to either twine or shoot the dart with any body joint such as a knee, elbow and even the neck. 
10. Chinese Pole Weapon Guan Dao or Kwon Dao are Chinese pole weapons that are also Chinese martial arts weapons. They consist of heavy blades which are mounted on top of a wooden or metal pole with a pointed metal weight used to balance the heavy blade and for striking with the opposite end. The pole usually has red sash or tassel attached at the joint of the pole and blade.