武術

Polearms and Blunt Weapons

1.The Staff

The staff is a type of long weapon used in Chinese martial arts. Staffs are long, cylindrical sticks that are at least body length and usually made of hard wood, though metal staffs exist as well. As staffs are designed to bruise, they are less lethal than swords and spears. Originating from an ancient tool, the staff was one of the earliest weapons to be used in armed conflicts; after the invention of firearms, though, the staff became obsolete as a military weapon, instead becoming a weapon widely used in martial arts exercises. There are many ways to attack with a staff, including vertical chops, forward pokes and sharp thrusts. The staff can also parry attacks and be used as a throwing weapon. Routines involving the staff combine the various movements possible with this versatile weapon, creating well-structured sequences of powerful, swift and frequent staff strikes that have a clear sense of rhythm.

2.The Dadao

The Dadao is a classic traditional two-handed weapon unique to Chinese culture; typically bladed on one side, dadaos are polearms with sharp tips and shafts that are connected to the bottom of the blade. Immense hip strength is needed to wield the dadao with the imposing vigor it is supposed to demonstrate. Flexible and varied, the dadao' s moveset includes the cleave, thrust, chop, spin, and much more.;

3.The Spear

The spear, often called the "king of all weapons" , is a polearm with a sharpened tip at one end of the shaft.
Arm and hip strength is crucial to using a spear properly. One must have a firm grip, a steady lower body, and good coordination between upper and lower body to demonstrate proper technique with the spear. Because of these requirements, practicing with the spear demands a certain amount of endurance.
The essence of the spear is its ability to counterattack — only upon a successful defense will the opportunity to counter and disarm the opponent arise. As a result, the spear’s move set is very skill-based and practical.

4.The Ji

The ji is a polearm with a spear tip and blades on either both sides or one side. It is a versatile weapon that can be used on chariots, on horseback, or on foot. An important weapon during the Han Dynasty, the ji was largely replaced by the spear after the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, disappearing from the battlefield and turning into a guard’s weapon.