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Swords
Can anything be stupider than that a man has the right to kill me because he
lives on the other side of a river and his ruler has a quarrel with mine, though
I have not quarrelled with him?
(Blaise Pascal)
What is a sword?
A sword is a long bladed weapon featuring a handle.
The length of the handle and the blade will differ depending upon the
style of sword.
The blade may be straight or curved.
Some form of guard may be present.
What was a sword used for?
Maiming and killing.
Death can be caused by penetration, slicing or dismemberment.
It is not a 'defensive' weapon.
Fascination
People have been fascinated by swords for a very long time.
The craftsmanship, design and elegance of the weapon are often
remarkable.
Books, TV programs and movies are filled with images of heroic figures wielding
a sword.
The gun
The advent of guns meant the end of the sword.
A gun is easier to conceal, required less skill in its application and allowed
the user to fire a devastating round without stepping too close to the target.
Different types of guns offer a wide range of shooting options.
As a weapon it is infinitely more versatile than a sword.
Nerve
Unlike a gun, a sword is used at close-range.
To use the weapon skilfully, a high degree of skill is necessary.
The user is not distanced from the kill.
They must physically thrust the weapon into their victim or hack through flesh
and bone.
This required strength, precision and nerve.
Naive
A sword is not a toy.
It is an offensive weapon designed to pierce or cut the skin.
When you pick up a very sharp knife you are immediately cautious.
The slightest act of carelessness may result in a cut.
A blade can part skin easily.
Now, imagine a sword blade?
This is a dangerous weapon. It is not to be trifled with.
Performance art swordsmanship makes a mockery of the weapon; understating its
seriousness.
Heritage
If you are studying kung fu in order to preserve and maintain the heritage, then swords are a
must.
You should learn how to use both the straight sword and the broadsword.
Learning the spear and staff may be valuable too.
Many practitioners commit a significant amount of time to learning weapons forms
and drills.
These people keep the traditions alive.
History
When Yang Lu-chan popularised tai chi chuan by teaching it to the Manchu Emperor's
palace guards, he probably taught sword forms.
Why?
Because in 1850 it may have been a well-used weapon in China.
Yang Lu-chan's purpose in teaching sword would have been for self defence, for
viable, practical martial purposes.
150 years later...
In the UK nobody carries a sword.
You are unlikely to be attacked by a sword and you are unlikely to be carrying a
sword yourself.
The police are not happy with members of the public owning or using swords.
The spirit of the art
Yang Lu-chan taught tai chi chuan for self defence purposes.
Imperial palace guards had little time or interest in heritage and tradition.
They wanted serious, pragmatic, powerful self defence skills.
They sought rapid victory.
Kung fu was not intended as a museum exhibit.
It was designed to meet the needs of the time.
It was intended to be functional and contemporaneous.
More...
Page created 5 August 1999