Versions
taught: Shaolin (Grandmaster Wing Lam). Wushu axes
typically come with two types of heads (single- bladed versus
double-bladed); two types of spikes (straight and snake) and
three lengths of shaft: very short (12 inches or less); medium
(30 inches) and long (48 to 60 inches). Shown here left is
medium shaft, single-blade with snake spike. The Yin Yang
daggers on the right have a six inch handle; are 10 inches
across the blade and 18 inches from top to bottom. Historically,
bronze dagger-axes were used in the Yin Dynasty (1400-1100
B.C.). In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods
(770-221 B.C.) dagger-axes were still in wide use. Military
usage began to decline in the Qin Dynasty. By the Han Dynasty
(206 B.C.-A.D.220), the cheaper, faster and longer spear had
swept the battlefields and barracks. Recommendations: in all
variations a very specialized weapon - I have not located an
authetic set for the daggers yet. What is taught with one or two
medium shaft axes is more like a conditioning
exercise, as opposed to a combat application. Zhaobao style tai
chi chuan has a set for long-handled axe. Cost: varies from $75 per pair
for the daggers to $65 for a single medium axe to $160 for the
long-shafted axe. © 2013 Peter F. Zoll. All rights reserved. |
