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Online Articles Introduction to the Butterfly Swords The butterfly swords are used predominately by Southern martial systems. Originally a Shaolin weapon, they have been adopted by Hung Gar, Choi Li Fut and Wing Chun to name but a few. Methods of use are basically the same when it comes to slash and thrusting actions, however it is the individual characteristics of the particular styles that differentiate the weapons. Footwork, along with attack and defence principles are the major distinguishing factors. This document will deal with the Wing Chun method.
The Mainland China sword methods of Wing Chun are far more dynamic than the modern "Hong Kong" system taught by the late Grandmaster, Yip Man. Having said that, and no doubt offending thousands of practitioners worldwide, I will qualify by saying that the Yip Man system is a very efficient, no nonsense approach to real combat. The sword form is quite short, consisting of chops, slashes and defensive postures supported by strong stances. The mainland China systems contain jumps, spins and kicks, all developed to counter a variety of weapon attacks to various body targets. The Hong Kong system contains no kicks or such acrobatics; the belief is that an extended leg can be cut by an opponent's weapon. While correct in many respects, should a double-handed defence be applied against a curving strike, only a kick is available to counterattack. By using this method, the Wing Chun Lin Sil Dai Dar (simultaneous attack and defence) concept can be observed. The jumps and spins synonymous with many mainland systems are designed to leap over a low attack to the shins or ankles. Should defensive footwork not be possible to avoid such an attack, jumping over the attacking weapon is the only alternative. By utilising a total body rotation during the jump, the power generated during the rotation produces a powerful, circular slashing action as the practitioner lands. Elevation
changes such as dropping to one knee,
raising one leg or elongating the stance
are all common defensive actions. Elevation
changes require great strength in the
legs. Traditionally this was developed
by training atop poles planted deeply
into the ground at various heights. The "Plum
Blossom Piles", as they were known
were a specialty of the Buddhist nun
Ng Mui, credited by many families as
being the founder of Wing Chun. Skill in technique It is my belief that to be proficient with a weapon one must understand that weapon. The basic techniques and forms are easily learned, however to master the weapons one must practice constantly solo, with a competent partner and teacher. In the traditional Wing Chun system the swords are held in a forward grip. The techniques are simple, being a combination of chops, slashes and thrusts in attack with deflections and stopping techniques in defence. However many southern Chinese systems invert the blades to provide a shorter range, defensive and offensive system of techniques. By studying various Chinese systems and their use of the butterfly swords I have developed a well-rounded syllabus that enables the student to be proficient at a number of ranges with these weapons. The
inversions and their applications vary
between individual styles, some favoring
blocking with the blade placed along
the forearm while others invert, angle
and brace the spine of the blade along
the forearm to provide a rigid structure
to facilitate short range slashes and
rearward thrusts. I have developed a number of forms designed to train certain elements of sword fencing. Avoiding the romanticised Chinese naming of forms, I have named them only in order of importance in the learning process. Yee dao fa 2nd sword way Etc. The progressive training system with the swords enables the practitioner to gain an appreciation and understanding of the weapon. A series of 2 person drills is added during the form/learning process. These are named by either the direction or the angle of the basic pattern. 3-corner
drill Each basic drill trains the practitioner in angular movement and directional striking with the blades, as proficiency in the basic pattern is attained, the complex Plum Flower Footwork is added. Co-ordination of stance, blade direction and flow ensues with constant practice. Individual attacking and defensive technique are added at various stages throughout the form/learning process, initially simple thrusts and slashes are inserted at particular intervals in the drill cycle, as proficiency increases so does the complexity of the attacks. The practitioner develops an instinctive response to the angle of the attacks rather than a "technique index". The nature of the butterfly swords makes them unpredictable in both directional attack and defence, by training in the described manner proficiency is gained in a relatively short period of time. The
skills gained through the open hand system
of Wing Chun give the butterfly sword
the edge in real combat, while recognition
by "feel" gained through chi
sao practice is essential with the swords.
Only after gaining proficiency in the
basic forms, cyclic drills, attacks and
defences may the student advance to actual
fencing. Rarely does the Wing Chun practitioner attempt an initial body strike. The favored target is the hand holding the weapon. Once contact has been made, the weapon is no longer a threat. I must stress here that the body must be out of the path of a circular strike if a hand strike is initiated, as the loss of the opponent's weapon will be a major threat as it travels through the air with directional force and speed, one should always be aware of the danger of a "loose" weapon. The final stage in Wing Chun training is usually weapons training, focusing on form, in the case of the butterfly swords it is the Bart Jarm Dao, or 8-slash sword form. The form and its many variations are considered the pinnacle of Wing Chun training. While training some elements of the weapon such as stances, footwork, strikes and defences, I have found it to be fairly basic. I am sure this statement will also upset some practitioners however it is my firm belief that the butterfly sword is the most neglected element in Wing Chun training. You only have to compare the movements of most Wing Chun "Grandmasters" with the sword specialists of southern China to see the difference for yourself. There are many "technique" books produced on the market by famous practitioners. Recently I analysed yet another book demonstrating defences against curved strikes by a well-known "Master", every one either deflected the incoming weapon into the practitioner, or placed the arms in a position of weakness and subsequent collapse against the incoming strike, "Beware technique books!" While defences against thrusting attacks are fundamental to most Wing Chun practitioners, curved strikes are another matter; I am constantly amazed at the dangerous techniques demonstrated against slashing attacks. Deflecting a slash requires the practitioner to be out of the way of the deflected blade. Similarly "stopping" techniques performed with one hand against a long, curving strike are impossible. The torque and leverage placed on the wrist holding the butterfly sword combined with the power of the incoming weapon make these techniques impossible to apply. I only teach technique that is appropriately strong and safe in defence. I also advise all students of Wing Chun to be aware of the power of a circular strike and view any "suspect" applications with caution. I believe that without discussion and a sharing of accumulated knowledge along with a structured syllabus, will the butterfly sword be a formative weapon in the hands of the modern Wing Chun student. My hope is that my research and subsequent syllabus will be of assistance to all Wing Chun students and achieve the universal goal of mastery.
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