Shaolin Sword vs. Saber

Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit demonstrates the sophistication of the Shaolin Sword (Jian) in a seminar in 2007 in Toronto.

Many people confuse the sword with the saber. In Shaolin weaponry, they are very different. The sword, called "jian" in Chinese, is double-edged and is light and dainty. The saber, called a "dao", is single-edged and is heavy and forceful.

The saber can be fast and forceful, and is often likened to a ferocious tiger. The sword is like a traveling dragon. Their techniques are different. Using a sword like a saber, which is not uncommon in many kung fu movies, is a sure indication that the performer does not know the combat application of the sword.

Combat between a saber and a sword is interesting and illuminating. One is forceful and fast, like an invincible warrior who walks over his opponents. The other is flowing and elegant, like a wandering kung fu knight flowing through life and enjoying it.

This video show Grandmaster Wong applying the Shaolin Jian against the Dao. All of the movements are impromptu.

I hope you enjoy.

Anthony Korahais
http://FlowingZen.com


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Category:

Sports

Tags:

• shao
• lin
• shaolin
• kung
• fu
• gongfu
• wahnam
• wong
• kiew
• kit
• korahais
• martial
• arts
• sword
• jian
• saber
• dao

[tallswede68]

If you have any type of heavy clothing or armor, only stabbing with the jiao will have any effect.

[FlowingZen]

Thanks for the comment, but I disagree. A good Jian will slice right through heavy clothing, even leather. Armor is a different story, of course, but that applies to all weapons. And unlike some curved weapons, the Jian has a strong piercing capability.

[Excalibur01]

this is obviously a one sided demo. Now if BOTH men were grandmasters and used the respective weapons, then we'll see. The Jian has reach, but the Dao has power. Also it depends on which type of Jian in use

[FlowingZen]

Please show me a video demonstration with two grandmasters.

[Vertigo9907]

thats a matter of opinion. its the skill of the fighter and not the weapon.

And your probably one of those people who kisses japanese ass. I dont know why so many people do it but they do.

[uknighter]

It is very hard too compare many swords because many where made taking into account armor....if anyone has tried to even cut through thin sheet metal it takes a lot of power...many older techniques could simply absorb a small hit in order to deliver a power smash for lethal effect. Just try sticking a sword through a toughened elk hide...it also takes a lot of power...a really sharp sword helps to.

[Blasfulmous]

It's dao & jian

idk why people started talkinga bout katanas

[Caliburnis]

I have to agree with Vertigo9907. There are many different swords and other weapons reliable in the field of battle. For instance, I enjoy the use of the European Longsword, which I find for myself to be the best type of sword for use. And I literally mean 'for myself'. There is no 'best' sword.

[Jadandlud]

The Jian and Dao are lighter weapons that are best on cramped areas like a boarding battle where the cramped areas of a ship leave little room for mobility with heavier or cumbersome weapons. But in a thick, massive melee on the field, a Katana or even better, a Zweihander, is a better choice. Each weapon has a weakness and strength. Despite the compensation due to the skill of the wielder, it is difficult to overcome the weaknesses completely. Personally, I'd prefer two wakizashi for nito-ryu.

[Rocism01]

Jian's can weigh anywhere between 1-5 pounds...

depending on the length....

and they are very capable of cutting limbs...i have seen them cut through 3 to 4 pieces of bamboo at once...

so with that being said they can more then likely cut off a limb...

[shinogoku]

in the midst of a battle, a tachi or katana is best.

[gamedemoz]

personally i prefer the European Broadsword

[longfingernail]

she was laughing because of the cleverness of the technique, i think.

i apologise if cleverness isnt a real word =P

[Vertigo9907]

i prefer the dao, the movements and strikes/counters seem more adaptable to me. The jian is a great sword but amidst a large heated battle your mind may not be able to calculate when and how to hit a certain spot on a persons body as when basically a daos going to take your arm off.

Now im not a military/martial arts master but this is just what i can infrientiate (idk how to spell it)

P.S. Whats with all this talk about katanas and jians, i thought this was daos hmmmm???? :)