The weapons used by kung fu masters are used to fight at a distance as well as at close range. Eighteen Arms is the term used to describe kung fu weaponry. Saber, spear, sword, halberd, axe, battle axe, hook, fork, whip, mace, hammer, talon, trident-halberd, cudgel, long-handled spear, short cudgel, stick and meteor hammer are the eighteen weapons. Some of these weapons are overt, whereas others are covert in nature. Some of them can be used with soft styles, while others can be used in the hard styles. The usage of the Eighteen Arms made kung fu more proficient. The cudgels, swords, sabers, spears are the basic weapons. Cudgels, which are mostly made of wood or metal, are known as the father of all kung fu weapons. This weapon is simple, but turns out to be lethal when used properly. The sword is the basic weapon used for rigorous training. Hitting, piercing, pointing, lifting, jumping, leaping, hanging, chopping, floating, poking, sweeping, wrestling, blocking and wiping are the techniques in which kung fu masters gain expertise. A good swordsman required to not only be skillful in technique, but also agile in his body movements. The saber, the marshal of all weapons, is a broad, curved sword. Saber users need constant practice and rigorous training, as stability of the saber and body is necessary. A saber user must consider the saber the part of his body. A saber is useful not only in attack but also in defense. The spear is the major military weapon from ancient times, as it can be used in close as well as distance fights. A spearman needs to be agile, flexible, quick and steady. But the greatest weapon of the kung fu master is his mind. The kung fu master needs to remain calm and use his skill properly. The mind plays an important role in such a scenario. |
