WING CHUN WEAPONS

The Wing Chun system employs two weapons, the butterfly swords and the pole.

The butterfly sword form is an extension of the empty handed system using two short, saber-like swords, one held in each hand.

The pole is a long, heavy length of wood featuring six-and-one-half techniques, employing them for simple, direct fighting.

Perhaps more fundamental than the weapon proficiency with either the butterfly swords or the pole, however, is the specific energy and striking power they can build in a student.

The butterfly swords or "bat cham dao" are taught in eight sections, each featuring one of eight angles of cutting. The form also addresses defense against different weapons of varying length. The butterfly swords provide excellent energy development in the wrist, and reinforce deeper principles of position and angling vital to fighting in any context.

The wing chun pole form is a streamlined form employing only six and an half techniques for defense and attack. Its deep horse stances build a powerful base for thrusting and a more upright stance allows the fighter to see, defend and create openings. Use of the pole also develops fearsome elbow energy for powerful punching.