(please see part one here: Saber and Coin) In 1523, two tribute fleets from two rival Japanese seafaring clans arrived at the port city of Ningbo寧波 in North Eastern China. The coastal city had been designated the port of entry for all Japanese tribute missions and was the one place the Bakufu-幕府 of Japan could… Continue reading Katana to Dao: Part 2-Qi Jiguang
Often, when we speak of ancient martial arts and how it was used, we speak of swords and blades and other melee weapons. In China, there is of course a long history of swords and sabers. From the dueling culture of the Han (202 BC–220 AD), through the development of advanced metal working techniques through to… Continue reading Xin You Dao in Wu Bei Zhi:辛酉刀法武備志
https://youtu.be/Png0-Sfz6Nc In 1983, in Guyuan, a tomb of a General named “Li Xian” 李賢(504－569 AD)was uncovered in Guyuan, a Northwestern City in China known for its long history and connection to the silk road. the area boasts many treasures from those times. Its museum has a collection of not only Chinese artifacts from the days… Continue reading The Mystery of the Hidden Hilt Dao
Continuing the examination of the Four Words in Chinese swordsmanship brings us to the character Ge 格. To block, arrest, impede, obstruct, deter, halt, hinder, intercept, parry. The seemingly simple idea of stopping something from hitting you by placing something else in the way has 10,000 permutations, 10,000 synonyms, and 10,000 interpretations of what it… Continue reading S-words: Ge 格 Parry or Block
Greetings all! I just recently got on to the LK Chen Bandwagon. You may have seen Ben Judkins reviews here on the blog. Well, I finally jumped in and got a few things from this up and coming company. One of these things is a full sparring gear set with one and two handed weapons!… Continue reading Playing with the LK Chen sparring swords.
Terra Prime Fighting Words 