Blog, Ma Xianda, Tong Bei Studies, Translations

Ma Xianda: A Short History of Duan Bing part 2-短兵格斗简史及其特点

Here is the second section of the Introduction to Duan Bing by Ma Xianda from his book. In the first part he discussed the long history of swordplay and fencing in Chinese culture. In this next section he discusses the extremely influential Republican era of China(1912–1949) and its effect on the formation of Duan Bing… Continue reading Ma Xianda: A Short History of Duan Bing part 2-短兵格斗简史及其特点

Blog, Ma Xianda, Tong Bei Studies, Translations

Ma Xianda: A brief history of Duan Bing and its characteristics-短兵格斗简史及其特点

The cover of "Chinese Duan Bing" by Ma Xianda The following is a selection from the book “Chinese Duan Bing” by my teacher’s father, Ma Xianda. Ma Xianda is probably best known for his contributions to Modern Wushu and teaching Jet Li what would become his specialty set, Fanziquan. In fact, Ma Xianda was the… Continue reading Ma Xianda: A brief history of Duan Bing and its characteristics-短兵格斗简史及其特点

Blog, Gentleman's Sword, Translations

Gentleman’s Sword by Jin Yi-ming-君子劍-金一明

The Chinese Longsword has had a long history. But it is a sporadic one. It seems that while the jian its self has enjoyed an almost continuous place in the halls of honored weapons, the two handed sword waxes and wanes in and out of popularity through the years. The Han dynasty(202 BC – 9… Continue reading Gentleman’s Sword by Jin Yi-ming-君子劍-金一明