the rum soaked fist: internal martial arts forum

Hi Folks

I have a couple of private students who would like to learn our sword form. I was thinking of picking up some wooden practice swords for them when I found these plastic/PPP weapons as well. Has anyone had any experience with them? Both students are very keen, have been training around 4 years and I'm sure will eventually purchase their own weapons but I thought to start them off with practice swords. I've never encountered one of these new fangled plastic weapons though and would appreciate any feedback you have to give.

many thanks in advance and a happy holiday season to you all.

Hi Jim,
I have one of the plastic jians as well as a plastic dao. The plastic dao isn't too bad but the jian is kind of flimsy and the weighting of both is off, (not unexpected).
We do a bit of two person work and the weapons we use do take a beating over time and I feel that the wood ones have held up well.

Good luck!
Chris

Thank you Chris - much appreciated!

I've got a couple of the "cold steel" bastard swords. Weight and sturdiness is fine. I haven't tried hitting anything with them. I'd get the same jian from them if I were looking

I am not keen with use of polypropylene practice swords because they do not reflect actual weight and its manipulstion in sword utility practice.
I would rather incorporate weight elements as opposed to the 'lightness' and easy of use because the latter gives a false sense of skill where none actually exist.

Anyone try lifting a European sword lately! It is a heavy mofo

The polypropylene are manufactured to simulate the weight and handling of the real deal, the plastic is very dense and the "blade" is much thicker, which also helps reduce injury.
I haven't gotten a jian yet, but maybe after the holidays I'll pick one up and compare it to my 31* steel.
The bastard swords are comparable.

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll pick up a couple of wooden jian to get my students started and if they're so inclined they can purchase their own swords down the track.

If they are only being used for forms practise all that matters is that they are the correct weight and properly balanced.

Thought this might give some an idea of what the old swords were like. My friend collects real swords and has been doing so for some time.
He explained that the box was called a "sword coffin" back in the day, they would use it to send the sword back from fallen warriors in battle.

Something I never heard of before maybe others might have more history on the practice.