The training swords we use are great, with just the right balance of power and safety. Cutting work doesn't interest me as much, as I'm more into the fencing aspect of it and a walking stick or badminton racket would be more practical than wielding an actual sword in a pinch (unless it's the apocalypse). I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
MaartenSFS wrote:I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
Bao wrote:The training swords we use are great, with just the right balance of power and safety. Cutting work doesn't interest me as much, as I'm more into the fencing aspect of it and a walking stick or badminton racket would be more practical than wielding an actual sword in a pinch (unless it's the apocalypse). I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
Jian practice won't help you with use of badminton racket, cane etc. Jian demands a very special usage,. When you play the jian, you need to understand the balance point of the sword and adapt the movements to that point. You need to understand how to cut with a jian. It's nothing like using an axe. However, most people play with it like it was an axe. So all their form practice, how pretty they ever can move in their shiny pyjamas, their practice is a complete waste of time. If you want to use a weapons form for other kind of tools, the dao/broadsword/saber is the best weapon to practice. You can hack and slash with it just like an axe and you have the twist and turn movements of the wrist that are useful and strengthen the wrist as well.
LaoDan wrote:I agree with Bao Re: jian vs. dao.MaartenSFS wrote:I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
In response to your specific question, I know of three sources for practice jian with reasonably historic weights and balance points. I use these for both solo practice and in free sparring (although I mainly only practice at moderate speed and power, emphasizing controlled attacks).
1) Realistic Sparring Weapons: I do not own these nor have I used one, but the specs given look good. http://www.rsw.com.hk/jian.htm
They also make a Miaodao: http://www.rsw.com.hk/miaodao.htm
2) Raven Studios: I could not connect (timed out error) so I cannot provide a link – hopefully she is still in business. I have several of her swords (goosequill and oxtail dao) – they could be custom ordered to make their weight, length and balance close to what you personally desire.
3) Graham Cave’s Tiger’s Den: http://www.tigersden.co.uk/products/tcslqingjian.html
I have a pair of these that he custom made to match my antique jian. Quite nice to practice with!
Hope this helps.
MaartenSFS wrote:Any suggestions?
Bao wrote:The training swords we use are great, with just the right balance of power and safety. Cutting work doesn't interest me as much, as I'm more into the fencing aspect of it and a walking stick or badminton racket would be more practical than wielding an actual sword in a pinch (unless it's the apocalypse). I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
Jian practice won't help you with use of badminton racket, cane etc. Jian demands a very special usage,. When you play the jian, you need to understand the balance point of the sword and adapt the movements to that point. You need to understand how to cut with a jian. It's nothing like using an axe. However, most people play with it like it was an axe. So all their form practice, how pretty they ever can move in their shiny pyjamas, their practice is a complete waste of time. If you want to use a weapons form for other kind of tools, the dao/broadsword/saber is the best weapon to practice. You can hack and slash with it just like an axe and you have the twist and turn movements of the wrist that are useful and strengthen the wrist as well.
RobP3 wrote:I enjoy sword work, fencing and cutting. For me it forms the base of some types of empty hand work, after all who goes into battle empty handed? Here's footage from a day of "general" sword work we did a while back
Bao wrote:The training swords we use are great, with just the right balance of power and safety. Cutting work doesn't interest me as much, as I'm more into the fencing aspect of it and a walking stick or badminton racket would be more practical than wielding an actual sword in a pinch (unless it's the apocalypse). I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
Jian practice won't help you with use of badminton racket, cane etc. Jian demands a very special usage,. When you play the jian, you need to understand the balance point of the sword and adapt the movements to that point. You need to understand how to cut with a jian. It's nothing like using an axe. However, most people play with it like it was an axe. So all their form practice, how pretty they ever can move in their shiny pyjamas, their practice is a complete waste of time. If you want to use a weapons form for other kind of tools, the dao/broadsword/saber is the best weapon to practice. You can hack and slash with it just like an axe and you have the twist and turn movements of the wrist that are useful and strengthen the wrist as well.
LaoDan wrote:I agree with Bao Re: jian vs. dao.MaartenSFS wrote:I would like to get some proper wooden training Jian for solo work, though. Any suggestions?
In response to your specific question, I know of three sources for practice jian with reasonably historic weights and balance points. I use these for both solo practice and in free sparring (although I mainly only practice at moderate speed and power, emphasizing controlled attacks).
1) Realistic Sparring Weapons: I do not own these nor have I used one, but the specs given look good. http://www.rsw.com.hk/jian.htm
They also make a Miaodao: http://www.rsw.com.hk/miaodao.htm
2) Raven Studios: I could not connect (timed out error) so I cannot provide a link – hopefully she is still in business. I have several of her swords (goosequill and oxtail dao) – they could be custom ordered to make their weight, length and balance close to what you personally desire.
3) Graham Cave’s Tiger’s Den: http://www.tigersden.co.uk/products/tcslqingjian.html
I have a pair of these that he custom made to match my antique jian. Quite nice to practice with!
Hope this helps.
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