Foshan
Wing Chun Double Swords
Grandmaster
Yui Kil Executing double swords trap-block
The
double swords (Yee Jee Dao) are certainly unfamiliar to most Wing
Chun practitioners outside Foshan, China. According to Great Grandmaster
Yui Kil, the double swords are Wing Chun traditional weapons dating
back to its originators Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun.
It
was very surprising to acknowledge that the conventional Wing
Chun Butterfly Knives (Baart Jaarm Dao) was a later integration
into the Wing Chun system. Although the butterfly knives are distinctly
different to the double swords, the 
principles
and theories that underpin attack and defensive techniques are,
to a great extent very similar.
The
accuracy of Wing Chun history has always been ambiguous, so the
importance of dates is seen to be less relevant than its forms
and applications.
The
double swords form contains very effective and simple strokes
and blocks, but also includes kicking and double-cuts. Generally,
the movements are very small especially with blocking or parrying
opponent's attacks. Hence, highly skilled in grips and wrist strength-agility
is paramount. This will increase the ability to first cut/stab.
There
are also long range strokes (thrust, slice), which focuses on
clean-cuts through the target. The blocks are very similar to
those of Tan Sau, Bong Sau, Huen Sau. However, position of swords
is not good enough without the understanding of tactical combat
approaches.
One
of the most common mistakes of swordplay is to use the swords
tactically as though they were hand-strikes or hand-blocks. The
tactical approach of swords rely heavily on making fast first-contact,
the effects of first-contact can result in fatality. Whereas,
quick fast first contact of unarmed movements will often result
in minute impact force, and at best a knockout, and rarely fatality.
Therefore,
the training methodologies and tactical approaches should have
very fundamental differences. It is without a doubt that notions
or principles of unarmed combat can be used as analogies for sword-combat.
But the crucial differences must be realised at the infancy stage
of learning.
Until
now, the double swords have been a secret of Foshan Wing Chun.
Hopefully, in the near future members of the M.A.I. will produce
many excellent swordsmen and pole-fighters. The tradition of double
swords will elevate to higher level of aesthetic swordplay as
well as combat-effective swordsmanship.
Back