The

~ h o f
llieMale
and
Female
.Sword
The concept of Yin and
Yang, sometimes
thought of as the
inseparable male and
female "universal force",
permeates every aspect
of Chinese culture.
Considered the most
representative of Chinese
weapons, the chien
or double edged sword,
is described in terms of
Yin and Yang, positive
and negative, male and
female. As the most
important weapon of
Chinese history, the
chien is often the focal
point of ancient myths
and legends.
By Patricia Everett
photos by David J. Everett
C
hinese history is filled with
many myths concerning the
. sword. One of the most fa
mous tells of the making of
a male and female sword by
two of the best known sword makers frJm
the Warring States Period (401-221 s.c.).
This was a time of civil war in China. The
power of the Chou emperor had weakened
and many factions were at war. A race
was on to produce stronger and sharper
swords. At that time, swords were the
primary weapons and were extremely val
45
I
r-
SwordMyth
SWORD CARRIAGE - At the beginning of a form, the chien is carried behind the left arm_ The
hand is kept high on the guard, so the weapon can be quickly shifted to the right
46
uable. Swordmakers of the day were highly
respected. Two of the most famous sword
makers were a husband and wife team,
Con-Cheung and Mok-Cha. They were
real historical figures and also the main
characters of a Chinese legend.
"Mok-Cha is said to have found two
gold nuggets, both the size of her fist. Her
husband, Con-Cheung, decided to forge
the nuggets into two swords. On the top
of See Sing Mountain in Chekiang Pro
vince, he built a sword oven and put the
gold nuggets inside. For three years, Con
Cheung heated the gold day and night.
The sword oven burned brilliantly, but the
gold would not melt. At the beginning of
the fourth year, the two gold nuggets
glowed brightly and rattled around in the
oven. Con-Cheung surmised that the gold
would not melt because no human blood
had been shed upon it. After consulting
his wife, Con-Cheung decided to sacrifice
himself to make the sword. He cut his hair
and fingernails and washed himsdf. Then
he threw himself into the sword oven.
Immediatdy, one of the gold nuggets melted
and the male Con-Cheung sword was
made. The second nugget remained un
melted . Mok-Cha mourned her husband's
death. In order to reunite herself with him,
she too jumped into the sword oven. The
gold nugget melted and the female Mok
Cha sword was forged."
Of course, historically, Con-Cheung and
Mok-Cha never physically threw themselves
into the sword oven. The story is repre
sentative of the enormous personal sacrifice
that sword makers gave to their art. The
legend illustrates that the forging of fine
weapons entailed a great deal of time and
effort , the kung-fu of sword making.
The legend continues when the Con
Cheung and Mok-Cha swords were
acquired by the Wu Emperor, Her Leu.
"He had the swords buried with him when
he died. They remained hidden for six
hundred years, until a scholar, Cheung
Wah, from Nanking received a sign leading
him to the swords. He saw a comet in the
sky between the Tin Nui and Ou Yee stars,
directing him a thousand miles away to
the provincial court at So Chow. There
he found the Con-Cheung and Mok-Cha
swords in the bottom of the well in the
garden.
Cheung Wah was very happy with his
good fortune. He visited his best friend ,
Liu Woon, and asked him to deliver the
Mok-Cha sword to a famous sword maker
of Honan Province to see if the sword
could be duplicated. On his way to Honan,
Lui's boat capsized in the Yangtze River
and he and the Mok-Cha sword disappeared
into the waters.
Three years later, Cheung Wah decided
to set out for Honan to see what happened
to his lost friend. He traveled the same
route as Liu Woon. Cheung-Wah traveled
THE TASSEL - Ornate tassels are often attached to the handles of female swords for their
aesthetic value. Fighting styles use them to blind and confuse an opponent.
THE OCCULT SWORD - The Chinese call the empty hand the occult or hidden sword. The two
extended fingers symbolize two blades. Chi must flow through this hand.
r'AI CHI CH'UAN
Professionally produced. sta,p..,,,r:n,, ..""rrI
video Instruction in Chinese Internal
Systems - featuring Moster York Y. loo a
Terence T eng:
INTRO TO rAI CHI CH'UAN
YANG SHORT EXERCISE
YANG LONG EXERCISE
rAI CHI SWORD & BROADSWORD
6 HARMONIES/8 METHODS FORM
THE rAI CHI RULER (CHIH)
For a descriptive calalog and new low
price list send $2.00 to:
INTERARTS
1283 S. la Brea Ave .
Suite 162
los Angeles. CA 90019
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
OWN SOME NINJA GOLD!
with the Con-Cheung sword. As Cheung
Wah was crossing the Yangtze River , the
Con-Cheung sword cried out loudly.
Cheung Wah took the sword out of the
scabbard to see what was happening. As
he did this, the Con-Cheung sword glowed
brilliantly and leapt out of his hand into
the river where it was forever reunited with
the Mok-Cha sword." This concludes the
legend. The tale illustrates the l:Oncept of
the inseparability of Yin and Yang.
Women and the Use of the Chien
As the story shows. women as well as
men made swords in ancient China; some
women were also skilled in the use of the
sword. Although the status of women
suffered in China, especialy under the
teachings of Confucius, the Taoist beliefs
held women to be the equal to men. The
concept of Yin- Yang, harmony with nature,
sprang from Taoist thought. As important
beings in the natural order, Taoist women
were allowed to become monks and martial
artists.
Women throughout the ages have been
attracted to the double edged sword because
of its beauty and because it does not
require a lot of muscular strength, unlike
the saber. Women's physical characteristics
are particularly well suited to the use of
47
ARNIS lANADA Vol. 1
By Amante P. Marinas
For the first time in North America,
the skills and techniques of Armis
Lanada are described step by step
by the American authority on this
Fil ipino stick fighting style.
Amante P. Marinas learned the
strategies of this deadly armed com
bat style from its founder, Master
Porfiero Lanada, and presents them
here in easy-to-follow photos and
text.
Learn the life-saving techniques of
the fastest growing
North America.
martial art
$8.95
in
Send your check or money order to
UNIQUE PUBLICATIONS
4201 Vanowen Place
Burbank, California 91505
(818) 845-2656
Narne
Address
----z;p
Clly Siale
UCheck or Money Order enclosed
U Visa U MasterCard
($500 ml",,"um lequ"ed lor cll arge card use)
Credit Card Number
[ITIJITrrn-rrrm
IMo IY'-l
L Explrallo0 tJate reQul rel1
x
St gndlure as It appears un credi t carti
FOREIGN COUNTRIES: Please >ubmlt
Internal lonal MOor bank draft payable In US.
lunds. Add $200 lor I" st lie'll ptu> 75 lor eacl1
additional Item lor poslage and handl ing
C.O.o.'s not acceptable
$5.00 charge on " II returned checks
311 ARMIS LAMADA 1.1. 1
,...., ~ _. L -----y-
Unit Pnce
$8.95
Sub Total
Calif. add 6Y2% sales tax
Shipping and Handl ing
TOTAL AMOUNT
Total
Shipping and Handling: 1 book $1.50
23 books $2.00. .50lt lor each addilional book.
Sword Myth
chien. The quick footwork , suppleness is abducted by an evil monk but she uses
(especially in the wrist), speed, and flowing her skill with the sword as well as magic
grace that it takes to properly use to reclaim him. Some women's swordplay
the sword are inherent qualities in most was so extraordinary that it inspired poets.
women. One such poet was Tu Fu, who wrote the
Women skilled in using the sword also following poem describing the swordplay
showed up in Chinese history and legend. of Madame Kung Sun.
One such legend is the StOIY of the White
Snake. It is the tale of a white snake in "Her swinging sword flashes like the nine
the form of a beautiful woman. Her lover falling suns shot by Yi , the legendary
THE GUARD - The hand guard on the chien usually faces away from the handle. It is used to trap
and hold the opponent's weapon, as well as deH.ect cuts.
48
LOW STANCES - Since the chien is used from long range, the ability to "bridge tbe gap" with light, fast footwork and elongated, low stances must
be practiced to an exceptional degree. Both offensively and defensively, an awareness of distance should be cultivated.
bowman; Its sheath was made of wood and was heavier than the female sword. It has a
She moves with the force of a team of covered with alligator or snake skin to sharp, pointed tip used for piercing the
dragons driven by the gods through the make it waterproof. enemy. The male sword's primary use was
sky; The female sword often had a tassel on the battlefieJ:d as a backup weapon to
Her strokes and attacks are like those of hanging from the end of its handle. Some the spear. The sheath was made of metal
terrible thunder; sword styles created sophisticated tech- so it could withstand the punishment of
And when she stops, all is as still as waters niques using the tassel. It was used to blind being used to block and hit the opponent.
reflecting the clear moonlight. " or confuse the opponent or as a warning The most common carriage of the male
technique. The tassle was sometimes made sword was to strap it to the back.
of silk or wirelike strands so it could easily One very important feature of the male
The Female Sword cut or blind the enemy. This type of tassel sword is the blood groove. The blood
The female sword is also known as the would create tiny slashes like paper cuts groove is a ridge indented on both sides
scholar's sword. It is characterized by its on the skin of the opponent. of the blade (located in the center of the
rounded tip and its long, light body. This In its role as a tai chi sword, the female flat area). Without this feature, a vacuum
type of sword was used for personal self sword is an implement used for meditation is formed and the blade would become
defense; to create a fashionable appearance; and spiritual development. An individual stuck in the enemy's body. The only way
for use in a dance or as a wall ornament. can practice with the sword to develop his to withdraw the sword was to stab through
The female sword was often elaborately projection of chi through the weapon. the body to break the suction, or to execute
decorated. The handle and guard were Thus the chien becomes the "wisdom a widening cut. This procedure was too
often cast into a sl1ape resembling part of sword," used to cut away at ignorance and time consuming for the battlefield, where
a dragon, phoenix or other animal. Ancient delusion. The tai chi use of the female a fighter always faced mUltiple attackers.
female swords were sometimes made of sword also results in the promotion of The presence of the blood groove prevents
gold or other valuable metals, and they good health and relaxation. The female the vacuum from occuring and enables the
were often inlaid with precious stones. sword is used extensively in Chinese folk blade to be quickly withdrawn.
Wearing an ornamental sword not only dances and opera. The chien has not been used in battle
made the bearer look elegant , but it also for hundreds of years. It went out of use
indicated his status. The female sword was The Male Sword in the middle 1800's when the gun was
usually slung from a belt around the waist. The male sword, also known as the introduced in China. But even as far back
Sometimes it was strapped to the back. "martial sword," is somewhat longer and as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.),
49
-rr - -----
Ii
SCABBARDS AND THRUSTS - Female sword scabbards are decorations. Male sword
scabbards are functional, used to block and strike. Thrusts are often angled downward, to override
the opponent's defense. Withdrawal, especially from a falling body, is also easier after a downward
thrust
ation and the Chinese Central Government
Kung Fu Institute. In spite of these or
ganizations, true masters of the martial
sword are very rare nowadays,
."
About the author: Patrici a Everett i s a freelance
writ er, martial a rts instructor and COowner of the
White Lotus Kung Fu Center in Hartford, CT. She
and her husband teach shaolin kung-fu and ar ni s.
I
I i
If you're Interested in
After Christmas
Buys
Here' s what Ryukyu has for you!
.. this is a sampling of Ryukyu's vast
commercial library. Send for complete book
list or order from this Ad.
(Sublect to change without notice)
Bruce Lee's NUl1chaku In Action . . ..... 5 3.00
Sword 01 the Samurai. . . . . . ...... , 20.00
Dynamic Wing Chun . , . . . . .. . t 1.95
An Introduction to Wu Shu. , .. . , , , , . . . 5.95
Aikido and Ihe New Warrior. . 12,95
Sword of No Sword , . . .. 9.95
Karate In Action, Vol. 1 . . . . . .. 7,95
The Book About Stretching . . .. 11.95 I,
Choy Li Fut Kung Fu . . .. .. 8.95
Bruce Lee, The Man, The Legend. . .. 6.00
Dynamic Kicking Method . , .... .. 8.95
Traditional Karate Do, Okinawan Goiu Ryu .... 15,95
Fighting Karate, Vol. 1 . . .... ,. . . .. , .... 7.95
Wonders 01 Qigong China Sports Magazine .. 10.95
The Vital Spot . . .. 11 .00
The Alternative Weapor,ry. . 14.50
Tal Chi (Ten Minutes to Health) . , t2.95
Advanced 3 Sectional Staff . . .. 7,95
Inlinite Insight into Kenpo, Vol. 3 . . ... 9.95
Wing Chun Kung Fu . ...... . , .. ........... . ,7,95
Best Karate: 9 (Bassau Sho, Kanku Sho, Chintel)8.95
Jiol1 . . . ...... 4.00
Aikido. . 15.95
Chlnte . , ...... , . . ... 4.00
Shiatsu and Stretching. . . ... 11.95
Tekkl ,Nidan .. , . . ... 4,00
Karate In Action, Vol. 1 .. 7,95
Black Belt Judo .. . . , ...... ..... , . 10.95
Tsai Le Fa Quan Senior Skilt Play
01 Koa Da Quan . 12.00
Knile Fighting - Throwing lor Combat . . 7.95
Praying Mantis Kung Fu (cloth) . 19.95
'The . . . 10.95
and Modern Practice. .21.50
Autumn Lightning (Education 01
an American Samuari) ... . . .. ... ......... .. 8,95
Martial Arts Movies: From Bruce Lee to
the Ninjas. , , . . , . , , , . ... . 19.95
Cheng Man-Ch'lng' s Advanced rai Chi Form
Instructions Translated .... " ... , ... ..... 10.95
Hapkldo: The Complete Art of Sell Defense ... 11.50
Karate Power (Learning the Art
01 the Open Hand) . . ... .... ,., .. 5.95
Judo: Way 01 the Sti ck . . 12.00
Northern Shaolin Sword . . . 15,95
In the Steps of . .. (Bruce Lee) . . . . 1.50
High Impact Jui Jutsu , .. . . . .... , .... 12.00
Aikido: The Art 01 Power and Movement ...... 25.00
BasiC Aikido . , ... .. . 6.95
Aikido with Ki ., " .. ......... ... ... ...... 15.00
Aikido - The Way of Harmony . . ..... 14.95
Aikido: Its Heart and Appearances . . . .. 6.95
Chi Kung: Health and Martial Arts . . .. 10.95
Elementary Hapkldo . . .. .. ..... 8.95
Introduction to Hapkido . 8.95
Beginning JuiJitsu . , . . 7.00
Dynami c Jlu-Jitsu . .. ...... . , , , . , , , , . , . , .. . 7.95
Hakkoryu JuJutsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 9.00
Judo Inside Out . , ...... ... , ... 12.95
Sell Defense Karate ... . ..... ....... , . ..... , 2.50
Tae Kwon Do: Sell DefenseAgainst Weapons. 10.00
Advancing in Tae Kwon Do . . ..... 36.00
Tae Kwon Do (cloth). . . .... ...... .... 26,95
Practi cal Tae Kwon Do (Weapons Techniques) 30,00
Tae Kwon Do Guide to the Theories 01
Delensive Movement . . . . ... , ... .. 8.95
Palgue 7 . 8 . . 8.95
Essence 01 Okinawan Karate Do ...... ... ... 20.50
Encyclopedia of Isshin-RyuKarate . . .. . 15.00
Introduction to Karate (Wado-Ryu) . . ... 20.00
Internal Karate. . . . 11 .00
Karate lor Beginners . . . ....... ,. . .3.95
Kumite: The Complete Fighting Text , . , ... 8.95
Secret Techniques of Wing Chun. . .. 12.00
Gung Link Kune . , . , . , . ..... ........ .. . 5.50
Mltose' s in Search of Kenpo. . . 6.95
Dim Mak . . . .... .. 6.00
Advanced Dim Mak . . . 9.00
RYUKYU IMPORTS offers to pay the shipping
and handling on any book in this ad if you
order In excess of $25.00,
MAIL TO:
RYUKYU IMPORTS
Box 535

Olathe, Kansas 66061

Insurance on United States order only;
other items shipped bOOk parcel post
unless additional amount paid to ship in
tiR
another method or manner. Shipping by
book parcel post 01 orders under 525.00 wilt require
51.50 and Sl.00 for insurance, il desired. On book
orders over 525.00, we pay postage. Insurance $2.00
extra if desired. Kansas residents add 4% for sales tax.
Sword Myth
there were very few sword practllloners
who had mastered the martial applications
of the chien, Consequently, the female
sword predominates in modern times, The
martial application of the chien has been
preserved up to modern times by 20th
Century organizations like the Ching Mo
Athletic Association, the Koushu Feder
50