Chinese martial arts developed and used a wide variety of weapons for combat and protection from robbers. Unlike other Oriental cultures that used farm tools or relied just on a sword or staff (Japan and Okinawa), the Chinese developed these weapons based on actual applications in the battle against other opponents who used the same or different weapons.
Because the Chinese clashed with many of the different cultures that surrounded them, they developed inventive ways to deal with their adversary’s weapons by using unique weapons. Some of the common weapons were the straight sword (used by the elite and officers), the broadsword (used by the common people and foot soldiers), the staff (used by almost everyone), and the spear (used by the infantry for longer -range combat).
Some of the more esoteric weapons were the 7 -link steel chain, three sectional staff, quan do, and hook swords. The Chinese also developed ways to use almost all the weapons in both hands at the same time. For example, you can do a single straight sword or a double straight sword (one in each hand). The same holds true with many of the shorter-range Chinese weapons.
Chinese weapons are also divided by category into long, short, and flexible. Long weapons are the spear, quan do, and staff. Short weapons include the straight sword (a double-edged sword), saber (a single-edged weapon), and the short staff. The 7- link chain and three sectional staff are known as flexible weapons. Of course, some weapons can change and are classified as long, short, and flexible. The hook swords when used by themselves are considered short, but you can hook the two ends together and you now have a long and flexible weapon.
Today weapons are taught and practiced for developing better coordination, concentration, and muscle strength. Each weapon has its own unique flavor that makes learning weapons interesting, challenging, and a lot of fun.