Kung Fu's Southern Broadsword:
The Nan Dao in Chinese Martial Arts
The Kung Fu's Southern Broadsword is called Nan Dao. Nan Dao translates as: Nan meaning South and Dao meaning a single edge, broad blade cutting tool (knife or sword). It is a short range weapon introduced to students moving on to their Level 4 kung fu training. The majority of us would have seen this weapon in class at some stage, but let’s break it down and look into it deeper. The History The historical origins of the Nan Dao are difficult to trace. Whilst there is a long history of sword usage in China, there is very little historical references to the term ‘Nan Dao’ and very few antique weapons have been found that resemble it. However, it is believed to date back towards the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) and it has been suggested it may have been developed for training purposes for use by local peasants and rebels, rather than for military use or actual fighting. The sword does bare some likeness to the 9 Ring Broadsword which also appeared around the same era although that was a swordmost likely invented for street demonstrations and performances. Another is the Butterfly Swords with the difference being theseswords are used in pairs and have a shorter blade about the length similar to a human forearm. These swords were very popular in Southern China due to their easy concealment (especially during the time when martial arts training was banned) and the swords were easy to manoeuvre in confined spaces, hence perfect for the Southern style fighter. Today, the Nan Dao we are familiar with has been developed foruse in contemporary and traditional kung fu competitions. The Nan Dao form was established in 1992 and later introduced inInternational kung fu championships. The Design As the name suggests, the Nan Dao is a single edge sword designedfor the powerful movements and techniques of Southern style kungfu. When held at your side with the blade pointing upwards, thelength may extend from your hand to the tip of the ear lope. The handle is long, which can accommodate a double hand grip and canalso be used with an inverted grip. The s-shape guard is useful for deflecting blows and hooking other opponent’s weapons. The lower section of the s-shape guard helps protects the user’s knuckles. The large solid ring at the end of the handle can also be used to strike an opponent. The Form The Nan Dao form is based on techniques from the Southern Styleof Kung Fu. The Southern Chinese population had a reputationof being physically shorter and stockier when compared to the Northerners beyond the Yangtze River. The Southern Chinaclimate is more humid thus reducing the desire to be more mobileand aerobatic in techniques. The terrain is flatter and the urbanareas were densely populated with cities filled with tiny alleyways. The Southern style we are familiar with was developed duringthe period of Chinese history when martial arts training wasprohibited by the Manchu, therefore rebels had to train in secretand often in confined spaces. These environmental surroundingsand political policies of the time influenced the Southern style.Strikes are designed to get maximum effect from little movement.Hence the style is very strong, powerful and grounded. When comparing to the Northern Broadsword, otherwise simplyknown as ‘Dao’, it’s techniques are more fluid, flowing and elegant. They incorporate high long range kicks and flowing movements. Physically, Northerners were generally taller people. Their climate is cold with harsh winter conditions which encourage movement to help keep the body warm. The terrain is a combination of rocky mountains which promotes the growth of strong leg muscles and the open plains which influenced their long range style which was useful when fighting against the Mongols. All of these are suggested to have encouraged the Northern style. Hence you can understand the meaning now when you hear the saying ‘Southern Fists and Northern Kicks'! The Training Moving on to the sword for Level 4 kung fu training from thecudgel, you may find some techniques are similar. The swordis a shorter weapon therefore it is even more important to beaccurate in placement. Try to imagine you are actually in afighting situation. Your sword doesn’t have the same reach as your cudgel; therefore your opponent won’t give you a second chance to deflect an attack if you were not strong and accurate in the initial placement of your sword. When using the Nan Dao, techniques includes chopping and slashing movements which need to be delivered with the unmistakable power of Southern style of kung fu. The footwork is fast which includes cross stepping and short stepping movements. Stances are low, solid and grounded. Remembering that your stances are your foundation, and with good foundations, you willbe able to apply the strong chopping techniques. In regards to being defensive, the blade is used for blocking your opponent’s attack as demonstrated at the start of the form after the initial bow. You are now in a blocking or guard stance and from this position you are able to block a strike from an opponent or move into attacking cuts and slashes with the use of cross stepping. Training tips for Nan Dao Training tips for Nan Dao is... Practice, Practice, Practice! For those students starting Level 4 kung fu training it is important to get to know your broadsword. Broadswords vary in blade length; there can also be slight variations in overall weight and balance. Your broadsword will be unique to you, therefore it is important to ‘get to know your sword’. Get used to the twirling actions by being loose and flexible in your wrist. And as you learn kung fu's Nan Dao, the most important thing is to enjoy it! Thanks to Trace O’Rourke, Rowville Kung Fu student for this contribution
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