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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · China

Dao

The single-edged Chinese sabre, called the "general of weapons". It was the standard sidearm of Chinese soldiers for centuries.

Dao
Dao WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

刀 · dāo; broadsword; liuyedao; niuweidao

Origin and history

The single-edged sabre became the main sidearm of Chinese soldiers from the Han dynasty onward, gradually replacing the jian on the battlefield. In the Ming and Qing periods types such as the willow-leaf sabre (liǔyè dāo) were standard issue, and the dao is one of the four basic weapons of wushu.

Martial arts that use it

Kung Fu Wushu Taolu Hung Gar Shaolin Kung Fu

Construction

A slightly curved, single-edged blade of about 70–80 cm with a disc or S-shaped guard; some later civilian types such as the “ox-tail” sabre widen towards the tip. Wushu dao carry a coloured flag.

Basic techniques

Training

Beginners learn grip, posture and footwork first, then cutting and thrusting lines in solo forms or drills, usually with a wooden or blunt trainer. Paired drills with a partner come next, at slow speed, before any free sparring with protective gear.

Safety

Train with wooden, blunt or club-approved trainers; keep live blades for experienced practitioners under supervision. Check the blade, handle and fittings before every session, keep a clear space of at least two weapon lengths and never cut towards people.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

In wushu forms the free hand is always active: it supports the blade or balances the body, and the wrapping movements around the head are a signature of dao technique.

More weapons

Hook swords Krabi / daab Dha Talwar Khanda Kampilan

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Dao (sword)
  2. Wikipedia — Chinese swords