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WABUKAN Arsenal · Swords · China

Jian

The straight, double-edged Chinese sword, called the "gentleman of weapons". Tai chi sword forms are among the most practised in the world.

Jian
Jian WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

劍 · jiàn; straight sword; "gentleman of weapons"

Origin and history

The double-edged straight sword has been made in China for over 2,500 years; famous bronze examples, such as the sword of Goujian (5th c. BC), survive. With the rise of the sabre (dao) for war, the jian became a weapon of officials, scholars and Daoist practitioners, and is now central to tai chi and wushu forms.

Martial arts that use it

Tai Chi Wushu Taolu Kung Fu Baguazhang

Construction

A straight, double-edged blade of about 70–80 cm with a guard and pommel, often with a tassel (jiàn suì). Modern wushu jian are thin and flexible; traditional ones are stiffer.

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?

The jian is often called “the gentleman of weapons” (bīng zhōng jūnzǐ), while the dao is called the “general”.

More weapons

Dao Hook swords Krabi / daab Dha Talwar Khanda

Sources

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

  1. Wikipedia — Jian
  2. Wikipedia — Chinese swords