Chinese swordsmanship

Sword was firstly practiced by Wu and Yue nations, approximately at 50 cm length.[1] Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher during the warring state period, quoted that "道可道非常道，名可名非常名。", meaning that the ways which could be told are not the true ways, names which could be represented are not the true names(which Laozi means name of swordsmanship). The true swordsmanship is expressed by heart.[2] Then near the end of this period, iron sword replaced the initial bronze sword, as noted "three inches sword" (三尺剑). The weight of the sword becomes lighter. Sword styles transforms from chopping to mainly attack critical parts of the body. Swordsmanship was then developed into various moves as well. such as cutting, holding up, hanging, poking, picking, wiping, etc.[1] Because of the lighter weight of the sword, more and more women during these times became swordsman as well.

Han government adopted cavalryman as main military forces, and swords were gradually replaced by ring handle broadsword(环柄刀). However, swordsmanship become more popular among civilians and especially scholars. Most citizens loved swordsmanship and wear swords all the time.[3]

Dancing with sword became a social activity and an ethos.[3] It is different and less particle than the swordsmanship at that time. There is also a new type of swordsmanship called "fly sword"(飞剑). Since the society were in a very peaceful state, literacy was honored more than martial arts. Swords were regarded more as decorations for scholars and literacy people than as weapons.[1]

Practical swordsmanship was valued again due to turbulent society and incoming outside invaders.[1] But in the end of Ming Dynasty, since society was back in peace, literacy was again valued more than martials including swordsmanship. People considered learning weapons and skills are for those inferiors; passing exams to become government officers or scholars are the right things to do.[4]

Swordsmanship development stagnated. Using swords, even wearing swords are no longer viewed as "noble person"(雅人). Qing government prohibited practicing martials(禁武). Only those folk schools took swordsmanship as "fitting skills"(健身技).[1]