07/04/2025
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Master Haung Han Xun's thoughts and insights on
Double Sabres from his book titled, "Liu He Shuang Dao" published Sept. 5th, 1956.
Translation.
"On the Six Harmonies Double Sabres
（六合雙刀論）
Martial terminology holds the saying:
“With the single sabre, watch the footwork; with the paired sabres, observe the body; with the great sabre, watch the clash of blades.”
These are essential principles, and indispensable to the art of the sabre.
The great sabre ranks foremost among the Four Major Weapons. Its origins are ancient. As it evolved, it gave rise to the techniques of the single sabre and the paired sabres. The former proved advantageous for mounted combat; the latter two became formidable tools for infantry warfare.
Though the great sabre has largely fallen out of practical use with the passage of time, it remains esteemed among martial artists for its deep historical significance. Across North and South, one can find no fewer than a hundred routines bearing the name Spring and Autumn Sabre. These are so named, by and large, in reference to the Martial Sage Guan Yu, who was fond of reading the Spring and Autumn Annals, and who stood as a paragon of both literary and martial excellence.
Aside from systems derived from a common lineage, there is little uniformity among these routines. Southern styles often emphasize movements such as “brushing the beard,” “sharpening the blade,” and “galloping the horse.” In contrast, Northern styles tend to adhere more closely to the principle of “watching the clash of blades” as the standard. Each approach has its distinct merits; one should not hastily judge superiority or inferiority between them.
As for the single sabre, its methods only became fully developed after the Song dynasty. Among its masters, Yan Qing the Wanderer was especially skilled. In my twelfth publication, I have recorded the method of Yan Qing’s Single Sabre, which—according to the account of my late teacher—represents an authentic transmission of his art.
That one must “watch the hand” when practicing the single sabre is due to the fact that the right hand, which holds the weapon, must execute the sabre’s functions—cutting, hacking, drawing, and thrusting—with lightness, precision, and finesse. But as for the left hand, being unarmed, it lacks an object to anchor its motion, and its placement and coordination often prove difficult. Thus, the sages of the martial world specifically emphasized the importance of “watching the hand,” so that practitioners would be attentive to this detail and avoid the error of imbalance. In this way, the empty hand may also find opportunities to assist the sabre and participate in the technique. Skilled practitioners ensure that the left hand is not idle, but rather works in harmony with the sabre to maintain balance. Those who are well-trained in this method are easily recognized in performance: their empty hand is not static, but expressive, engaged, and integral to the flow. To evaluate the quality of technique, this point must be taken as a critical measure.
Regarding the paired sabres, those who have yet to study them may presume that they are more difficult than the single sabre. In truth, the paired sabres rely above all on even coordination between the two blades, and on light, nimble, and fluid footwork. When the blades follow the footwork, when movement and technique are united in harmony, then the essence of the paired sabres has been grasped.
The Six Harmonies Paired Sabres avoids embellishment and prioritizes function. Though the method appears simple, it contains within it the full range of fundamental skills required for paired sabre combat.
The strength of the paired sabres lies in their capacity to respond to attacks from all directions. Whether above or below, from left or right, through spins, turns, or leaps, the technique adapts with ease and completeness. Martial skill depends on the individual; its reach is not limited by the mastery of any one technique alone.
These brief remarks are offered informally. I earnestly hope that advanced practitioners of the martial way may be willing to offer their generous corrections. To have my shortcomings thus corrected would be my great honor."
Translation by Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu
#武德 #螳螂拳 #武術
