Chinese Weapons (18 Arms) 十八般兵器

Chinese martial arts traditionally train the '18 arms' – led by the four major weapons: staff (gun, 'grandfather of weapons'), spear (qiang, 'king'), broadsword (dao, 'general') and straight sword (jian, 'gentleman').

Key characteristics

• Staff, spear, saber, sword
• Guan dao, meteor hammer, three-section staff, whip chain, hook swords

Forms & curriculum

• Shaolin Qi Mei Gun
• Tai chi sword 32
• Yang saber 13

What training looks like

Weapon arts usually start with stance, footwork and handling using training tools (wooden or blunt). Solo patterns come first; partner drills and controlled sparring come later.

Questions to ask a school

• Are training weapons provided?
• What safety equipment is used?
• How do empty-hand basics connect to the weapon work?