Kwan Dao (or Dragon Head Sword) - Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Weapons

The Kwan Dao (Guan Dao) is a traditional weapon used by Chinese martial arts (including Shaolin Kung Fu). In English, this weapon is known as "Dragon Head", "General's Sword", etc. The Kwan Dao has been used in many classic Chinese martial arts movies and is often seen at Wushu tournaments.

This pole-type weapon consists of a wide metal "sword" on one end and a metal counterweight on the other end. The Guan Dao is typically 6-7 feet in length. This heavy weapon requires considerable strength in order to wield effectively. It is often used in wide slashing cuts.

According to Shaolin Martial Arts Center (of South Africa), the Kwan Dao "has at one end a large crescent, the outside curved portion of which is used for slicing and chopping. A point at the end of the blade is employed in stabbing and thrusting movements. The backside hook of the blade is used for catching, trapping or butting in fact an opponent's weapon can be captured by this hooked portion of the blade, and with a snapping wrist action, the Kwan Dao practitioner can disarm his opponent."

Reference Sources

1. Shaolin Martial Arts Center (of South Africa), General Kwan and THE KWAN DAO weapon, http://www.shaolin.co.za/articles/history/kwandao.html, Added - 02/23/15