Dao(Chinese sword)

Dao
Dao
	A Chinesedaoand scabbard of the 18th century
Chinese	Đao
Literal meaning	(single-edged)sword; weapon with a single-edged blade; knife
Hanyu Pinyin
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	dāo
Wade–Giles	tao1
IPA	[táʊ]
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	dou1
IPA	[tɔw˥]

Dao(pronunciation:[táʊ],English approximation:/daʊ/dow,Chinese:Đao;pinyin:dāo;jyutping:dou1) are single-edgedChinese swords,primarily used for slashing and chopping. They can be straight or curved. The most common form is also known as the Chinesesabre,although those with wider blades are sometimes referred to as Chinesebroadswords.In China, thedaois considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with thegun(stick or staff),qiang(spear), and theGian(double-edged sword), called in this group "The General of Weapons".

Name

InChinese,the wordĐaocan be applied toanyweapon with a single-edged blade and usually refers toknives.Because of this, the term is sometimes translated asknifeorsword-knife.Nonetheless, withinChinese martial artsand in military contexts, the larger "sword" versions of thedaoare usually intended.^{[citation needed]}

General characteristics

Types ofdao

While thedaohave varied greatly over the centuries, most single-handeddaoof theMingperiod and later and the modern swords based on them share several characteristics.Daoblades are moderately curved and single-edged, though often with a few inches of the back edge sharpened; the moderate curve allows them to be reasonably effective in the thrust.Hiltsare sometimes canted, curving in the opposite direction of the blade, which improves handling in some forms of cuts and thrusts. The cord is usually wrapped over the wood of the handle. Hilts may also be pierced like those ofGian(straight-bladed Chinese sword) for the addition oflanyards.However, modern swords for performances will often have tassels or scarves instead. Guards are typically disc-shaped and often cupped. This was to prevent rainwater from getting into the sheath and blood dripping down to the handle, making it more difficult to grip. Sometimes guards are thinner pieces of metal with an s-curve, the lower limb of the curve protecting the user's knuckles; very rarely, they may have guards like those of theGian.

Other variations to the basic pattern include the largebagua daoand the long-handledpudao.

Early history

Han dynastysteel ring-headed dao of different sizes (bottom).

The earliest dao date from theShang dynastyin China'sBronze Age,and are known aszhibeidao( thẳng bối đao ) – straight-backed knives. As the name implies, these were straight-bladed or slightly curved weapons with a single edge. Originally bronze, these weapons were made of iron or steel by the time of the lateWarring Statesperiod as metallurgical knowledge became sufficiently advanced to control the carbon content. Originally less common as a military weapon than theGian– the straight, double-edged blade of China – the dao became popular withcavalryduring theHan dynastydue to its sturdiness, superiority as a chopping weapon, and relative ease of use – it was generally said that it takes a week to attain competence with a dao/saber, a month to attain competence with aqiang/spear, and a year to attain competence with aGian/straight sword. Soon after dao began to be issued to infantry, beginning the replacement of theGianas a standard-issue weapon.^[1]^[2]Late Han dynasty dao had round grips and ring-shaped pommels, and ranged between 85 and 114 centimeters in length. These weapons were used alongside rectangular shields.^[3]

By the end of theThree Kingdoms period,the single-edgeddaohad almost completely replaced theGianon the battlefield.^[4]TheGiansubsequently became known as a weapon of self-defense for the scholarly aristocratic class, worn as part of court dress.^[5]

Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties

TwoSui dynastyzhibeidaowith ring-shaped pommels.

As in the preceding dynasties,Tang dynastydaowere straight along the entire length of the blade. Single-handedpeidao( "beltdao") were the most common sidearm in the Tang dynasty. These became known ashengdao( "horizontaldao"or" crossdao") from the precedingSui dynastyonward. Two-handedchangdao( "longdao") ormodaowere also used in the Tang, with some units specializing in their use.^[6]

During theSong dynasty,one form of infantry dao was theshoudao,a chopping weapon with a clip point. While some illustrations show them as straight, the 11th century Song military encyclopedia theWujing Zongyaodepicts them with curved blades – possibly an influence from thesteppetribes ofCentral Asia,who would conquer parts of China during the Song period. Also dating from the Song are thefalchion-likedadao,^[7]the long, two-handedzhanmadao,^[8]and the long-handled, similarly two-handedbuzhandao( bước chiến đao ).

Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties

Swords and polearms as depicted in theWubei Zhi,includingdao.

With theMongolinvasion of China in the early 13th century and the formation of theYuan dynasty,the curved steppe saber became a greater influence on Chinese sword designs. Sabers had been used byTurkic,Tungusic,and other steppe peoples ofCentral Asiasince at least the 8th century CE. It was a favored weapon among the Mongol aristocracy. Its effectiveness for mounted warfare and popularity among soldiers throughout the Mongol empire had lasting effects.^[9]

Zhanyinbao, anImperial bodyguard,wearing a sheatheddao.Notice thelanyardthrough the handle. (1760)

In China, Mongol influence lasted long after the collapse of the Yuan dynasty at the hands of theMing,continuing through both the Ming and theQingdynasties, furthering the popularity of the dao and spawning a variety of new blades. Blades with greater curvature became popular, and these new styles are collectively referred to aspeidao( bội đao ).^{[note 1]}During the mid-Ming, these new sabers would completely replace theGianas a military-issue weapon.^[10]The four main types ofpeidaoare:^[11]^[12]

Yanmaodao

Theyanmaodaoor "goose-quill saber" is largely straight like the earlierzhibeidao,with a curve appearing at thecenter of percussionnear the blade's tip. This allows for thrusting attacks and overall handling similar to that of theGianwhile preserving much of the dao's strengths in cutting and slashing.^[13]

Liuyedao

Theliuyedaoor "willow leaf saber" is the most common form of Chinese saber. It first appeared during the Ming dynasty and features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This weapon became the standard sidearm for cavalry and infantry, replacing theyanmaodao,and is the sort of saber used by many schools ofChinese martial arts.^[14]

Piandao

Thepiandaoor "slashing saber" is a deeply curved dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting. This weapon bears a strong resemblance to the shamshir and scimitar. Skirmishers generally used it in conjunction with ashield.^[15]

Niuweidao

Theniuweidaoor "oxtail saber" is a heavy-bladed weapon with a characteristic flaring tip. It is the archetypal "Chinese broadsword" of kung fu movies today. It was first recorded in the early 19th century (the latter half of theQing dynasty) and only as a civilian weapon: there is no record of it being issued to troops, and it does not appear in any listing of official weaponry. Its appearance in movies and modern literature is thus oftenanachronistic.^[16]^[17]

Other types

Besides these four major types of dao, theduandaoor "short dao" was also used, this being a compact weapon generally in the shape of aliuyedao.^[18]Thedadaosaw continued use, and during the Ming dynasty the large two-handedchangdaoandzhanmadaowere used both against the cavalry of the northern steppes and thewokou(pirates) of the southeast coast; these latter weapons (sometimes under different names) would continue to see limited use during the Qing period.^[19]Also, during the Qing, there appeared weapons such as thenandao,regional variants in the name or shape of some of the above dao, and more obscure variants such as the "nine ringed broadsword", these last likely invented for street demonstrations and theatrical performances rather than for use as weapons. The worddaois also used in the names of several polearms that feature a single-edged blade, such as thepudaoandguandao.

The Chinesespearand dao (liuyedaoandyanmaodao) were commonly issued to infantry due to the expense of and relatively greater amount of training required for the effective use of the Chinese straight sword, orGian.Dao can often be depicted in period artwork worn by officers and infantry.

During the Yuan dynasty and after, some aesthetic features ofPersian,Indian,andTurkishswords would appear on dao. These could include intricate carvings on the blade and "rolling pearls": small metal balls that would roll alongfuller-like grooves in the blade.^[20]

Recent history

Chinese soldiers from a "Big Sword Unit" during the Japanese attack ofRehe Province,China, 1933

Thedadaowas used by some Chinesemilitiaunits against Japanese invaders in theSecond Sino-Japanese War,occasioning "The Sword March".Themiaodao,a descendant of thechangdao,also saw use. These were used during planned ambushes on Japanese troops because the Chinese military and patriotic resistance groups often had a shortage of firearms.^{[citation needed]}

MostChinese martial artsschools still train extensively with the dao, seeing it as a powerful conditioning tool and a versatile weapon, with self-defense techniques transferable to similarly sized objects more commonly found in the modern world, such ascanes,baseballorcricket bats,for example. Some schools teach double swordshuangdaoSong Đao,forms and fencing, one dao for each hand.^{[citation needed]}

One measure of the proper length of the sword should be from the hilt in your hand, the tip of the blade at the brow, and, in some schools, the shoulder height. Alternatively, the sword's length should be from the middle of the throat along the size of the outstretched arm. There are also significantly larger versions of dao used for training in someBaguazhangandTaijiquanschools.^{[citation needed]}

Nandao

Thenandaoor "southern broadsword" is a modern innovation used forcontemporary wushupractice.

In modern wushu

Daoshu(simplified Chinese:Đao thuật;traditional Chinese:Đao thuật;pinyin:Dāo shù;lit.'Broadsword Play') refers to the competitive event in modernwushutaolu where athletes utilize a dao in a routine. It was one of the four main weapon events implemented at the1st World Wushu Championshipsdue to its general popularity.^[21]

Apparatus

The dao itself, consists of a thin blade that makes noise when stabbing or cutting techniques are used. Over time, the edge has become more flimsy to create more noise, and the sword has become lighter to allow for faster handling. The only exception to this trend was in 1997 when theChinese Wushu Associationfor one year required all swords to have a stiff blade in domestic competition.

In older generations of modern wushu. a broadsword flag used to be generally big but over the years has greatly reduced in size to allow for more speed and clarity of the movements.

As of the 2024 IWUF rules, the broadsword blade length should be no shorter than the top of a competitor's ear if held vertically beside the body with the left hand. The flag must also be no shorter than 30 centimeters.^[22]

Routines

As of the 2024 IWUF rules, daoshu routines must be between 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minute 35 seconds in length.^[22]Daoshu routines are also required to have the following techniques:

Sword techniques

Chán Tóu ( nhiễu vấn đầu ) — Broadsword Twining
Guǒ Nǎo ( bọc não ) — Wrapping with the Broadsword
Pī Dāo ( dao chặt ) — Broadsword Chop
Zhā Dāo ( trát đao ) — Broadsword Thrust
Zhǎn Dāo ( trảm đao ) — Broadsword Hack
Guà Dāo ( quải đao ) — Broadsword Hooking Parry
Yún Dāo ( vân đao ) — Broadsword Cloud Waving
Bèi Huā Dāo ( bối hoa đao ) — Broadsword Wrist Figure 8 Behind the Back)

Stances

Gōng Bù ( cung bước ) - Bow Stance
Mǎ Bù ( mã bộ ) -Horse Stance
Pū Bù ( phó bước ) - Drop Stance
Xū Bù ( hư bước ) - Empty Stance
Xiē Bù ( nghỉ bước ) - Cross-Legged Crouching Stance

Scoring criteria

Daoshu adheres to the same deduction content (A score) and degree of difficulty content and connections (C score) as changquan, gunshu, gian shu, and qiangshu. This three-score system has been in place since the 2005 IWUF rules revision. Only the techniques Chán Tóu ( nhiễu vấn đầu ) and Guǒ Nǎo ( bọc não ) have deduction content (code 62).^[22]

Adaoas seen inmodern wushu

Citations

^Tom 2001,p. 207
^Graff 2002,p. 41
^Lorge 2011,pp. 69–70.
^Lorge 2011,p. 78.
^Lorge 2011,pp. 83–84.
^Lorge 2011,p. 103.
^Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 84
^Hanson 2004
^Tom 2001,p. 207
^Tom 2001,pp. 207–209
^Tom 2001,p. 211
^Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 76
^Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 77
^Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 77–78
^Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 78
^Tom 2001,p. 211
^Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 78–79
^Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 80, 84
^Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 85
^Tom 2001,pp. 209, 218
^"Results".IWUF.Retrieved2021-01-09.
^^a ^b ^c"Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024)"(PDF).International Wushu Federation.2024-09-14.Retrieved2024-09-24.

Explanatory notes

^Literal translation: "Worn-Sabre" or "Carried-Sabre". This is a generic term in Chinese referring to all sabres worn on belt or waist, not merely to denote Turko-Mongol sabers and other curved swords.

General and cited references

Graff, David A. (2002),Medieval Chinese Warfare, 300–900,London:Routledge,ISBN 0-415-23955-9
Grancsay, Stephen (1930), "Two Chinese Swords",The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin,25(9): 194–196,doi:10.2307/3255712,JSTOR 3255712
Hanson, Chris (2004),The Mongol Siege of Xiangyang and Fan-ch'eng and the Song military,retrievedAugust 23,2014
Lorge, Peter A. (2011),Chinese Martial Arts: From Antiquity to the Twenty-First Century,Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,ISBN 978-0-521-87881-4
Tom, Philip M. W. (2001), "Some Notable Sabers of the Qing Dynasty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art",Metropolitan Museum Journal,36:11, 207–222,doi:10.2307/1513063,JSTOR 1513063,S2CID 191359442
Tom, Philip M. W.;Rodell, Scott M.(February 2005), "An Introduction to Chinese Single-Edged Hilt Weapons (Dao) and Their Use in the Ming and Qing Dynasties",Kung Fu Tai Chi:76–85
Werner, E. T. C. (1989),Chinese Weapons,Singapore: Graham Brash,ISBN 9971-4-9116-8

External links

Sword with Scabbard- 17th century example -Metropolitan Museum of Art
Saber (Peidao) with Scabbard– 18th or 19th-century example – Metropolitan Museum of Art

[1] Tom 2001,p. 207

[2] Graff 2002,p. 41

[FOOTNOTELorge201169–70-3] Lorge 2011,pp. 69–70.

[FOOTNOTELorge201178-4] Lorge 2011,p. 78.

[FOOTNOTELorge201183–84-5] Lorge 2011,pp. 83–84.

[FOOTNOTELorge2011103-6] Lorge 2011,p. 103.

[7] Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 84

[8] Hanson 2004

[9] Tom 2001,p. 207

[11] Tom 2001,pp. 207–209

[12] Tom 2001,p. 211

[13] Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 76

[14] Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 77

[15] Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 77–78

[16] Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 78

[17] Tom 2001,p. 211

[18] Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 78–79

[19] Tom & Rodell 2005,pp. 80, 84

[20] Tom & Rodell 2005,p. 85

[21] Tom 2001,pp. 209, 218

[22] "Results".IWUF.Retrieved2021-01-09.

[:1-23] "Wushu Taolu Competition Rules and Judging Methods (2024)"(PDF).International Wushu Federation.2024-09-14.Retrieved2024-09-24.

[10] Literal translation: "Worn-Sabre" or "Carried-Sabre". This is a generic term in Chinese referring to all sabres worn on belt or waist, not merely to denote Turko-Mongol sabers and other curved swords.

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