The art of Shaolin blades: Spring-Autumn falchion and podao

In this video, two Shaolin masters showcase the different techniques and historical significance of the Spring-Autumn falchion (chunqiudao) and podao, iconic bladed weapons from China's martial heritage.

The Spring-Autumn falchion, a legendary weapon tied to Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms era (220-280 A.D.), features a long, curved blade optimized for sweeping strikes and was used in mounted combat in ancient times. Its movements emphasize power and wide-arcing fluidity. 

Meanwhile, podao was originally designed to be a short weapon dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It prioritizes agility, enabling rapid slashes, thrusts and defensive blocks in close-quarters scenarios.

While historically distinct in size, modern interpretations often adapt these weapons for training and may offer different lengths according to the kung fu practitioners' height and weight.