Sword (剑 jian)

There are 2 important short weapons in modern/sport wushu. They are the sabre/broadsword (刀 dao) and the sword （剑 jian ）.

The sword used in wushu is a double-edged straight sword with a blade that tapers off gently at the end. Similar to the sabre, the tip of the blade should reach the practitioner’s ear when held upright at the side of the body.

The sword is held with one hand with the free hand forming the ‘sword fingers position’ : the index and middle finger extended while the thumb reaches to connect with the fourth and last finger. A tassel is attached to the hilt of the sword as a counterweight and to accentuate the sword handling skill of the practitioner.

Sword art (剑 术 jian shu) resembles a flying phoenix. The movements of the practitioner must be quick yet graceful, darting to strike when there is an opportunity and retreating graciously when threatened. Techniques that requires mastery with the sword are stabbing (刺 ci) , pointing (点 dian), hacking (劈 pi) and circular parrying (撩 liao).