The use of the hand fan has extended to Chinese martial arts, particularly Tai Chi. Although this instrument is traditionally seen as an accessory for fanning oneself or as a fashion accessory, it can also play other impressive roles: that of a combat weapon. Not only can it be used to defend and attack, it can also help practitioners kill their opponents. Here's more about the remarkable fighting fan.
The fan, a weapon of Tai Chi and Kung Fu
The fan can indeed be both a defensive weapon and a deadly one. It is one of the modern instruments used by practitioners of Tai Chi and Kung Fu. It can be wielded by men and women alike, but handling it requires great skill. According to specialists, practising with the fighting fan is a discipline in its own right, known as “Tai Ji Shan”. This art originated in China and is still very little known in other countries around the world.
The characteristics of the fighting fan
To practise Tai Chi and Kung Fu, you need a specific fan. You should not use a wooden or plastic model. Instead, opt for a model with steel sticks and a canvas leaf featuring Chinese patterns. Ideally, you should also choose a practical, fairly large fan, such as 34 x 64 cm – that is, 34 cm long when folded and 64 cm wide when open.
Fan techniques
It is worth noting that fighting fans were designed specifically to enable users to defend themselves and fend off their opponents. But that doesn't mean they can't kill. They can be fatal if they strike a weak point or if they are used very violently. In fact, the best approach is to learn the techniques of Tai Ji Shan in order to master them. Only through training can practitioners understand how this combat instrument works. Among other things, the fighting fan can act as a stick or a baton when closed. It can be used to block an attack and protect yourself. It can also be used to strike. When half open, it resembles a sabre, so it becomes effective for slashing. Finally, an open fan can become a sword. It can be formidable, as it can cut, stab and deflect a blow. The fighting fan is a far cry from the tradition of the fan as a fashion object, a highly social accessory that is still prized today.
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