How to Buy a Wing Chun Butterfly Sword

Traditionally, the two weapons used in Chinese Wing Chun have both been referred to by their Chinese names. The "luk dim boon goon" has become known in the United States as the "butterfly sword." Along with losing its traditional name, the butterfly sword has lost its traditional look and feel. This is okay if you are looking for an adapted sport, but if you want the real thing, read on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose a butterfly sword that does not interfere with learning. Select a sword that is not sharp. You need a neither pointed nor lethal luk dim boon goon. The Wing Chun swords quickly became a self-defense art rather than a sword used for "martial" arts purposes. The people of China who used the swords practiced often and needed a sword for learning.

2. Pick a sword that enhances learning, one that allows you to practice and learn new techniques. Does it have the correct alignment of the handle, the correct shape of the blade and a sword that fits the guard? Also, does it have slightly curved handles and a quillion large enough to flip? Select a sword with blades that gradually taper toward the tip and are made of one piece with the grip. Choose a sword that you can handle. Fit it to your hands, length of arms and body mass.

3. Select a sword that exudes pride. A traditional Chinese luk dim boon goon is a symbol of achievement. A student traditionally received the sword when he graduated from the Wing Chun training. It should be intricate and beautiful. Most butterfly swords look more like something used for common housework. Take pride in the sword you choose and look to its significance in your life and the tradition of Wing Chun.

4. Find a sword online or at a martial arts store, but choose an authentic sword. The sword should have been made by a blacksmith in China and imported into the United States. Factory swords are made from a cookie cutter and lack correct positioning of the blade and other such structure. Stores like Everything Wing Chun receive their weapons direct from China. Ask where the swords are from and who made them.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a durable sword that can take years of use.

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[stick419]

on 10/17/2007 Hello, this is a good article save for the WRONG cantonese name for the swords. In Wing Chun Kung Fu the swords are known as Baaht Cham Dao. Luk Dim Boon Kwan is the 6 and 1/2 point staff form which uses a 9 foot tapered staff. the swords are called Baaht Cham Dao because first the word "dao" means knife. and the form consists 8 styles of cutting, 8 in cantonese is baaht. For very good practice swords I recommend wing lam's online store, or for sharp butterfly swords i recommend cold steel's website. This comment is not to criticize but is to inform the author of the article.