Chinese Axe Methods by Neil Horton

 Chinese Axe Methods by Neil Horton 

The axe has enjoyed a long and storied history as an effective weapon in Chinese martial arts. Horse soldiers used a single axe with a long handle. The most popular weapon is the double axe, which is a pair of axes with short handles. Since both single and double axes are heavy weapons, they are perfect for kung-fu students who want to develop arm strength and forearm power.

During the Tang dynasty, a famous general named Cheng Yao Jin (593-665), a native Shandong province, was known for his prowess in the single long handle broad axe. Cheng Yao Jin was famous for three axe techniques. When he was using the broad axe, his power was incredibly strong. He was not to be a good martial artist, but he was a fortunate soldier. All the enemies he defeated were not very good in fighting either so the legend goes. He was only good at three powerful techniques. The first was a vertical chop downward; the second a horizontal sideway chop across; and the third a diagonal downward chop. He killed most of his opponents by just using these three techniques. 

The other famous axe wielder was Li Kuei. He was one of the 108 heroes in the famous Chinese novel, Water Margin, written by She Naian. Li Kuei lived during the Song dynasty (960-1279). In the Water Margin, he was the 22nd listed hero. According to the novel, Li Kuei was an honest and loyal person whose double axes fighting skill was invincible.

Many kung-fu systems have a double axe training form. Choy Li Fut is no different. One important double axe form is called, "tornado double axe form," because Li Kuei's nickname was "Black Tornado." The choy li fut double axe form was named after the legendary double axe fighter, Li Kuei.

There are 77 fighting steps in the tornado axe form. The basic techniques are; 

 pek – vertical chop down; 

wang-sow – inward horizontal cut; 

lau-jong – uppercut; 

dan-lan – outward horizontal cut;

 jit – outward lower cut; 

tsop – thrust straight out; 

poon – coiling block;

 kum – front slanting cut down; 

tong – press cut to the face. 

The single long-handle broad axe is called "Cheng Gung Fu" or General Cheng's Axe form. The weapon was named after the famous Tang general, Cheng Yao Jin. Cheng was the surname of the general. Gung means grandma, which is a respectful term in the Chinese language for elders or seniors. Fu is another Chinese word for axe and hatchet.

General Cheng's axe form techniques are similar to some choy li fut long weapon forms. Besides chopping and cutting with the blade, the butt end can be used for striking, while the midsection of the handle is perfect for blocking. The techniques contained in this form are simple and practical. Performed with power and speed, this form becomes one of the most graceful in the Chinese martial arts arsenal.