Weaponry
The weaponry of the 
Chinese Martial Arts. Weapons are used to train the student in several ways. Train the balance by constantly changing the location of the center of mass. Train the concentration by learning to focus through the weapon while still balancing your energy throughout the body. Train the body by maneuvering the mass of the weapon. The mass need not be large if the number of repetitions is. Train the mind by learning the motions characteristic of each of several weapons.
In addition each weapon has unique lessons to teach. Short staff is usually the first weapon taught. This simple instrument embodies the basic techniques of swords of all types. Very versatile, it is the most essential for self defense as its analog may be found in almost any environment.
Long staff teaches the basics of all of the longer weapons. It helps 
the student learn how to project energy further from the body and is usually learned second. Similar items may be found in many environments. Crescent sword is a slashing, chopping tool, which really develops the strength and suppleness of the wrists. Straight sword requires a level of precision, which can only be attained by a lot of work, concentration and dedication. Other short weapons available for study include the dagger and the 9 ring broadsword. Longer weapons include the spear, 2 headed spear and the tiger fork. There are heavy weapons such as the Kwan Dao, the horse cutting lance and the monks spade. Flexible weapons include the steel whip, 3 section staff, flail and fan. Some weapons are used in doubles such as the hook swords and the axes.