Tai Chi fans were originally used as weapons in Chinese history, with variations including bamboo slates with blades and metal fans for advanced professionals. They can block projectiles and be folded into a stick for attacking. Tai Chi fans were particularly effective for women during the Ming Dynasty and are now used in group performances.
A Tai Chi fan, also known as the iron fan or tie fan in Chinese, is primarily used as a weapon in the martial art of Tai Chi. It comes in several different forms, ranging from nylon or silk for beginners to metal fans made up of iron and steel for more advanced professionals. Another variation includes bamboo slates with blades attached at the ends. Originally, standard bamboo woven fans were used as a symbol of social status in early Chinese history. Over time, they became weapons because they are versatile and compact, while retaining aesthetic appeal.
In general, a Tai Chi fan can be used to block projectiles and even stop hand swords or other similar weapons. Along with its block and parry attributes, the fan can also be folded into a short stick that is heavy enough to crush enemies and deal damage. The size of these weapons generally makes them easy to conceal, allowing them to be concealed during combat situations. Some battlefield legends tell of these zealots playing a role in saving the lives of unarmed warriors caught in ambushes or surprise attacks.
These fans can be worn by both men and women, but they were particularly effective for women during the Ming Dynasty, between 1368 and 1644. Fans had long been considered a feminine object, and this one was no exception. Unlike other weapons, the fan and its accompanying martial art were seen as less aggressive, making them more suitable for elegant women.
In the early 1700s, the second emperor of the Qing dynasty took a special interest in the Tai Chi fan and called all practitioners with some knowledge of the weapon’s use. He was able to summon the most skilled users and began to observe and learn from them. Once he had studied all he could, he issued a ban in China on the use of the weapon in his martial art. Anyone caught practicing or demonstrating with someone was sentenced to death.
The purpose of the fan has evolved from a weapon to an object used in group performances by Tai Chi fans. This is partly due to the bright and colorful variations of the fans. They are generally considered visually pleasing and attractive when paired with their martial art form.
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