Butterfly sword

From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source

Wing chun's butterfly sword (bot jaam do) technique is the style's most prized skill. It is believed this unique set was developed at the Shaolin monastery, where it was originally known as dit bang do (life-taking sword). It was later renamed yee jee do (character two sword) after the basic stance and double cuts which separate each of its eight sections. Eventually, Wing Chun's twin sword technique became known as bot jaam do (eight cut sword) because of the eight techniques within the set. The techniques are thus distinguished as offensive sword maneuvers which are based on eight "directions" or cutting actions.

As a training aid, bot jaam do is more than a practical fighting tool. There is a developmental aspect to this set which implies fundamentals are more vital than fancy techniques. Bot jaam do develops stances and encourages the acquisition of mobile body mechanics. In certain techniques, for instance, the swords are held in place while one steps forward and backward, turning to and fro. In these techniques, the motion of the arms is all but contained, allowing the body to perform all the work. Such techniques develop body torque an important step in the evolution of the Wing Chun fighter.