Guan Dao

From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source

Guan Dao or Kwan Dao is a type of Chinese pole weapon resembling the Japanese naginata with its reclining moon-like blade attached to a 5-6 long wooden shaft. It is properly called the Yanyue Dao (reclining moon blade) in China and it is still used in some forms of Wushu as an training tool. It is oftenly seen with an edge that tapers to a point on the top for thrusting and the reverse side has a spike used for hooking and dismounting victims. In addition there are sometimes irregular serrations that lead the back edge of the blade to the spike. Usually a red sash or tassel is attached at the joint of the pole and blade.

Variations include having rings along the length of the straight back edge as found in the nine-ring guan dao, having the tip curl into a rounded spiral as in the elephant guan dao, or featuring a more ornate design as exemplified by the Dragon head guan dao.