Classical Shaolin Quan

Volume IV

Jun Da Dao Shu

(Military Big Saber Art)

by

Huang Honfan
And
Huang Honchao

translated by

Joseph Crandall

Smiling Tiger Martial Arts

Pinole, CA 94564
  Copyright March, 2001, Joseph Crandall
All rights reserved.

ISBN 1-929047-25-8 (electronic)

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means without written permission of the publisher.

Smiling Tiger Martial Arts

P.M.B. 110
1564A Fitzgerald Dr.
Pinole, CA 94564

2
Preface
The Severing Horse Saber has a big edge and short handle. It is a good infantry weapon. It is especially
good for chopping the legs of horses. The cavalry fears it. It has been used on battlefields from ancient
times.

My country’s military authorities have trained its citizens to protect themselves for thousands of years.
They were trained to use the point and the edge and instill fear in the enemy. Therefore the military
authorities look for experts to drill and teach the big saber. My teacher, Mr. Luo, used the Fan Gong
secret skills to change and simplify the training for use in modern times. In autumn of 1938, I visited the
Luo family in order to learn this skill. It was used extensively in battle. Luo’s style became famous in
some places, but not everywhere. I have written this book so that the style can be spread everywhere. It
is good for protecting oneself when surrounded by the enemy. One need not join the army in order to
learn it. That is why I wrote this book.

3
An Description of the Saber
The length, from the guard to the tip, is 18 to 20 inches. Width at the upper
end is 3 inches. The middle section is 2.5 inches. The lower end near the
hilt is 1.75 inches. The edge is thin and sharp. The back of the saber is 0.4
inches. The circumference of the hilt is 11 inches. The edges rise up 0.2
inches. The handle is long and slightly curved. The handle is 9.5 inches
long. The approximate diameter is 3.2 inches.

When you hold the saber upright next to your side, the tip of the saber
should come up to the shoulder. If it exceeds this then perhaps a short
person can use it as a long weapon or a large person can use it as a short
weapon.

Ancient and Modern Types of Sabers Examined

In ancient times, sabers were considered to be composed of five elements.
These elements are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. In the saber they are
called heaven, earth, king, minister, and teacher. Also in the Republic it has
been changed to become heaven, earth, country, self, and teacher.

Without a doubt, in both ancient and modern times, the focus is on the five
elements. We can capitalize on the teacher’s words according to the true
transmission of Shaolin fighting. When you hold up the saber, the saber tip
makes heaven. The lower edge makes earth. The back of the blade makes
the king. The hilt makes the minister. And the handle makes the teacher.

This whole saber is drawn out in order to examine it. I examine all its
details. It really implies that it has other meanings. One is so that I get an
idea of its true length. Two is so that the saber and scabbard are properly
displayed. You really never see it [the precious saber] waved about. It is
moved with dignity (like a female slave dresses the wife).

Since ancient times, martial artists have been fond of "precious sabers" and
"precious swords". Those that owned a quality precious sword would grasp
the scabbard and gradually pull it out in order to examine its edge and point.
This is a poor way to judge the quality of a sword. Those that do it this way
are putting on airs and making themselves look foolish. The correct way is
found in the old martial arts of my country, and is therefore not leisurely
undertaken.

4
Upper picture: When the
opponent uses a long weapon to
strike down on me, I use the
counter-clockwise saber reverse
upward assist.

Middle picture: When the

opponent uses a long weapon to
sweep across my lower area, I
must use the sitting coiling lower
blocking form to cut across it.

Lower picture: Practicing the form “Cross

shaped Horizontal Saber”.

Huang Honfan is wielding the staff

Huang Honchao is wielding the saber

5
1. Hold the Saber Center Level Form.
Explanation: Pick a spot in the west to make the beginning. The
front faces south. The back faces north. The left faces east and the
right faces west. The right hand hangs down by the side of the leg.
The left hand tiger’s mouth faces down and grips close to the hilt of
the saber. The saber points up and the tip sticks next to the outside of
the shoulder. Keep it still, it shouldn’t wave about. If not, then it is
easy to have the bad practice of a dancing saber. Your attention is
focused towards the front. This saber posture is used to open the
form.

2. Level Raise the Saber Form.

Explanation: From the above form. First the left foot steps back
half a step. Pull the right foot back to make a right sitting tiger step.
The right hand grasps the saber near the hilt and replaces the left
hand. The left hand moves down to the pommel and grasps at that
position. Raise the tip of the saber up. The edge of the saber faces
outwards towards the east. The right arm makes a level straight line.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to kill

me. I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flicking
action. This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incoming
weapon to slip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fierce
the attack is, it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, I
return the strike. It does not matter how much power he tries to use
on me, I can still do this. Knowledge of this method is one of the
mysteries of this weapon.

6
3. Climb the Mountain, Sever the Enemy’s Skull .
Explanation: From the above form. The right foot steps forward to
make a right climbing the mountain form. Simultaneously bring the
saber towards the front and cut slightly diagonally to the north or left
side. Also the right arm is level, making the closed form.

Function: He uses his weapon to strike down diagonally to my right

side. I instantly advance my horse to get near him. I use the saber to
diagonally stroke his neck area. This method pares along the inside of
the weapon. To be a good technique, this posture must be quick and
cause injury. If the weapon is long it is easy to take it by force from a
superior posture. Advance inside his weapons range to make him
regret his error. My saber can then strike him.

4. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the left rear foot. Then
using the back of the saber, reverse
to the lower rear part and return.
(see the transition form) Then leap
towards the front and make a right
climb the mountain step. The saber
then strokes diagonally from the
lower rear to the upper front
direction.

Function: He uses a staff to strike

my kneecap. I instantly use the
method of pulling the saber back to
pare the incoming posture. Then I
leap forward and bring the saber up
to split his neck area.

7
5. Lying Leg, Horizontal Sever the Horse.
Explanation: From the above form. First change from the right climb
the mountain step to make the right lying leg. The saber pares down
along the upper side of the left from the north and strongly strokes
back toward the south.

Function: He moves his head to evade my splitting his neck. I

quickly move the front edge of the saber and cause him to have to
consider his danger. The idea is that in order to shoot the man , I first
shoot his horse. To strike the man, you must first strike his hand. He
moreover raises his horse and I do battle. If his is careless, I can wound
his foot. He is injured and lamed by my severing his raised horse.
This is also one of the fundamental qualities of the Sever the Horse
Saber. Therefore when severing, do not forget to wound in the lower
areas.

6. Sneak Away, Horizontal Sever the Horse.

Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the right foot to make the
single standing form. Lift the saber
up like in the picture of the
transitional form. Then jump back
towards the west. In general, take a
half step and make a right lying leg
form. The saber, from above,
strokes diagonally above your thigh.
The edge of the saber faces back to
the south with the appearance of
strength.

Function: He slips past my saber.

Instantly he strikes at my lower
body or knee area. I raise my leg to
evade him. Then I jump back and
split his weapon with my saber and
cause him to have to change.

8
7. Sitting Tiger, Double Raise the Saber.
Explanation: From the above form. First pull back the right foot and
make a right sitting tiger form. The saber, from the lower horizontal
paring method, turns to point upwards.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to kill me.
I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flicking action.
This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incoming weapon to
slip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fierce the attack is ,
it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, I return the
strike. It does not matter how much power he tries to use on me, I can
still do this. Knowledge of this method is one of the mysteries of this
weapon.

8. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the left rear foot. Then
using the back of the saber reverse
to the lower rear part and return.
(see the transition form) Then leap
towards the front and make a right
climb the mountain step. The saber
then diagonally strokes from the
lower rear to the upper front
direction.

Function: He uses a staff to strike

my kneecap. I instantly use method
of pulling the saber back to pare the
incoming posture. Then I leap
forward and bring the saber up to
split his neck area.

9
9. Rotating Turning Sitting Coiling Saber.
Explanation: From the above form.
First the feet do not change. From
the high posture, the saber returns
and scoops downwards. Have the
edge of the saber face downwards.
(see the transition picture) Then the
left foot steals a step towards the
front making a sitting coiling step.
The saber, from the rear, then goes
back in a circle. At the end of the
circle, it then splits down to the
front.

Function: He uses his weapon

towards my lower area to force his
way inside. I instantly reverse the
back of the saber to carry off the
incoming weapon. Then I steal
inside half a step turn the saber up to
split his face. It contains the
technique with the intent of striking twice. The turning and sitting coiling must be smooth. The sitting
coiling and severing must be quick.

10. Wind Around, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

Explanation: From the above form.
The feet don’t change. Bring the
saber back next to the left shoulder.
(see the transition picture) Then
turn to the left. Step around in a
circle. Then raise the right foot to
make a right climb the mountain
form. The saber splits down
diagonally to the front from the
shoulder area.

Function: In winding around, use

this saber method to help protect
your upper body. Moreover you can
use this turn to seek out the enemy’s
weak points. When you become
sensitive with this method, you can
use this to attack his weak points.

10
11. Slip Saber Block Waist Sever.
Explanation: From the above form. The feet don’t change their
positions. Shift to make a riding horse form. The saber, from the
front, makes a half circle and levelly cuts to the right rear.

Function: He decides to use his weapon to stop me from severing his

neck. I wait until he is close and quickly slip my saber horizontally to
cut his waist. This blocking the waist severing method is a core saber
method. It makes the staff fear the middle level. The saber fears the
blocking the waist as it is a similar menace. If you are not good, by
understanding this, there is no one who won’t be killed by this. To get
skill in this, work arduously at it.

12. Sneak Away, Meet the Head Chop.

Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the right foot. Then bring
the saber back and raise it up like in
the transition picture. From this
raised step, leap back to the west. In
general, the distance is one step.
Then make the right climb the
mountain form. The saber chops
down towards the front from above.

Function: He frames my block the

waist method. And then he attacks
my lower area. I raise my leg to
evade him as before. I sneak away,
turn back and chop down on his
weapon.

11
13. Sneak Away, Meet the Head Chop.
Explanation: From the above
form. First raise the right foot.
Then bring the saber back and
raise it up like in the transition
picture. From this raised step, leap
back to the west. In general the
distance is one step. Then make
the right climb the mountain form.
The saber chops down towards the
front from above.

Function: He frames my block

the waist method. And then he
attacks my lower area. I raise my
leg to evade him as before. I sneak
away, turn back and chop down on
his weapon.

14. Diagonal Step, Raise the Saber Form.

Explanation: From the above form. The right foot steps from the
east towards the south and makes a right sitting tiger step. The saber
follows the step towards the south, and is flicked upwards.

Function: When I continue to make the sneak away form, he

suddenly moves to my right corner. He uses his long weapon to
strike down on my head. I instantly use the flicking saber to parry it.
From facing directly on then he turns to the corner to attack. If the
method isn’t strong and stable then the enemy will easily put you in
hazardous circumstances. If the step follows the saber’s turn, then it
will prevent the enemy from being able to take advantage of it. If the
saber follows the stepping turn, then my enemy will use the empty
space to change.

12
15. Leaping Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.
Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the left rear foot. Then
bring the back of the saber back to
the lower rear area and return it.
(see the transition form) Then leap
towards the front and make a right
climb the mountain step. The saber,
then strokes diagonally from the
lower rear to the upper front
direction.

Function: He uses a staff to strike

my kneecap. I instantly pull the
saber back to pare the incoming
weapon. Then I use the leap
forward and bring the saber up to
split his neck area.

16. Rotating Turning Going Up Flicking.

Explanation: From the above form.
The feet do not move. Only bring
the saber back and raise it up. The
edge faces the rear. (see the
transition picture) The left foot
steals a step towards the front to
make the sitting coiling step. The
saber, from the upper rear direction,
turns back as far as it can go and
drops down. It then returns and cuts
up from below. It comes level and
stops.

Function: He wishes to use his

long weapon to block my splitting
his neck. I instantly do a counter
turn, reverse the saber, and scoop it
into his crotch. The counter turn is
one of the deadly saber methods. If
it is no trouble I use the counter turn
because it is easy. He does not have an easy time evading it.

13
17. Reverse Body Sitting Coiling Saber.
Explanation: From the above form. The feet do not move. Twist the
body back towards the north and make a sitting coiling step. The
saber, from the counter turn, follows the body and splits towards the
north.

Function: He comes in my direction when I face the south. He rushes

at my back to strike me. I quickly see him coming. I don’t wait but
turn my body and step following the saber’s turn to face his attack.
This method is as quick as lightning. It causes him difficulty in
seeking to ward off my attack. And now I am in a position to quickly
attack back, which shows how true these words are.

18. Wind Around Form, Big Posture Turn.

Explanation: From the above form.
The feet don’t move. The saber first
turns past the left shoulder like the
transition form. Then turn to the
left. The whole body rises up. You
must quickly turn to make a horse
step. The saber stretches out from
the left direction to split towards the
east.

Function: When I have many

enemies surrounding me on all
sides, I first bring the saber next to
my body, I first desire to seek to
protect myself. My whole body
quickly rises up and causes the
horizontal saber to cut all those
around me.

14
19. Wind Around Big Turn the Posture.
Explanation: From the above form.
First bring the saber across the front.
Turning to the rear, it sticks next to
the left shoulder like the transition
picture. Then rise up in the air. The
whole body, from facing north, turns
to face south. As before, make a
horse step. The saber follows the
body’s turn and cuts out to the front.

Function: When I have many

enemies surrounding me on all
sides, I first bring the saber next to
my body, I first desire to seek to
protect myself. My whole body
quickly rises up and causes the
horizontal saber to cut all those
around me. With the above forms
you can strike to the front and back,
left and right, all around.

20. Withdraw Step, Meet the Head Chop.

Explanation: From the above form. The left foot steps back to make a
right climb the mountain form. The saber, from levelly stroking, turns
and goes back to the east. It then splits straight down.

Function: He blocks my block the waist method. Then he stabs

towards my middle or lower area. I retreat to evade it. I sneak away,
turn back my body, and use my saber to chop down on the incoming
weapon.

15
21. Flick the Saber, Leaping Step, Split.
Explanation: From the above
form. First raise the left foot.
The saber slightly rises up like in
the transition picture. Then jump
forward one step. The saber
chops straight down from above.

Function: His weapon strikes at

my head. I instantly use the
transition form of flicking up the
saber to block the weapon and
then advance to chop his skull.
The flick and split are smooth
and continuos in this posture.
And putting forth your strength is
also easy. Moreover the leap and
chop are like the water flowing
down a big river. He won’t be
able to block this posture.

22. Flick the Saber, Leaping Step, Split.

Explanation: From the above
form. First raise the left foot.
The saber slightly rises up like in
the transition picture. Then jump
forward one step. The saber
chops straight down from above.

Function: His weapon strikes at

my head. I instantly use the
transition form of flicking up the
saber to block the weapon and
then advance to chop his skull.
The flick and split are smooth
and continuos in this posture.
And putting forth your strength is
also easy. Moreover the leap and
chop are like the water flowing
down a big river. He won’t be
able to block this posture.

16
23. Sitting Tiger Horizontal Parting Saber.
Explanation: From the above form. Pull back the front foot to
make a right sitting tiger step. The saber horizontally parts and
returns to the north direction.

Function: He slips past my weapon and attacks my left side. I first

quickly change from the climb the mountain to the sitting tiger. Then
I move the saber toward the left to disperse the incoming weapon.
When the incoming weapon is dispersed, then I can decide what to
do. I take advantage of the posture, and flow with the weapon. This
allows me to find an opening in which to attack.

24. Reverse Saber, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.

.
Explanation: From the above form.
The feet do not move. First bring
the saber toward the top of the head
and horizontally block like in the
transition picture. The right foot in
front advances and the left foot in
the rear steps up to make a left climb
the mountain form. The saber, from
horizontally above the head, passes
to the left rear direction and turns to
cut horizontally to the right. The
edge of the saber levelly faces south.

Function: I parry his weapon. He

turns, passing to my right rear to
attack. I first use the saber to
horizontally carry it off. Then I turn
my horse and change my posture. I
reverse the saber and horizontally
split his neck.

17
25. Wind Around, Block the Waist, Sever.
.
Explanation: From the above form. First I advance my right foot
and make a horse step. The saber sticks by my back area. It follows
the step, turns to the front, and then goes levelly out to the front.

Function: He sits in a horse and moves his head sideways to avoid

my saber. I instantly advance my horse. The saber, from the back
goes straight towards the front to block the waist and sever him.
Perhaps there are many men surrounding me and I am in the center. I
have enemies on all four sides. I have to use the method of winding
around my body. The posture must make the people be wary. I first
desire to cover and protect my whole body. Then, as the whole body
spins, I seek to be able to rush the circle. This is aptly named “From
Death then I Seek Life” method.

26. Diagonal Step, Raise the Saber Form.

.
Explanation: From the above form. First the right foot moves
toward the north making a sitting tiger posture. The saber, from
below, is lifted up to the north.

Function: When I continue to make the Wind Around method, he

suddenly moves to my left corner. He uses his long weapon to strike
down on my head. I instantly use the flicking saber to parry his
weapon and pierce him. From facing directly on, I turn to the corner
to attack. If the method isn’t strong and stable then the enemy won’t
easily be defeated. If the step follows the saber’s turn, then the
enemy will not be able to take advantage of it. If the saber follows
the stepping, turn then the enemy will use the empty space to change.

18
27. Striding Step, Sever the Enemy’s Skull.
Explanation: From the above form.
First raise the left rear foot. The
saber is pulled back like in the
transition picture. Then leap straight
to make a right climb the mountain
form. The saber splits diagonally
towards the left front direction.

Function: He uses a staff to strike

my kneecap. I instantly pull back
the saber to pare the incoming
posture. Then I leap forward. I
reverse the saber upwards to split his
neck area.

28. Wind Around, Big Turn Posture.

Explanation: From the above
form, the feet do not change their
position. Bring the saber
horizontally past the left direction
like the transitional picture. Then
the left foot steps to the side and
makes a horse step with the front
facing north and the back facing
south. The saber, from behind the
back, splits towards the north.

Function: When I have many

enemies surrounding me on all
sides, I first bring the saber next to
my body. I first desire to seek to
protect myself. My whole body
quickly rises up and causes the
horizontal saber to cut all those
around me.

19
29. Wind Around, Big Turn Posture.
Explanation: From the above
form. In place the feet don’t
change. Bring the saber
horizontally past the left shoulder
like the transitional picture. Then
the right foot advances to the west
to make a horse step. The saber,
from behind the back, reaches
levelly towards the front and goes
out to the west direction.

Function: When I have many

enemies surrounding me on all
sides, I first bring the saber next to
my body. I first desire to seek to
protect myself. My whole body
quickly rises up and causes the
horizontal saber to cut all those
around me. With the above forms
you can strike to the front and back, left and right, all around.

30. Withdraw Step, Chop Towards the Head.

Explanation: From the above form. The right foot, from the rear
direction, withdraws one step to make the climb the mountain form.
The saber then flows in the same direction and splits down to the east.

Function: He blocks my Block the Waist method and then stabs

towards my lower area. I retreat to evade it. I use my saber to chop
down on the incoming weapon.
31. Level Raise the Saber Form.
Explanation: From the above form. Pull the right foot back to make
a right sitting tiger step. Simultaneously raise the saber up.

Function: He uses a long weapon like a spear or staff to try to kill me.
I quickly use both hands to raise the saber up with a flicking action.
This is the core of the saber method. It causes the incoming weapon
to slip down to the left or right. It doesn’t matter how fierce the attack
is, it will fall into emptiness. After it falls into emptiness, I return the
strike. It does not matter how much power he tries to use on me , I can
still do this. Knowledge of this method is one of the mysteries of this
weapon.

32. Retract the Saber Level Form.

Explanation: From the above form. Bring the right foot back next
to the left foot and stand up straight. The left hand comes near the
saber hilt. Change the tiger’s mouth to make it go down. The right
hand lets go of the saber hilt. And use the left hand to take its
place. Then have the saber stick next to the body and hang down.
The right hand changes to make a palm. From below, it circles up
to do a horizontal block above the top of the head. At this point,
the form is done. Then bring the right hand to hang down so that
both the left and right hands hang down. Then bow and make the
proper etiquette.

21
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