A double-headed meteor hammer

The meteor hammer (Chinese: 流星錘; pinyin: liúxīng chuí), often referred to simply as meteor (Chinese: 流星; pinyin: liúxīng), is an ancient Chinese weapon, consisting at its most basic level of two weights connected by a rope or chain. One of the flexible or "soft" weapons, it is referred to by many different names worldwide, dependent upon region, construction and intended use. Other names in use include dai chui, flying hammer, or dragon's fist. It belongs to the broader classes of flail and chain weapons. There is little evidence that they saw use in actual historical combat.

Design

Various meteor hammers, Yuan dynasty

A meteor hammer consists of a flexible chain or rope with a weight attached to one or both ends. Their construction is similar to a bola, but they are heavier and are not suitable for throwing. As a flexible weapon, meteor hammers can be easily concealed, and may be used as a defensive or surprise weapon.

Using a meteor hammer involves swinging the weight around the body to build up angular momentum, and then striking at the target. If the weight is swung around the intended target, the long length of chain may become wrapped around the body, limbs, or weapons.

Types

Meteor hammers, Ming dynasty

There are two types of meteor hammers: a double-headed and a single-headed version.[1]

The double-headed meteor hammer is typically 2–3 metres (6.6–9.8 feet) in length with a spherical head on each end. While the ends of the meteor hammer can be heavier than a rope dart head, the difference in weight is normally minimal. Some meteor hammers have much lighter heads. The lighter versions of this weapon are typically used for practice and for modern wushu displays since they are faster and less dangerous. Since the meteor has two heads, one can be used offensively while the other can be used to defend, parrying attacks or ensnaring an opponent's weapon to attempt to disarm them.

The single-headed version of this weapon is used in a similar manner to the rope dart in that it is a long reach weapon with a single head. The main difference between the single-headed meteor hammer and a rope dart is that traditionally the meteor hammer has a rounded head. The head can traditionally weigh up to 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds)[2] and is attached to a rope that can be 6 metres (20 feet) in length (in contrast a rope dart is typically 3.6 metres (12 feet) long). Because of these traits, a single-headed meteor hammer can deliver a great amount of force to a target, however it is very difficult to control.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Chinese Kung Fu – Meteor Hammer". China A-2-Z. March 6, 2009. Archived from the original on September 23, 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  2. ↑ Vinson, Patrick. "Flexible Weapons: A Basic Introduction". Wing Lam Enterprises. Archived from the original on 7 January 2009. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
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