Chinese sword

[Mecha]

They aren't really grouped by time frame or geographic area, from the ones I recognize. I wonder if the maker of this graphic also did one for jian? It may be worth a look.

I played Capoeira for five years or so, when I still had a young man's joints--I would still go in the roda today, if there was one nearby. It is an absolute blast to train, and some of the best people I ever trained with were there. I contrast that with the sheer number of personality disorders I met training Wing Chun, and there has to be something there.....The first "knife" I ever modified was the Capoeira straight razor, which is basically just a blade with a T-handle that fits in a sheath on your calf. You draw it with the other foot, and wield it between the toes, sticking out like a rooster spur. Tons of fun, but I wouldn't have needed anybody to cut my tendons for me, one good slip would have done it.

In Brazil, in the Philippines, in India, martial traditions were saved when they migrated into dance. You have to admire the strength of human creativity in the face of persecution.

Also, the movements of capoeira ease nicely into those of kung fu forms! :thumbup: