Whatever happened to the Chinese broadsword?

[golok]

This is one piece of the ancient Chinese arsenal that has got its less-than-fair-share of publicity.

Those who study Chinese weapons history know that the broadsword played an important role in the outcome of many decisive battles during those warring years eons ago in the Middle Kingdom.

When I was very young, I heard from my elders that at the turn of the 20th century in China, there was a army regiment that was armed with the broadsword. Quite a famous group, they were, too.

These days, the tai-chi sword is more prominent. Well, the broadsword seems to have seen better days.

Perhaps only in the halls of the Wu Shu association is the broadsword still being brandished about by its shrinking practitioners.