The big broadsword circle ( wu hua da ) is one of the most basic sword techniques and can be seen in every modern and most traditional broadsword forms. This video focuses on the sword movement. Depending on your wushu instructor or your personal style you can move the left hand slightly different. However, the most basic form is raising the arm when the sword moves towards the left side of your trunk and then let your left hand sink down next to your right eye when you swing the sword back.

Performed by Yang Jia Le from the Song Jiang Wushu School.
Coach: Wang Guang Ming ( wushu competition team )

This broadsword technique is called "Gua Dao". Move the sword in big vertical circles. The circles have to be close to your body. Performed by Yang Jia Le from the Song Jiang Wushu School. Coach: Wang Guang Ming ( wushu head team ).

In this lesson you will learn how long your broadsword ( dao ) should be and what's the formal way to carry it. When you carry your broadsword, hold it between the fingers of your left hand. Fingers point forward, palm points up. If you now fully extend your elbow, the top of the sword should be at ear height. Straightswords are slightly longer than broadswords.

Performed by Yang Jia Le from the Song Jiang Wushu School.
Coach: Wang Guang Ming ( wushu head coach )

This video shows how to do a broadsword stab ( ci dao ). Start with the handle at the hip and keep the sword quite horizontal from the beginnin. Look straight forward and stand straight. Then extend the right arm in front of you and move the tip of the sword in a straight line. Also extend your shoulders and fully straighten the right arm ( careful with the elbow at the beginning ). The left hand can either move to the right shoulder or be extended backwards. The right shoulder, the elbow and the hand should be in a horizontal line. The tip of the broadsword can be slightly below this line. A common mistake is raising the top of the sword. Keep looking straight frward.

Performed by Yang Jia Le from the Song Jiang Wushu School.
Coach: Wang Guang Ming ( wushu head coach )