A Fight is a Fight is a Fight. Or is it?

[Blankshield]

If it is photoshopped or otherwise faked, it's a good one.  It's inserted into an archives site of Martial Arts magazines, and the credited author was a fairly legit-seeming Sifu from California who's published more than one book on martial arts.  

The oriental martial arts, esp. the chinese varients are known for producing some pretty esoteric weapons, not all of which are necessarily stunningly practical.  So I suspect it's legitimate for what it's worth.  Now, as to how effective it would be, I'm reserving judgement.  I suspect the best check would be to watch the guy winging it around a few times in a fast practice form.  If he hasn't killed himself, he's probably dangerous with it.  That's usually a good metric for the oddball chinese weapons.

James

[Tash]

On the note of being torlerant (misspled it the first time, might as well stick to it...), I also like this article a lot. :)

Is it just me or does that "spear" look Photoshop'ed?

No, I'm pretty sure I saw a weapon like this once...on Star Trek...in a Klingon gladitorial arena....being used to fight mutant space boars!

[Tash]

If it is photoshopped or otherwise faked, it's a good one.  It's inserted into an archives site of Martial Arts magazines, and the credited author was a fairly legit-seeming Sifu from California who's published more than one book on martial arts.  

The oriental martial arts, esp. the chinese varients are known for producing some pretty esoteric weapons, not all of which are necessarily stunningly practical.  So I suspect it's legitimate for what it's worth.  Now, as to how effective it would be, I'm reserving judgement.  I suspect the best check would be to watch the guy winging it around a few times in a fast practice form.  If he hasn't killed himself, he's probably dangerous with it.  That's usually a good metric for the oddball chinese weapons.

James

Your certainly right with the assertion that China's martial traditions have created more than a few strange weapons.  I'm still pretty skeptical about some of the quoted "facts" regarding this weapon though.  Especially the 20 pound weight and the references to a "secret" fighting style.

EDIT:  The fruits of a quick Google search:  another site that says a few more thigns about the weapon, seemingly indicating that it is actually a symbolic/cerimonial weapon used only by the Grand Masters of a psecific system.  

http://www.plumblossom.net/ChoyLiFut/9dragon.html