Swords (Jian)

Swords (Jian): Straight sword is known as the gentleman of weapons due to its refinement and sophistication. Preferred by the scholar class, it is one of the most common ancient weapons still in practice. Millions of taiji (tai chi) students study this weapon around the world. Generally, it has a straight, flattened-diamond shaped blade that is double edged. It is bilaterally symmetric with a rounded triangular guard and pommel and an intricate sword knot tassel. Straight swords come in varying lengths, but generally they should reach the user's eyebrow when held upright along the arm.