Dragon Pole

[Eric]

Konichiwa!

I was wondering why in the YM systems we see the usage of the long pole, which I have often seen refered to as 'the dragon pole' as oppossed to the more common 6ft staff. Does this perhaps also have something to do with it's monkier of 'the dragon pole?'

Also, what is the proper length of the long pole? I have seen from 8ft-12ft, does it change depending on who's weilding it, much like the length of the butterfly swords?


And very lastly, does anyone know where I could buy one? I've seen them for sale online, but they're usually only 8ft long, and remarkably expensive :(

[Azwingchun]

This is an interesting question as a few friends and I have been discussing the pole and some differences withing each school. Sifu John Sterling (pvwingchun) at one time found a site (which he can't find now...LOL) that mentioned the 6 1/2 points was a measurement of 9 feet. If this is true, this may answer the question to what the traditional length is.

Though, in my training, I have seen schools that used 8 1/2 ft, 9 ft, and as you mentioned 12 ft. I can't imagine using a 12 ft. look dim boon kwan.......9 ft can be a heavy enough, depending on what kind of wood is used. ;)

There are several places on the web to purchase them, and the average price is approx. $100, though I have seen them as high as $175-200.00. The thing you should be most concerned about is the quality, as to the prices. What kind of wood are you looking for? What length? Solid wood or other?

[pvwingchun]

I am still looking for that site. Looked today for about an hour.

[Azwingchun]

I have faith in you my friend! :D

[Cang Long]

what do we get if we find it first?

[Cang Long]

we as in we the borg collective. :cool:

[Azwingchun]

That overwhelming warm feeling of accomplishment.....LOL!!!!!

[pvwingchun]

A heart felt thanks from someone who is beginning to think it was all a dream.

[passing_through]

Hola vkays1,

Does this perhaps also have something to do with it's monkier of 'the dragon pole?'

There are two basic categories of staff application:
Daan Tau - Single Head
Seung Tau - Double Head

According to VTM research, the Wing Chun pole traces back to Spear training, sharing many concepts and applications. As such, the movements of the Wing Chun pole are based on Single Head tactics. I've most often heard of the Wing Chun pole being called a Daan Tau Lung Gwan, or Single Head Dragon Pole (Tau is the same Tau as in Siu Nim Tau (http://home.vtmuseum.org/terminology/glossary.php?dfn=c&Ssearchfield=Common+Spellings&SsearchFor=siu+and+nim+and+tau&Ssortfield=English+Translations&Sway=ASC&Slimit=20) and Daan is the same Daan as in Daan Chi Sau (http://home.vtmuseum.org/terminology/glossary.php?dfn=c&Ssearchfield=English+Translations&SsearchFor=single+and+sticking+and+hand&Ssortfield=English+Translations&Sway=ASC&Slimit=20)).

Also, what is the proper length of the long pole?
does it change depending on who's weilding it, much like the length of the butterfly swords?

The lenght does, indeed, vary based on the person using the pole. First, you have to measure off the proper distance for the grip. In the Ip Man lineage, you hold the butt end of the pole in your left hand and place it in your right armpit. You then extend your right arm along the pole and grasp it with your right hand. This sets of the proper grip. From there, you lower it to the Gwan Jong position (gwan jong = pole fighting posture).

In the Ip Man lineage you stand in a back stance with the weight on the left leg and the right leg forward. The pole is held with the left hand low, near the left hip, with the arm almost completely extended down (elbow just about locked but not). Your right arm is somewhat bend with the hand above the right hip. From this position, the tip of the pole should be at eye level. Generally, this is about 9' away but will vary based on your limb/trunk relationships. Dig?

does anyone know where I could buy one?
Yes - http://shop.vtmuseum.org

We have the Long Pole on the VTM website for $79. The poles we offer are rather solid. After a few days of foundational training, however, they end up feeling rather light.

Sincerely,
Jeremy R.

[Cang Long]

That is very interesting and informative thanks Sisuk Jeremy.
Do you have any more info on Seung Tau - Double Head?

[passing_through]

Most Wushu forms tend to focus on the use of the double-head staff and wide, swinging motions dissimilar to the spear/single-head pole... and most American Karete Bo forms are exclusively of the double-head stafff variety.

Master Meng teaches a basic Shaolin two-person staff set for the children's classes that is in the double-head tradition.

[Eric]

Sisuk Jeremy,

Thanks for the info and link to where I can buy a pole!

However, do you, or anyone else know why it's a 'dragon' pole? What significance does the title of 'dragon' have?