Meteor hammer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The meteor hammer, often referred to simply as 'meteor', is an ancient Chinese weapon, consisting at its most basic level of two weights connected by a rope or chain. One of the flexible or 'soft' weapons, it is referred to by many different names worldwide, dependent upon region, construction and intended use. Other names in use include sheng bao, liu xing chui, dai chui, flying hammer or dragon's fist. It belongs to the broad class of chain weapons.
Contents |
[edit] Background
The origins of the meteor are largely speculative, though it can be postulated that it predates metal weapons. The weapon and its ancestors are well over eight thousand years old and date to the stone age. It is thought that the weapon was first used by hunters who tethered two round stones together with vine rope and used them to snare animals in the manner of the bolas or surujin.
The principle behind the meteor is simple. A long chain or cord (ranging from 1.5 to 5 metres in length) connects two weighted heads (made of anything from iron to monkey fist rope knots). The chain is then spun to generate much centripetal force, which keeps the two weights separate, allows the user to adjust grip and vary the speed of the individual weights, and direct the weapon as a whole. This enables the weapon to be manipulated with one hand, two hands, or even no hands at all - relying solely on the weapon's momentum in conjunction with the wielder's body movements. It is one of chinese martial arts' most difficult-to-master weapons.
Because there are a large number of flexible or chain based weapons, the meteor is often confused for a number of them, such as the flail. The meteor is notably different from the flail, however, inasmuch as it lacks a handle and is more versatile. The meteor is closely related to the Rope Dart and Chain whip.
[edit] The meteor hammer
When intended as a weapon, meteor is referred to specifically as Meteor Hammer. The meteor hammer could be easily concealed as a defensive or surprise weapon, being of a flexible construction. The primary advantage for using a meteor hammer was (in a similar way to the nunchaku) its sheer speed. It acquired its name because it was said to strike "as fast as a meteor".
Using a meteor hammer involves swinging it around the body to build up considerable speed, before releasing the meteor to strike at any angle. Being as the meteor has two heads, one could be used offensively, while the other could be used to defend, parrying attacks or ensnaring an opponent's weapon to disarm them. When used by a skilled fighter, its speed, accuracy and unpredictability make it a difficult weapon to defend against. While being swung, a meteor may be wrapped around its users arms, legs, torso, neck or waist, before being unwrapped by a powerful jerk of the body to deliver a devastating and lightning fast punch. A master is fully capable of striking, ensnaring or strangling from a distance.
[edit] Some meteor techniques
All chain-based weapons tend to be handled in a similar fashion, however the meteor hammer is unique in a couple of respects. Firstly, it has no handle and secondly it is weighted at both ends, allowing much more effective control over its movement. Even at a most basic level, a meteor hammer may be seen as unpredictable and confusing to try and follow, making it very effective in combat.
- Throw
A meteor may be thrown, while holding one of the heads to enable its retrieval. This is a highly unpredictable form of attack, often used effectively to catch an opponent off guard. A throw can be initiated quickly and efficiently by a skilled fighter, with a simple pull in the correct direction.
- Grab
A correctly placed throw can cause the meteor to wrap itself around an object and grab it. If done correctly, the meteor will wrap over itself and ensnare a weapon, an object or even an opponent's limb. Alternatively, if the meteor does not wrap over itself, it can be used to spin an object, providing a helpful way of swiftly disorienting an opponent.
- Whip
In a manner reminiscent of Indiana Jones, a simple linear strike can be effected, as from a whip.
- Slam
Sometimes referred to as "storm from above", this powerful attack involves a wide overhead arc, resulting in a vertical strike. Difficult to counter, but relatively easy to simply dodge, this attack can be repeated a number of times similarly to a techniques used with a bo.
- Swing
The swing is a simple side attack, capable of tripping an opponent. A basic move to learn, but a difficult one to master, being as a horizontal swing can very easily backfire and injure the one wielding the meteor.
Further moves include blocks, short strikes, figure eight motions, locks and holds. It is also possible to use many of the same techniques common to the nunchaku, by bouncing the chain off the body or even other objects for even more unpredictability.
[edit] Fire meteor and other variations
Beginners tend to start by using simple monkey fist meteors. These are simply a length of rope, terminating in a large monkey fist knot (sometimes containing a weight) at either end. Only once skilled, does a practitioner stand a chance at wielding a fire meteor.
In shaolin schools, a useful training aid, once a student had gained a certain level of skill with the water meteor. These water meteors consisted of a length of chain with two inward facing bowls for heads. These bowls were then filled with water (or occasionally, sand), in order to train a smooth technique and gain control over the weapon. When spinning fast enough, centripetal force would hold the water in the bowls, with the intention being not to spill any. In China where this technique was originally developed, once a student had practiced for several years and gained mastery of the meteor, then they could progress to fire meteors.
The traditional fire meteors were essentially the same as the water meteors, except that instead of containing water, the bowls were instead filled with fuel. This fuel was then lit, and the meteor spun exactly as before, looking like a pair of real harnessed meteors.
[edit] Contemporary Meteor
Most recently in its history, the meteor has been adopted by the juggling community for its graceful aesthetics and the challenge of being able to manipulate one effectively. In such circles, it is frequently becoming referred to as "meteor poi", due to its similarity to poi, originally a Māori training aid. While it is often considered cumbersome and unwieldy as a weapon, the meteor has been developed with some success into a performance art prop. As such, the notoriously difficult meteor has gained a respectable status as a prop in the firedancing community.
Many poi and staff spinners find the concept of the meteor interesting because of its similarities to the toys they already spin, and because manipulating a meteor seems to be partway between a staff and a pair of poi.
The modern equivalent to the fire meteor also exists (in a much safer form) and both fire and non-fire meteors are available to buy from juggling retailers both online and offline. Contemporary fire meteors have done away with the bowls of flaming oil due to the sheer hazardous nature of them, replacing them instead with wicking (often made of kevlar). These wicks are then soaked in fuel before being set alight for fire performances.
[edit] See also
- Rope Dart
- Chain whip
- Nunchaku
- Manriki
- Manriki-gusari
- Millwall brick
- Surujin
- Kusari-fundo
- List of martial arts weapons
- List of mêlée weapons
- Fire dancing
- Poi (juggling)
