The twin hooks are the most popular, belonging to the multi-blade weapons category, and primarily found in the northern styles of Chinese Kung Fu. This is a short hook with a single crook, used in pairs. The top is the hook, the middle shaft is a double-edged blade and the bottom is a dagger-like point. A crescent moon-shaped guard protects the hand. Every edge except for the inside of this hand guard is sharp. The hook can chop and thrust like a broadsword or hook like a fighting cane. The straight blade shaft can slice and parry like a straight sword. The crescent moon guard can punch and slash like wind-fire wheels. And the bottom dagger-like point can be used like daggers. Additionally, both hooks can be hooked together to form a long range swinging weapon.

The basic tactic of twin hooks is to hook the adversary's weapon and pull it down, creating an opportunity for either hook to penetrate. The hooks were also used to attack the legs of the enemies horses, thus throwing the enemy to the ground, where they became quite helpless. Although they possess qualities of many weapons, twin hooks are most likely to use the gracefulness of twin straight sword. However a twin hook experienced artist can show the elements of each of these weapons within every single action. There is a Chinese Kung Fu saying that states that the hook moves like a wave.

The practical self-defense application of ancient weapons such as twin hook swords are obsolete, since it is a rare confrontation when such weapons are at your disposal. However, twin hooks have endured because of their value within the Kung Fu discipline. No other culture ever devised such a wicked weapon. Such weapons are the shining jewels of Kung Fu.

Written By Sifu Rino Côté