The fan was no exception, having been used in China by both men and women for hundreds of years. They were considered elegant and, of course, were useful as a cooling device as well as a martial weapon. Women also found it an ideal weapon, since it was so light, small and greatly increased their striking potential.

The fan as been referred to as the "perfect hidden weapon," for even in plain sight an attacker never sees it. It is this oversight which makes it so dangerously effective because its looks are deceiving. In a split second a seemingly defenseless fan practitioner can completely incapacitate an attacker. Even in multiple-attack situations, where the odds are very much against you, the fan is a tremendous equalizer, largely because of its striking power.

Today's iron fans are made of thin strips of metal called the ribs, that are bound by a web of fabric such as silk or nylon that is referred to as the wing. At one end, the metal strips come together in a point and are secured by a rivet. The two farthest outside strips ( the spines ) are thicker and stronger than the interior strips for bracing and strength. These two spines were sometimes also sharpened at their upper edges, making the fan a lethal cutting weapon as well.

When the fan is folded, the metal strips come together and form, in essence, a short metal club. With the fan open, the wing spreads out in a half-moon configuration with the ribs evenly spaced out and the tips of the ribs and spines slightly protruding. Owners of an iron fan many times had beautiful drawings, calligraphy, or the family's personal crest painted on the web.

With the fan in the open position, the tips of the ribs and especially the two spines are used mainly to thrust into "soft" areas of the body, (eyes, throat, groin). Accupressure points are also targets that can result in intense pain or temporary paralysis of a limb. Also in the open position, the webbing of the fan can be used to conceal techniques or movements or to distract attention. With the open fan passing in front of an aggressor's face, it is hard for him to see a punch coming from the free hand or a kick coming from below.

In the closed position the fan is at its most formidable, largely because of its increased impact potential there the fan is usually used to strike or thrust at "hard" bonny areas of an opponent's body, such as the skull, jaw clavicle, elbows and wrists. In many cases all you need is the block, blocking a punch at the elbow or blocking a kick at the knee with the closed fan can easily shatter bones.

The Chinese iron fan is a beautiful tool that has been used for centuries to keep one shaded and cool. But as you can see, it is also a formidable short-range weapon that would be a shocking surprise to any would-be attacker. The Chinese iron fan will make an excellent addition to any martial artist's study of China's classical weaponry.

Written By Sifu Rino Côté