Bart Jarm Dao (八斬刀) — translated as “Eight Cutting Knives”, “Eight Slash Knives”, or “Eight Slashing Techniques” — is the final and most advanced form in the traditional Wing Tsun system. As a weapon, the knives are incredibly potent and vicious and as a training tool, they take years to master.
Like the pole (Luk Dim Boon Kwun) the knives will help in training the wrist and grip. The Bart Jarm Dao form also introduce some very advanced footwork to the Wing Tsun technician. Many of the aspects and theories of the Bart Jarm Dao form can be adapted for unarmed use s well.
The Bart Jarm Dao is designed for close-quarters combat, not long-range dueling. The blades mirror and extend the hands, emphasizing speed, coordination, and control. The Bart Jarm Dao is fluid, compact, and explosive, combining footwork, weapon handling, and body mechanics. It reinforces all core Wing Chun principles through the blades and trains the practitioner to move as one unit, integrating hands, feet, and weapon.
At an advanced level practitioners will practice using the pole against the knives, and vice versa. Such training represents some of the highest levels of martial arts practice due to the extreme accuracy and control required of these difficult-to-master weapons.
