Master Yanqing Ding demonstrating 26 Movement Pudao

All Chinese polearms fall under the category of Dadao, which literally means “big knife (大刀).” While the character dao is conventionally translated as “knife,” it may refer to any large blade that is curved. The character pu (朴) in Pudao can mean “simple” or “unadorned,” or even “sincere.” Today, Pudao refers to the generic polearm, which is a two-handed weapon consisting of a broad steel blade mounted on a wood or metal shaft.

Master Yanqing Ding has trained martial arts since childhood. He is a layman disciple of Shaolin Temple and has demonstrated for China’s President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin. He is the head master of International Chi Institute in Alameda, California.