The first is the Iron Whip or Tiě Biān (鐵鞭), which is actually not a flexible weapon. It is an ancient weapon, possibly originating in the Warring States Period, but is established as a weapon by the Han Dynasty, and popularized in the later Jin Dynasty. The Iron Whip is almost completely rigid, and made from iron or steel. The ridges are made to look like the sections of bamboo. It is very closely related to the Mace, or Jiān (鐧). It is so closely related in fact, that it is sometimes referred to as the Whip-Mace (鞭鐧).
The second is similar to the iron whip, but is a bit more organic, and a little less deadly. It is the whip-stick, or whip-cane Biān Gān (鞭杆). Originally it was used as a weapon of punishment in the criminal justice system of old China. Today it is used by the Northern styles of Taichi and Xingyiquan.
The third is the Chain Whip or Liàn Biān (鏈鞭) which is as it's name implies: a whip made from sections of iron links forming a chain. The most common form this weapon takes is the "9-Section Whip" or Jiǔ Jié Biān (九節鞭). This is the weapon that is most often seen in martial arts today.
The last is a bit more familiar to the western world, the leather whip (皮鞭), also called the "Shepherd's Whip" (牧羊鞭). This weapon is used by the monks of the Shaolin Temple.
Every item of gear used in martial arts, including training weapons ,wushu chain whip and uniforms, has a specific function. These necessities guarantee safety, support skill development, and enhance the training process.
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