Crossbow

The crossbow is another ancient weapon of Chinese martial arts.

The Chinese crossbow predates the western medieval crossbow by over 1000 years. Some say the gap is even longer (1100 B.C.E.). Most historians agree however, that it appeared around 400 B.C.E in China.

The crossbow began with a purely wooden construction, but later, Chinese craftsmen made the trigger mechanism out of bronze. This and other techniques allowed the crossbow to increase in draw strength and therefore lengthened its range and penetrating power.

bronze crossbow firing mechanism

One of the most astonishing Chinese variations on the crossbow was the Zhu Ge Nu (諸葛弩) or Repeating Crossbow, which allowed for even faster reloading and firing of this deadly weapon.

The crossbow remained an effective weapon in China's military for more more than 2000 years.

Zhu Ge Nu (諸葛弩)