Gun (staff)

A gun (pronunciation [kwə̂n], English approximation: /ɡuən/ gwən, Chinese: 棍; pinyin: gùn; Jyutping: gwan3; lit.

It is known as one of the four major weapons in Chinese martial arts, along with the qiang (spear), dao (sabre), and the jian (straight sword).

In Vietnam (as a result of Chinese influence), the gun is known as côn in Vietnamese martial arts.

Gunshu refers to the competitive event in modern wushu taolu where athletes utilize a gun in a routine.

Some versions may also feature metal or rubber parts, and the current modern staffs for competition are usually made of light carbon fiber.

Gunshu event at the 2005 National Games of China
A flail -like iron staff (left) in military compendium Wujing Zongyao
Schematic representation of the three main Chinese martial arts staffs