Or, misogynistic trophies for the diminutive mind.

"Tassles were and are an integral part of the jian; people who understand true usage of the taijiquan sword are able to hit their opponents with the tassles as well. "

This is one of the explanations I've heard as well. Corded weapons are an interesting digression. The other explanation I've heard is that they are/or were for balance - the counterweight does give a certain feel, even though one presumes the sword should already have a balanced feel.

"even though one presumes the sword should already have a balanced feel."
Yes, a sword should be well balanced. Their is nothing like a counter weight.

Walk around by corps and bleeding people in the battle field, dragging along the swordtassle. . . very smart indeed! If you want a flexible weapon, then, why choose a chain whip, rope dart, or a meteor hammer, when you can attach a fanzy tassle to your sword?

Sword Tassles-

Tassels are the perfect addition to your combat or practical straight sword. Tassels were traditionally used to distract an opponent, particularly when used to swat at the opponent's face, followed quickly by the blade. When used this way, the tassel becomes a rearward extension of the sword, straight opposite from the blade. The opponent sees the tassel and not the blade, which follows quickly afterward with a snap of the wrist. Certain sword forms indeed emphasize the tassel as the primary method of attack. Additionally, when practicing the tassel moves in a continuous, fluid motion, provided that the sword itself is moved correctly - continuously and fluidly. This provides not only a training aid for checking one’s movements, but is also a beautiful expression of one’s art.

Peace,
Lt. Mitchell-Reserve Corps

If it works on a sword, how about on your hands and feet? Dazzle him with the tassle(s), then slip in the old McCoy Mule Punch. Oh, wait, I know-- you come out with no visible sword, completely bamboozle him with tassles, then you open up one of those telescoping swords that you had concealed in your sleeve...

Jerry has been hitting the laughing gas again.

I must admit this tassle crap is far more hilarious with the NO2 valve wide open

Tanks Jer
(H tank for me) TCB

Tassels are not even a good training tool. If you're foolish enough to think you can fight with a tassel while using a sword. I strongly suggest you start a comic book series. This is the closest you'll get to any reality concerning the use of a tassel in sword fighting.

I don't know... I tried tying tassels to my wrists and ankles as Jerry suggested the other day.

It was so effective, no one would even fight me. I think they were afraid, but tried to hide it.

Koreans, who are of the Han people, simply love to put tassles on everything.

jason,i can understand why they were scared,if that was the only thing you wore!
my favorite line is "it must transfer to real swordplay".what is real swordplay?
sounds dangerous!
who fight with swords anyway?if you know poeple who do,you live in a bad neiborhood (or country)
while you distract me with your tassels,i'll
cut you head off with my sword(with no tassels on)
why don't you try to use one of those gymnastic
stick with a long ribbon on it and wear a tight
spandex outfit.that would distract me!
well,enough with my fantasy!
all jokes aside guys;
why train with weapon anyway?
just learn to shoot a gun!

i'm still a fan of chinese dao methods, tassel or no, as I feel that it translates well to any oblong object that you might swing at someone (pipe, stick, machete whatever). Not that I plan to, but if push ever came to shove.

good luck with that!

Your all full of it !!!
The tassles on the end of the jian evolved from what was originally a strap at the end of the jian which you could tie to the wrist, hence if the jian got knocked out of your hand it was still attached on the strap/tassle to your wrist.
A quick snap of the wrist and you could grab the jian and continue. If you hand was severly damaged, there are techniques where you can swing the jian attached to the wrist whipping it into opponent.

Nuff Said

Provide your evidence of this; or is this just conjecture on your part?

fatboy;
what do you know about sword fights?
books don't count,neither does lightsabers!!!

I am convinced this tassel idea is great.
I am going to send an extra large bright red one to my SSGT freind in Iraq. So he can tie it to the handle of hie 302 grenade launcher mounter atop his M-16, shoulder mounted, gas fed, cartridge loaded, semi automatic, 7.2 pound battle field weapon.
I know now that he needs a tassle to protect him.
It is just like the goverment to send our soldiers into battle without the proper equipment.
Man...! I am even going to send a huge one so he can tie it to the bumper of his Hum-V, that is sure to daze and confuse those Arabs with a flare of Chinese shock and awe.

2 Brain Cells Daost wrote
"fatboy;
what do you know about sword fights?
books don't count,neither does lightsabers!!!"

I've watched a lot of Hong Kong classical Kung Fu movies, maybe a bit like you watching cage rage, and UFC videos, but unlike you I don't have one finger on the remote rewind/replay button with the other hand down my pants!

Nuff Said

if my finger is on rewind and my hand in my pants
then i'm not watching UFC,but a video of you on the internet!?
i love fat boys!!!!!

2BC Daoust the Fly Boy buzzed a rebuttal
zzzz....zzz......zzzzzzzz

Fly Boy dontcha mean you love boy with big fat tyre necks of your UFC heroes?

Now go join all your over friends on the latest steamy dog turd dumped oustide your local 7/11 Shop Market.. zzzz..zzz

Bawahhahahahaha !!!!

Nuff Said

do you know that what you say don't get to me,
unless i get it?