The Double Axes, the wood cutter or wood choppers tool.

As with many weapons, it started out as

a tool. But, in times of upheaval, this tool was called into duty as a weapon of life or death, of
survival, a weapon of necessity. This wood cutter was more than a mere chopper of wood! This
wood cutter was, and is, a force to be reckoned with.
We see many variations on the axe and in many cultures. Ranging from smaller hatchets and
tomahawk configurations to long handled axes much like one you'd use to split wood, and a long
handled pike configuration with an axe on it. Hatchets, tomahawks and the axe, a somewhat larger
variation, could be used single or in pairs. And these are no minor or simple differences. There are
many things that can be done and accomplished with 2 axes in hand as opposed to 1 axe. And
there are as many different things that can be accomplished with one axe and one free, live hand
that cannot be done with 2 axes. So, while one might consider the forms to be close in
performance and technique, they are actually quite different and each worthy of careful study. The
difference in configuration between hatchet, tomahawk and axe also lend themselves to variations
that make learning the difference in technique and concept worthy of study as well. Below are
some variations from a single and double bit hatchet and a tomahawk.
There are many features shared among these configurations making techniques transferable and,
at the same time, giving each of those variations their own unique qualities and strengths. But we
will look at the standard, most widely seen and used configuration for this article. Below are 2
images that are
closest to the conIiguration we typically see as the Battle Axe and is the conIiguration we will be Iocusing on.
Again, however, these techniques can be transIerred to any axe conIiguration with insight and understanding.
Axe Design and Function
t is the purpose of this article to acquaint the reader with the reason for the design and
configuration of the axe which leads to an understanding and appreciation for how the axe(s) can
be used. While we might look at a battle axe and appreciate the design as something of a work of
art, there is a great deal of function built into each and every part of the axe. Understanding why
a weapon is made as it is, is an important step in actually learning how to use it to its fullest
advantage.
The illustration above shows the components oI the axe which we will examine. Let's look at one oI the Ieatures
oI the battle axe. This Ieature is labeled "C" and is called the "Weapons Catcher". Note that ahead oI the "C" is
"D". "D" is considered the "Throat" oI the weapons catcher. II this throat, or opening, is too small you will not
be able to utilize the weapons catcher. Ideally, the throat oI the weapons catcher should be 1.5 to 2 inches to
Iunction best. II I block and pull I can trap the oIIending weapon in the circular opening, and I can twist and
lock the opponents weapon in this weapons catcher. As you can see, above the "C" weapons catcher is an
inversely positioned weapons catcher labeled "C". It is possible to manipulate a weapon Irom one to another
opening in a variety oI ways to trap and strip the weapon Irom the opponent. Besides the ability to catch
weapons in this area, it is also very eIIective when chopping and swiping to pull and hook/snag/tear the
opponents body into the pointed tips oI the weapons catcher which we see labeled as "E". Note in the axe design
that you have 2 main blades opposite oI one another, your primary blade and a secondary blade. I have labeled
each oI these blades "F" Ior reIerence. Sometimes these blades are equal in size, sometimes one is smaller.
Regardless oI this
design element, the axe will be used the same with little iI any variation. The purpose here is what is known as
the backswing. For example, iI you swing with intent to chop with the primary blade and the opponent leans
away, you can reverse your swing and chop the opponent with the returning back swing. Anytime you swing
your weapon and the opponent blocks it, say with a stick, that is an opportunity to jerk downward and, again,
lodge your opponents blocking tool/weapon inside oI the weapons catchers (areas marked "C"). Lets also take a
look at the top oI the axe. Many times the top is Iitted with a dagger like blade or point oI some sort. Naturally,
this is used Ior stabbing. This is labeled "A". Another possibility though is Ior upward blocks. Directing the top
oI the axe up to intercept a downward strike can also allow us to, once again, trap the opponents weapon in the
upper weapons catcher. Lastly we will look to the "butt" oI the weapon, the lower portion oI the axe handle
which is labeled "B". Many Ieatures are seen here Irom a plain, blunt, wooden butt, a metal butt cap or a small
point or dagger like blade. Naturally, the wooden butt, or metal butt cap, provides a good surIace to hammer
with. II there is a point or blade, then we have a stabbing tool as well. As you see, there are a many Ieatures to
this weapon that can be exploited to great advantage.
It is now good to consider our grip on the axe. One Iactor oI grip is where exactly on the handle the hand should
be holding the axe. This is important as you do not want to be too close to the blade or too close to the butt.
Holding the shaIt oI the axe close to the butt can make the weapon unwieldy. While you can generate a powerIul
swing holding on close to the butt oI the handle, as in driving nails with a hammer, we are not driving nails, and
you can easily loose control oI your weapon. A swing holding the axe in this position can put you in an
overextended position leaving you in a compromised position and slow to return on the backswing. II holding
the axe too close to the blade, the problem is that this part oI the axe can be used to block and drag weapons into
the weapons catchers as discussed earlier. Having the hands close to this area puts them at risk Ior impact.
Having the hands in between these 2 zones is ideal. Let's look, again, at our illustration above. You will see that
the axe handle is labeled with the letter "H". The letter "H" is almost where you want your grip to be, just
positioned on the bottom end oI the letter "H" is the perIect position. This allows Ior solid but controlled
swings, both Iorward and backward, returning to an guard position, and the ability to use the weapons catchers
and other elements oI the axe to Iull advantage.
II we now consider using double axes, the manner in which the 2 can be used in concert truly increases the
utility oI the weapon. Enough so that it goes beyond the ability oI this article to adequately describe or illustrate.
There are, however, techniques which are extremely useIul and puts the wielder oI this weapon in the driver's
seat oI the encounter.
hope that this article has instructed and opened the eyes of the reader and turned on many light
bulbs over their heads on how this weapon can be used. Naturally, it is difficult to show all that this
powerful weapon can do in a short article. We do hope that those who can will take advantage of
our upcoming seminars on Double Battle Axes which will be coming up in California in the months
ahead. Contact us to get on our mailing list and to find out more about the Double Battle Axe
seminars and the various ways which you can benefit from this seminar and information. This is
useful information regardless of your style, is a great workout and is one of the infrequently/rarely
taught weapons of the Chinese system of martial arts. Don't miss out, make sure you know this
information as well so you can cut, or chop your way to victory!
Even the highest tree has an axe waiting at its foot. Ancient Proverb
The Double Battle Axes are unusual and rarely taught Iorm
An excellent workout and excellent weapon
This seminar will be approximately 5 or 6 hours in length
During which time we will be covering:
The various components oI the axe
Grip oI weapon
Hand transitions
Preliminary exercises
The Iull Iorm, and breaking it down in to learning
segments
Applications Ior each movement
For our students this is a great opportunity to acquire a new Iorm and the knowledge that comes
with it.
II you are in a Iorms based system and do not have a double axe Iorm this is an opportunity to
add this set to your knowledge base.
II you are not interested in Iorms, simply Iocus on learning the applications and the techniques.
You need not be in a system based on Iorms.
You can bring your own ax (it must be saIe, contact us Ior details) or you can purchase an ax
Irom us, contact us Ior details.
Reservations are held Ior students oI our school and our sister schools. ThereIore, try to make
sure you reserve your spot as soon as possible.
For more InIormation:
Contact inIormation SiIu Richard Mieir-King
mieirkinggmail.com
(562) 425-3168