Fang Tian Hua Ji (方天畫戟)

Fang Tian Hua Ji (方天畫戟, lit. 'Square sky decorated halberd')

Drawing of a Fang Tian Ji (highlighted), from 'Si Zhen San Guan Zhi (《四鎮三關志》)'.

Fang Tian Hua Ji, often shortened to Fang Tian Ji (方天戟, lit. 'Square sky halberd') or Hua Ji (畫戟, lit. 'Decorated halberd'), is the quintessential Chinese halberd. It is often associated with Lu Bu (呂布) of Romance of the Three Kingdoms fame, although the historical Lu Bu did not use this weapon. The character Hua (畫, drawing) in its name refers to its shaft, which is often richly decorated with drawings. In fact, many Fang Tian Hua Ji are ceremonial weapons, although this does not preclude the use of Fang Tian Hua Ji as practical battlefield weapon.

Fang Tian Hua Ji is a versatile weapon that combines a spearhead with a crescent-shaped blade. The crescent blade is an effective chopping implement, and can be used to hook, parry or bind opponent's weapon.

In modern martial arts communities, halberd with a single crescent blade is known as Qing Long Ji (青龍戟, lit. 'Green dragon halberd'), although this classification is a relatively modern development that does not conform to Ming period definition.


Shuang Ji (雙戟, lit. 'Double halberd')

Drawing of a Shuang Ji, from 'Si Zhen San Guan Zhi (《四鎮三關志》)'.

A Shuang Ji is a Chinese halberd with two crescent blades instead of one. It is now known as Fang Tian Ji among modern martial arts communities, to the confusion of many.


Pan She Ji (蟠蛇戟, lit. 'Coiling snake halberd')

Drawing of a Pan She Ji, from 'Si Zhen San Guan Zhi (《四鎮三關志》)'.

Pan She Ji is a Chinese halberd with an additional snake-like spike mounted on its spearhead. It is likely a ceremonial weapon.