When speaking about scimitars, broadswords should first be mentioned in general. According to martial arts master Le Van Tuyen, who founded Bach Ho Martial Arts School in Hue, there are many kinds of broadswords and their names are different, depending on each martial arts school. However, these weapons basically include a single broadsword, dual- broadsword, super broadsword and scimitar. Single and dual broadswords are short and super broadswords and scimitars are long.
Tuyen said that many people often confuse scimitars with super broadswords. In reality, they are two weapons of different structures and usage. A super broadsword is a long-handed one that was used by military leaders who rode horses to lead the military. Scimitars with a shorter handle and larger blade are longer and heavier than super broadswords. Scimitars are useful for an overwhelming attack. In the past, it was used to attack a crowd or enemy who wore thick amour or cut the legs of the rivals’ horses. For this reason, it is also called “Tram ma dao”, meaning the broadsword to cripple horses.
 

A scimitar is used with basic attacking styles like cutting, striking blows, stabbing, pushing and brushing away. Because it is very heavy, it is very powerful. To use it flexibly, the users must practice hard and know how to focus their power on their hands.
Visiting Bach Ho Martial Arts School and seeing Le Anh Thao, head of this martial arts school and son of martial arts master Le Van Tuyen, performing with a scimitar, I was surprised and interested in this weapon. With a firm position, flexible movements and versatile techniques, martial arts master Le Anh Thao presented a famous scimitar performance of his martial arts school. Each movement and attack clearly showed the power of this special weapon as well as the mien and talent of the user.
The more we learn about the traditional Vietnamese martial arts, the more interesting and mysterious things will be discovered because each martial art school has its own outstanding martial forte.