Burmese Dha/ Thai Daab...why Guardless????

Mark · 18th September 2009, 03:33 PM

A very interesting question. One thought I had was that it could be an historical accident, a consequence of the evolution of the dha from a mixed utility tool to a pure weapon. As some have pointed out, a guard might get in the way on a blade that is primarily a tool (like a machete). The dha is not alone in being a sword evolved from a mixed-use tool, and lacking a guard (some parangs come to mind).

No one has mentioned the other protective function of a guard - to keep your hand from slipping down the blade in a thrust. In that context, the lack of a guard is not so surprising because a dha is/was used almost exclusively as a slashing weapon, like a shashka (which also lacks a real guard).

PUFF · 15th February 2010, 12:54 PM

I do agree with Mark in many points.
The sword and fighting style might be co-evolved from machete origin. And, somehow, using of guard was discarded.
You may notice from many fighting demonstrations that Thai daabs are mainly for slashing. And they use more parrying techniques than just blocking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkpz5jPLfe0

Nathaniel · 24th February 2010, 02:09 AM

In the one BBC documentary, Mind, Body, Kickass moves, they have an episode on Krabi Krabong. In the part on Krabi (sword) part they talk about the thai style using the sharp edge of the blade to attack and block...see the video below at 2.19min

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSpfAg0vajY

Andrew · 24th February 2010, 05:50 AM

Great thread.

There can be no doubt that the swords (and therefore, the arts that used them) of mainland SEA were used primarily to chop and, especially, slash. They are those types of swords.

Additionally, I have handled perhaps 50 examples that clearly demonstrate edge-on-edge parry/bock damage. Many have been repeatedly repaired.

18th September 2009, 03:33 PM	#1
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 987	A very interesting question. One thought I had was that it could be an historical accident, a consequence of the evolution of the dha from a mixed utility tool to a pure weapon. As some have pointed out, a guard might get in the way on a blade that is primarily a tool (like a machete). The dha is not alone in being a sword evolved from a mixed-use tool, and lacking a guard (some parangs come to mind). No one has mentioned the other protective function of a guard - to keep your hand from slipping down the blade in a thrust. In that context, the lack of a guard is not so surprising because a dha is/was used almost exclusively as a slashing weapon, like a shashka (which also lacks a real guard).

15th February 2010, 12:54 PM	#2
PUFF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 30 miles north of Bangkok, 20 miles south of Ayuthaya, Thailand Posts: 224	I do agree with Mark in many points. The sword and fighting style might be co-evolved from machete origin. And, somehow, using of guard was discarded. You may notice from many fighting demonstrations that Thai daabs are mainly for slashing. And they use more parrying techniques than just blocking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkpz5jPLfe0

24th February 2010, 02:09 AM	#3
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	In the one BBC documentary, Mind, Body, Kickass moves, they have an episode on Krabi Krabong. In the part on Krabi (sword) part they talk about the thai style using the sharp edge of the blade to attack and block...see the video below at 2.19min http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSpfAg0vajY

24th February 2010, 05:50 AM	#4
Andrew Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,725	Great thread. There can be no doubt that the swords (and therefore, the arts that used them) of mainland SEA were used primarily to chop and, especially, slash. They are those types of swords. Additionally, I have handled perhaps 50 examples that clearly demonstrate edge-on-edge parry/bock damage. Many have been repeatedly repaired.