Have you ever been intrigued by those mysterious hidden weapons in martial arts stories or movies? One of the coolest and most fascinating is the sleeve arrow(Xiu Jian). Small, sneaky, and deadly, this ingenious weapon was designed to be hidden up a sleeve and used to launch a surprise attack when the moment was right.
Just like the name suggests, a sleeve arrow is a compact weapon hidden in a sleeve. It’s made up of a short tube that holds several small arrows. The mechanism is simple yet clever—with just a flick, the arrow shoots out, covering a range of several meters. Typically, the sleeve arrow was strapped to the inside of the forearm, and the user would trigger it by flicking butterfly-shaped levers. Most setups came with a quiver that held up to a dozen arrows, making it a handy tool for multiple strikes.
The sleeve arrow has its roots in the Song Dynasty (960–1279). According to legend, it was invented by a Taoist priest who passed the design down to his followers. Thanks to its discreet nature and deadly precision, the weapon quickly gained popularity in the martial arts world. Whether for self-defense or covert missions, it became a trusted companion for those who needed a little extra edge.
Over the years, various styles of sleeve arrows were developed to suit different needs. Here are a few examples:
Single-barrel sleeve arrows: Perfect for quick, straightforward attacks.
Double-barrel sleeve arrows: Designed to fire two arrows in rapid succession for a one-two punch.
Multi-barrel sleeve arrows: Capable of launching several arrows at once, these were used to create chaos in close-range situations.
Each type offered its own balance of range, power, and practicality, giving users options depending on the situation.
Back in the day, sleeve arrows were primarily tools for self-defense and surprise attacks. Their hidden nature made them ideal for ambushes, letting the user catch their opponent off guard. Spies, martial artists, and even warriors relied on this small but mighty weapon to turn the tide in a fight. The simplicity and portability of the sleeve arrow made it an essential tool in their arsenal.
Nowadays, sleeve arrows aren’t used for combat but have become sought-after collectibles and historical artifacts. Martial arts fans and history enthusiasts are drawn to their clever design and rich backstory. You can often find them displayed in museums or tucked away in private collections, preserving their legacy for future generations to admire.
Want to know how it works? Watch the video below, where our CEO Laura showcases one of her sleeve arrow collections and demonstrates it in action!
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