The Kwan Dao is a large heavy weapon.  It has a thick heavy blade shaped like a broadsword that is attached to a thick pole.  The butt end will often have a round loop or large spiky bit.  It is heavy 10 – 20 pounds being typical.  Some are very heavy.  It is named after general Kwan the Chinese hero who invented it.  General Kwan ascended to God status as the God of War.  Statues to him can be found in many restaurants (Chefs use knives) most Chinese martial arts schools and wherever his energy might seam useful or welcomed. 

The Kwan Dao is a heavy weapon. It makes staves and spears feel light.  Training with a Kwan Dao rapidly builds excellent whole body strength and especially strengthens the shoulders.  The Kwan Dao helps build power in all ones empty hand techniques.  It also helps to build the whole body connection and great alignment of the arm shoulder and spine. 

This is an excellent weapon for a larger person whose superior strength allows them to move the weapon with ease.  The main techniques of Kwan Dao are usually pretty simple.  Step forward and deliver a huge whack or chop!  Because of the weight and size of the Kwan Dao most other weapons just can’t block these moves.  In fact, armor really isn’t going to help much either.  

If your have a Kwan Dao your opponent is going to be dodging.  The drawback of the Kwan Dao is of course it is not very fast to change directions or movements.  The Kawn Dao person must guard against the agile smaller person getting inside with a skillful dodge and cutting their wrists, arms, or legs.  The trick here of course is that some very large men are actually quite fast as well as very strong and they can move a Kwan Dao with great precision and speed.  Much like a normal person would wield a spear.