I have been looking at pics on different mantis and non mantis school web sites and noticed that some instructors pose with long weapons such as kwan do, army sword and nine ring long handle swords. When they pose they are holding the weapon by the metal part where the rivets go through by the guard.

I have been taught that is wrong by a Praying Mantis Kung Fu master. The reason you do not hold the weapon there deals with distance and leverage. You can hold it just behind this piece but not on it.

He said if you where supposed to hold it there it would not have the protruding rivets or fasteners and the handle would not be so long. "why have such a long handle if you are going to hold it there most of the time"?

I was told that if a master saw you using the weapon that way he would know you are a novice. My teacher checks my weapons and I have to admit there is some of the finish worn off on a couple Probably from long ago

Any thoughts on this?