As part of the cultural revitalization efforts of the new HFR, one of the sports actively promoted and subsidized by the confederate state governments was swords dancing: a traditional, high energy, performative art seeped in East Asian mythology. Jianwu, as it is termed in Mandarin, calls for the utility of a traditional martial weapon to complement choreographed, physical movements. The most common instruments are the staff/Gun/棍, the sword/Jian/剑, and the spear/Mao/矛, though variants and exotic weapons from other human and Aos Si cultures are also accepted.
Planetside, practicing Jianwu is a relatively simple affair. A pipe of optimal length and diameter can be chosen, modified by wraps and weights to improve grip and mimic the desired martial weapon. Then, any common space can be used to practice. Jianwu can be practiced solo or in groups, as part of morning and evening exercises, which are also common physical activities for planet borne HFR residents.
Should a Jianwu practitioner decide to be more competitive, custom martial weapons with the optimal weight balance are commercially available. Competitive Jianwu teams coordinate the styles and flourishes on their weapons, along with their uniforms, which are either tight, breathable sportswear with the team's colors and flourishes; or loose Hanfu, depending on the occasion. Performance is judged on a strict set of guidelines, updated annually to incorporate new techniques and cultural styles.
Space-side, Jianwu is more difficult, but not impossible. In fact, it is considered the highest expression of hand-eye coordination and three-dimensional-space-navigation, requiring the practitioner to both maintain their fluidity in the zero-g, 3D environment, while also managing their weapon, unrestrained by gravity. Space-side Jianwu is considered an upper-class sport, as regular trips to the zero-gravity facilities can become an expensive process, along with the medical treatments, which occur more often than planetside. These zero-g facilities are placed in low planetary orbits, often recycled and refurbished fuel tanks, making them spherical or cylindrical in shape. In such a round facility, the Jianwu practitioner must be able to navigate between the walls with their weapon in an aesthetically pleasing and physically fluid manner.
Sources of inspirtation:
Planetside, practicing Jianwu is a relatively simple affair. A pipe of optimal length and diameter can be chosen, modified by wraps and weights to improve grip and mimic the desired martial weapon. Then, any common space can be used to practice. Jianwu can be practiced solo or in groups, as part of morning and evening exercises, which are also common physical activities for planet borne HFR residents.
Should a Jianwu practitioner decide to be more competitive, custom martial weapons with the optimal weight balance are commercially available. Competitive Jianwu teams coordinate the styles and flourishes on their weapons, along with their uniforms, which are either tight, breathable sportswear with the team's colors and flourishes; or loose Hanfu, depending on the occasion. Performance is judged on a strict set of guidelines, updated annually to incorporate new techniques and cultural styles.
Space-side, Jianwu is more difficult, but not impossible. In fact, it is considered the highest expression of hand-eye coordination and three-dimensional-space-navigation, requiring the practitioner to both maintain their fluidity in the zero-g, 3D environment, while also managing their weapon, unrestrained by gravity. Space-side Jianwu is considered an upper-class sport, as regular trips to the zero-gravity facilities can become an expensive process, along with the medical treatments, which occur more often than planetside. These zero-g facilities are placed in low planetary orbits, often recycled and refurbished fuel tanks, making them spherical or cylindrical in shape. In such a round facility, the Jianwu practitioner must be able to navigate between the walls with their weapon in an aesthetically pleasing and physically fluid manner.
Sources of inspirtation:
Artistic performance in low gravity
In my sci fi Earth and Mars are surrounded by space elevators and there is a great exchange of people and goods coming and going among the planets and the thousands of space stations existing in the
worldbuilding.stackexchange.com