It was common knowledge that swords were supposed to be elusive and profound while sabres were domineering and tyrannical.
In Chinese martial arts strength, technique and speed all countered each other.
The greatest benefit of the fighting bare handed was its speed and flexibility. Because of these advantages, barely handed fighters could rely on various techniques to grab or grapple with their opponents. In general, barehanded fighting styles were more suited to deal with other speed based or technique based fighting styles even if they used weapons. There was even a martial art specifically meant for barehanded fighters to deal with armed opponents.
However, against an opponent that used a strength-based fighting style then barehanded martial arts would be rather powerless…
