Learning The Sword Of Tai Chi

Usually, teachers will give the students sufficient time to practice all the basic moves first before quarrying with the more intense techniques. It will take a student at least 2-3 years of experience before letting him handle the tao (knife or short sword). If the student is really good and has already mastered all arts within a year, then he can be a candidate to learn the tao earlier than expected.

It will take a student at least 10 years of Tai Chi experience to handle the real thing. The point is, that teachers take their craft very seriously. That is why some hesitate to teach the sword unless they are sure that the person can handle the blade in its essence. It is seldom to encounter a master that teaches the sword because it is a very dangerous thing to learn especially if the person is not really equipped to learn it. Some will not teach it at all.

That was before. In this generation, there are a lot of teachers who allow the students to learn the way of the sword, instantly, after knowing the basic of Tai Chi. As a sort of progression first, they would teach the students the basic things like standing meditation. Push Hands will come next. There would also be some specific moves like the Tchoung style in its fast form. Practicing these conveys a solid foundation of the techniques and movements of the body.

Weapons will be introduced. They have a variety of teachings regarding swords like tao, chien, etc. After mastering the independent use of the swords, they would continue to practice but this time, in twos. Practitioners will arrange the sword patterns then comes the moment of sparring.

When Chien is used in sparring, it is like practicing Push Hands with a weapon. Similar circular movements are the ones that are used to nick, thrust, slice, and cut. Chopping movements can be found in Tao but not in Chien applications.

Concepts

Every type of martial art revolves around concepts. An art method of training must always reflect the concepts and must see to it that every movement is in harmony with the entire faculty. In Tai Chi sword, there are specifications, that wouldn t be a surprise. Sadly, the stiff and wooden way that is taught by some instructors does not reflect the energy predicted in Tai Chi.

Tai Chi Chuan derives its concepts from several forms of performing the Chien single-handedly. Yang style is the most common form. It is composed of 56 64 movements. The variations of the standard pattern will greatly depend on the school of thought and the emphasis of each one.

During the practice of the sword, a person must focus on the smoothness and calmness of the movement. The mind should be as calm as the quiet ocean to be able to reflect the innermost feeling of a person. The body must stay afloat like sailing into clear skies.

Tai Chi Sword: A Connection Between the Human and the Weapon

After one year of practicing Tai Chi, it is time to introduce your mind, body, and spirit to the king of weapons used in martial arts: the sword. Learning the sword would only mean that you have already conquered many things in your life and some in-betweens. It will also mean you are ready to face one of the toughest areas in your Tai Chi training. The sword will be taught only if you have mastered every form; that will be when your mind, body, and soul will be ready to accept the sword and make you feel comfortable about it.

At the beginning, Tai Chi will teach students the use of three weapons namely: tao (knife or broadsword), chien (straight sword), and chang (spear or staff). Setting Tai Chi aside, these three are also used in different kinds of martial arts combat. It is used according to its range. Long-range weapons like the staff and spear are often used on the battlefield, while short-range weapons like the straight sword and broadsword are designed for personal one-on-one combat.

The sword a relatively light and small short-range weapon is considered the king of combat because of its properties that can make your opponents run for their lives. Before, the sword is used as a symbol of power and is used for violence. Today, it's a different story. People are now learning to handle the sword as a weapon used in exercises for the development of self-discipline in terms of mind and body connection.

The introduction of Tai Chi in the present society is a great medium where one can practice the usage of the sword. Some are attracted to learn because of the idea of how a weapon as deadly as this can be manipulated into one graceful and harmless act.

About the Sword

The Chien or short sword has a length that is measured for about 3 ft. It is composed of a double-edged blade that has a range of 28 30 inches long and is about 1-2 inches wide. The handle is approximately 8 9 inches wherein a hole is found at the end of its hilt where a tassel or knot is commonly attached. The tip is sharpened and can make a person bleed in an instant.

In the traditional sense, the Chien is crafted according to the user's size, balance, and comfort of the material. Today, there are wide varieties of swords that are mass-produced in a non-functional and lighter sense that are used for practice and in competitions.

Before learning the sword, it is more advisable to learn the knife because of its simplicity and it is unlikely for the wielders to injure or cut themselves if the weapon only has one sharp edge. Experts of Tai Chi give due respect to the sword and consider it as a weapon that only elite warriors and scholars can use. Unlike tao, which they considered as a soldier's weapon.

Here are some points to remember when handling the sword:

1. Be familiar with the weapon at hand. Understand all possible aspects about it like its attacking parts.

2. Be one with the sword. Make it your best buddy. Practice it every day like it was a long-time job.

3. Look at the sword as if it were a tool and not a display object that you can hang decoratively on the wall.

4. Whenever you are in the presence of the sword, move with purpose and grace.

One of the reasons why people study the art of the sword is because the weapon brings the elements of the mind and the body into unity. To use the sword correctly, one must assume that is it a part of his body and not just a weapon of destruction.

He must realize that the sword is a matter of importance that when taken away is a bigger ordeal.

Tina Rose

Instagram

Empowerment & Transformation Academy