Tai Chi Sword

The Beauty of the Tai Chi Sword

To attain a high level of skill with the Taichi sword it must become an extension of your body. It is advisable that the sword is only taught to students that have gained a thorough grounding in all the empty hand aspects of the art.

In the hands of an expert performer the Taichi sword is wielded with elegance and much poise. It is noticeable to all spectators how intense and strong the sword looks when wielded correctly.

As a student you will learn to apply your energy down the entire blade enabling the metal to acquire certain glistening movements and sounds.

There are different types of swords which are used for varying martial functions. There is the straight sword “jian” which usually has a coloured tassel hanging from it, which is also very functional.

The tassel can be used to distract or blind an aggressor. The straight sword has a blade that is long and flat. This sword is not used in a forceful way, but with much grace and agility. It is not designed to meet force head on but rather to deflect an attack.

There are two types of straight sword the male sword “Xiong Jien” which is heavier and is called “Wu Jien”, which has a sharp tip. The lighter sword or female sword “Ci Jien” is much lighter and is known as “Wen Jien”. This has a rounded tip to it.

The other sword that is widely used in many other martial arts as well is the broad sword or sabre. The sabre has a much shorter, wider blade. It has a curved sharp edge and blunt straight edge.

In Taichi sword play the mind must remain calm, just like a lotus pond. The body must be alert and the movements must be fluid. Most of the sword is studied through solo forms which vary in length and style.

The Yang style form is made up of 64 or 56 movements. These tend to differ according to the school of study. The Tai chi sword effectively brings mind and body together as one complete unit.