~Tai Chi Sword Gallery MAIN INDEX KEY-ARTS WEB "the spirit sinks to find the root"

 
Ta'i Chi sword techniques establish fluidty of sword play.

Fluidity implies every movement is linked to the preceding and following techniques. In the formal sets of Tai Chi sword a single action connects from the starting posture to the concluding one, without pauses or breaks, although slight pauses are required at some stages, this only means slowing down the movements a little.

 

 

Tai Chi sword techniques in long sword and sabre, use unruffled strength and do not use awkward or inflexible strength.

The waist is the key to developing this trait. Unruffled means that the tendons and joints are relaxed to the maximum extent while the body and limbs are moving naturally.

The waist opens and closes. There is action and inaction throughout the form. Be careful that your tranquility in movement does not destroy the dynamic nature of sword play.

Relaxation is not equal to vacancy of intent or sloppiness of exposition. As a general rule in Tai Chi sword work, keep the postures integrated and constant. The movements of the body and limbs must be corresponding and co-ordinated, especially the combination of the sword-sabre playing techniques, handwork and footwork, which must be harmonious and unified.

The saying "when one moves, everything is moving" tells us that we must guard against moving the hands without moving the feet or against moving the sabre without moving the hands direction of the blade is important in sabre forms.