| If you are passionate about your tai chi and would | | | | weight would vary according to the user. |
| like to extend your knowledge and training of this | | | | The sword, known as the king of close combat |
| ancient art form, you may be interested in | | | | martial art weapons, has been used in China for |
| learning about the tai chi sword. Maybe it could | | | | the last 2500 years, gradually evolving from |
| renew your enthusiasm and give an extra edge | | | | crudely constructed bronze swords to the more |
| to your training that has been missing for a while. | | | | sophisticated steel ones of today. |
| Tai chi sword is said to be an advanced level of | | | | Looking back in history there is much to be |
| martial art training, which is hardly surprising | | | | admired about the 'eye to eye' close combat |
| considering how challenging tai chi itself can be. | | | | encounters in battle, which sets the sword apart |
| Although by adding the sword you are basically | | | | as more honourable than longer range weapons. |
| going through the same movements as in | | | | These days however, it is mainly used for |
| unarmed practice, you do need a subtle wrist and | | | | ceremonial purposes, training for competition, or |
| to be comfortable handling a sword. It is also | | | | within a discipline for good health and longevity. |
| something that should only be attempted after | | | | Adding the sword to your armoury of tai chi |
| you have mastered some basic tai chi forms. | | | | knowledge can make you become more |
| Great care should be taken when training, and be | | | | appreciative of the martial art aspects of the |
| sure to use a practice sword at first so as not to | | | | past. It can make quite a difference to your |
| harm yourself, or anyone else for that matter! | | | | training as well, as it becomes an extension of the |
| There are different types of sword for practice, | | | | body, allowing you to project even more chi from |
| the wooden one being the most likely to be used | | | | the body along the arm to the tip of the sword. |
| by a beginner. There are even collapsible ones for | | | | Many people are interested to know how a tai chi |
| ease of transport for people who travel regularly | | | | sword can be used in such an elegant art form as |
| and like to continue their training. | | | | tai chi, as historically it has been used to such |
| Basically there are two types of tai chi sword, the | | | | deadly effect in battle. These days people use the |
| broadsword or 'dao' which is a shorter one sided | | | | sword as part of their training for health reasons |
| blade, and the chien or 'jian' which is a longer | | | | to bring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit. |
| straight double edged blade; the chien being the | | | | Who would have thought many years ago that a |
| one more commonly used in training. A chien | | | | weapon such as the sword, in the past used so |
| would usually be around 36 - 40 inches (90 - 100 | | | | often to kill, would eventually be used by many |
| cms) long including the handle, the length and | | | | people as an aid to extend life! |