Tai Chi Swordplay

The Jian (Sword) has a history of more than 3000 years. In fact, the earliest

records date back from the Xia Dynasty (2100 - 1600 BC), and by the time of the

Zhou Dynasty (1100 -256 BC), it had become one of the most popular weapons.

The earlier Jian were made of bronze and comparatively short to the modern Jian.

They were limited to a length of approximately 40 cm, broad and thick. they were

later developed to a higher level in the Qin Dynasty, when they were produced into

the more recognisable shape that they are today. The process of manufacture was

further developed and include iron in the construction. The Jian was carried as

an expression of status, and was revered as a symbol of moral values such as honor

and honesty, the Jian even took on a mystical status and was thought to protect the

carrier from evil and is a feature of Chinese art and legend. The Jian was also

seen as an indication of rank and status and became the weapon of officers as the

it was replaced by the broadsword for ordinary soldiers.

Training with the Jian

Training in hand forms can be further enhanced by learning to work with the sword.

It gives the student a whole new dimension to their Tai Chi practice. Working

with the Jian is thought to strengthen your character as well as your Chi. The

sword becomes more than a fighting tool, its movements evolve from the expression

of chi and practice can improve your footwork as well as the fluidity of movement

in the body, especially at the waist.

There are 12 techniques for using the sword in the 32 step simplified form.

Thrusting - stabbing forward and concentrating on the tip of the sword.

Ideally the sword should be held level and parallel to the ground. There is also

a straight thrust with a vertical sword, and oblique upward thrust where the tip

of sword at head level. An oblique thrust downward, with the tip of the sword at

knee level, a lower thrust with the tip of the sword at ankle level. A backward

thrust and a back hand thrust.

Hacking - a down wards blow.

Parrying - turning aside an attacking blow

Upper cutting - the sword moves in a vertical arc upwards.

Slicing - a horizontal cut, both right and left at chest level

Overhead block - the sword swings up pausing overhead, the force is concentrated

on the edge of the sword.

Tapping - The wrist causes the sword tip to quickly dip, with the force concentrated

at the tip.

Interception - Cutting with the sword blade obliquely up or down ward.

Holding - Holding the sword at chest height with the right hand crossed in front of

the body to the left side.

Side moving - The sword moves in an arc from the front to the side and slightly backward.

Withdrawing - Pulling the sword backward.

Sweeping - Swinging the sword horizontally to the left and the right, with the sword

blade at ankle level.

The Names of the 32 Step Form Movements

Preparatory Form

Opening Form - Show the Direction - Encase the Moon with 3 Rings ( take over the

sword in a Bow Step)

Insert Needle to Sea Bottom ( Tap forward with feet together)

The Biggest Star in the Big Dipper (Backhand thrust on a single leg)

The Swallow Skins Over the Water (Horizontal sweep in crouch step)

Right Interception (right horizontal cut)

Left Interception (left horizontal cut)

Probe the Sea ( Circular hack on single leg)

Embrace the Moon ( Step back and withdraw sword)

The Bird Seeking Lodging Flies into the Woods (Oblique upward thrust on single leg)

The Black Dragon Wags its Tail ( intercept below in empty step)

The Blue Dragon Goes Out of the Water (Thrust in left bow step)

The Wind Rolls up Lotus Leaves (Oblique cut in turning round)

The Lion Shakes its Head (Oblique cut in shrinking back)

The Tiger Hugs its Head ( hold sword in front with knee raised)

The Wild Horse Leaps he Ravine (hop and straight thrust)

The little Star in the Big Dipper ( Uppercut in left empty step)

Fish Out the Moon from Sea Bottom ( Uppercut in right Bow Step)

Shoot the Wild Goose ( Turn and withdraw sword)

The White Ape Devotes Fruit (straight thrust with feet together)

Brush the Dust Against the Wind (Parry in left bow step)

Brush the Dust Against the Wind (Parry in right bow step)

Brush the Dust Against the Wind (Parry in left bow step)

Push the Boat along with the Current (Step forward with backhand thrust)

The Meteor Runs After the Moon ( Turn and hack back)

The Heavenly Steed Soars Across the Sky (Tap in an empty step)

Lift the Curtain (Hold the sword level on a single leg)

Left Wheel ( Parry and hack in bow step)

Right Wheel ( Parry and hack in bow step)

The Great Roc Spreads its Wings (Retreat and slash back)

The Wasp Flies into the Hole (Step forward with Straight Thrust)

Embrace the Moon (Withdraw the sword in a T-step)

The Wind Sweeps Away Plum Blossoms ( Slice horizontally in a whirl)

The Needle Towards the South ( Straight thrust in bow step)