The tai chi sword known as “jian” is a straight sword with a double-edged blade, considered by many the ‘king’ of Chinese martial arts weapons. It has evolved over the last 2500 years or so from early ones made of bronze to the more sophisticated carbon steel swords of today. Renowned throughout history as a deadly close combat weapon, the wielder of the sword would have been considered a great warrior in battle.
Today the jian is commonly used within a tai chi form for the development and harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. It can be a wonderful addition to your tai chi and is considered an advanced form of training. It is also an excellent way to extend your knowledge and can give extra insight into the history of Chinese martial arts.

You would need to have mastered some basic tai chi forms before including the sword in your practice. Great care should be taken to avoid injury to yourself or others, a wooden practice sword can be used until comfortable in handling a sword.

When not in use your tai chi sword can look beautiful on display in the home, and make a great centrepiece perhaps above a fireplace. It can add great atmosphere to any room, is sure to impress your guests, and can often end up being the point of conversation!

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Duration: 5:52

View the video …

Video uploaded by Andrey Tatarinov

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Wudang mountain photo by http://www.flickr.com/people/toehk/

Situated in China’s Hubei province, Wudang mountain is considered a holy place having been the home of Taoist monasteries teaching meditation and martial arts for many centuries. Renowned for its beautiful scenery and historical interest, the mountains have become popular for tourists to visit, with palaces and temples dating as far back as the 7^th Century among the rocky slopes.

Wudang sword is regarded as the purest form of swordplay, and both mountain and sword can be found in the comprehensive and wonderfully atmospheric dvd below.

 Wudang Sword

The Dvd gives the viewer the choice of Chinese narration with English Subtitles or English narration.

Master Zhou Xuan-Yun covers the history of the Chinese sword, sword care and safety, and drills. He also teaches detailed Wudang sword sequences and postures with martial art applications, in easy to follow instruction. More about Zhou and an introductory video … 

Zhou Xuan Yun

Zhou Xuan Yun was raised on Wudang Mountain where he trained and studied well to later become an instructor of Tai Chi Chuan, Kung Fu and weaponry. Daoist Monk Zhou, a disciple of Li Guang Fu, Head Daoist monk on Wudang Mountain, now teaches the traditional Wudang arts and Daoist philosiphy in workshops and classes mainly in the U.S. and China.

Enjoy this short Video introducing the Dvd: Wudang Sword

Video by http://www.youtube.com/user/Dvivid

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Tai chi can be the perfect exercise regimen for someone who has been ill and wants to get back on the road to recovery. This ancient Chinese martial art form includes gentle physical exercise, a calming of the mind, and a raising of the spirits. Practising tai chi for health and well being is a truly holistic healing process!

The movements within a tai chi form are designed to promote the natural flow of energy around the body; good for general well being and good health. The physical exercise helps to circulate and oxygenate the blood which is good for the heart. It also gently massages all of the internal organs, including the small intestine which aids digestion, and stretches muscles and mobilises the joints.

Tai chi is suitable for people of any age (it’s never too late to start) and by practising correct posture tai chi can help to improve balance which is particularly helpful for the elderly who can be prone to falling. Many younger people would probably be more into the physical training aspects which is good for instilling self discipline.

Often referred to as “meditation in motion” tai chi is wonderful for calming the mind, and helpful for people with psychological problems who are susceptible to bouts of anger, anxiety, or depression. The physical and psychological benefits also mean that tai chi can make you feel generally in better spirits. And with the mind, body, and spirit, back in harmony, before you know it you can be back on the road to good health.

It is important to consult your doctor before starting any exercise regimen, but as many doctors recommend tai chi these days there is unlikely to be a problem. Also inform your tai chi instructor of any limitations you may have during exercise also, as it’s important not overdo things.

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If you are thinking of learning a sword form it is likely that you are already pretty good at your tai chi practice. It would be inadvisable (not to mention dangerous) to start to train using a sword if at first you haven’t become adept at the unarmed forms. Tai chi sword forms are considered to be advanced training and can be a fantastic addition to your tai chi.

However, there is the risk of injury to yourself or others and great care should be taken when using a sword. In the past it may have taken several years of practice before being allowed to take up the sword, but these days most teachers are more relaxed and may allow it when a good basic level of tai chi training has been achieved.

Where to Begin

To begin sword training, it’s best to learn from a tai chi master, or at least a reputable teacher. The trouble may be … finding one! The availability of a tai chi master, or at least a good class within a reasonable distance, depends on where you live. If you live pretty close to a town or city this shouldn’t be a problem as tai chi has become a very popular form of exercise, and most classes include the sword these days.

Tai Chi Dvd

If you are unlucky enough not to have access to a class there are lots of tai chi dvd’s available, although there isn’t the interaction as in a class (you can’t ask a dvd a question). A tai chi dvd can have some advantages though, it is inexpensive (no class fees or travelling), you can study the form closely and at your convenience, and they can also be used to practice sword form in between classes.

Choosing a Sword

Choosing a tai chi sword for practice is a personal thing, the size, weight, balance and grip, will determine how comfortable it is in handling. There are various types of practice swords available to choose from, a wooden practice sword is a common option particularly in classes where there isn’t much room.

Wooden Tai Chi Sword

There are some great looking steel swords if appearance is of importance, which would usually have a ‘dulled blade’ for safety, and there are even collapsible swords for ease of transport.

Whichever type of tai chi sword you decide upon, a sword form is a great way to enhance your tai chi experience!

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China Wudang Taiji Sword – Master Chen Shixing

One of the most beautiful performance of Taijijian. This is the original Wudang Sword, performed by Master Chen Shixing

Duration : 0:6:49

Video uploaded by wudang2008

Master Chen Shi Xing

Master Chen Shi Xing is an orthodox 15th generation exponent of Wudang kungfu, and having studied the art for many years is a major representative of this wonderful art form.

A true master and respected internationally, in 2007 he was to realize a dream in firmly establishing the China Wudang Kungfu Academy.

Having enjoyed Master Chen’s supreme sword form in the video, learn more @ http://www.chinawudangacademy.com/

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The broadsword, otherwise known as the dao or sabre, is one of the four main Chinese martial art weapons.

The broadsword used in tai chi sword training would be of similar size to the jian, and there are single and double broadsword (one in each hand) forms.

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An early Chinese sword would have been very basic, made of bronze and not much longer than a dagger, but as technology advanced it became possible for them to be made longer and of carbon steel. The blade has to be sharp at the edge yet malleable enough so as not to snap upon contact, which is attained through skilful forging techniques.

When swords began to be made ‘full tang’ (the blade encased within the length of the handle) it was a major advancement as it prevented the blade from becoming detached from the handle. It is fascinating to watch a sword being made from beginning to end, a highly skilled process producing an exquisite piece of weaponry.

The ‘jian’ sword has played a crucial part in battles that have changed the course of Chinese history for around 2500 years. Known by many as the ‘king of weapons’, there is great honour and chivalry involved in swordplay, not to mention immense courage! Such is the high esteem in which the sword is held that in some religions they are often used in rituals, as some Chinese swords are considered to be magical and powerful enough to ward off evil spirits.

The jian is commonly used these days in tai chi sword forms. It is around 3 – 3.5 feet long including the handle or ‘grip’, and has a straight double edged blade, 1.5 – 2 inches wide. There is a crossbar or guard between the blade and the handle designed to protect the hand in swordplay. On the end of the handle there is a pommel to prevent the sword from slipping out of the hand, to which a tassel is usually fastened. Some tai chi swords are beautifully decorated as are the scabbards in which they are kept to protect the blade.

In battle the jian was a multi-purpose sword used to chop, slash, thrust, and stab. It was light and manoeuvrable, and a very effective close combat weapon. There is also a longer heavier version of the jian which is a two handed sword, which although effective in certain situations would be more cumbersome and not as manoeuvrable.

The other main type of Chinese sword used in tai chi forms is the dao (a term used for ‘knife’) which is more of a chopping and slicing type of sword. The dao is a broader sword with a single edged slightly curved blade, and can be very exotic in appearance.

Some martial artists would require their sword to be sharp for cutting practice (shizhan), usually performed on an upright length of bamboo and with tremendous accuracy and cleanness of cut. However for use within a tai chi form a ‘battle ready’ sword would be of less importance unless the user prefers to train with a genuine article. An authentic tai chi sword with a dulled blade is often used in training for safety, or a wooden practice sword can be used by a beginner until comfortable in handling.

Although the sword is more or less redundant as a weapon these days, they are still revered as a part of history and used by armed forces around the world on ceremonial occasions. When handling a sword within a tai chi form it is useful to have knowledge of its history as a lethal weapon. This can help in respecting it as such, and in developing a deeper understanding and connection to the sword in mind, body, and spirit.

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The tai chi sword “Green Destiny” is featured in the hit martial arts action movie Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon. The story centres around the sword which is thought to be magical and give the wielder great sword fighting prowess.

Wudang swordsman Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) is seeking to retire from his warrior life and asks his close friend Shu Lien (Michelle Yeo) to take care of his ‘Green Destiny’ sword. One night the sword is stolen and the pair set out to find the thief and so begins the action packed adventure full of special effects, atmosphere, and romance.

Filmed entirely on location in China and released in the year 2000, the Chinese action movie directed by Ang Lee featured superb action with moody romantic interludes. It was a huge international success, winning an Academy award for best foreign language film, and also numerous other awards.

Green Destiny Sword

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