Tai Chi Sword

The Tai Chi Sword

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:56:59 +0000

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 a tai chi 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 you are not using your tai chi sword it can look beautiful when 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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Tai Chi Video of the Week: Wudang Tai Chi 13 Form

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:05:13 +0000

The traditional Taichi Form of Mount Wudang, performed by a Student of Master Zhong Xuechao

Duration; 5:34

View the video …

Technorati Tags: Master Zhong Xuechao, Mount Wudang, tai chi video, tai-chi, taichi, Taichi Form, wudang, Wudang Tai Chi 13 Form

Tai Chi Practice Sword

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:31:59 +0000

A good sword is essential to begin tai chi sword training.

Wooden swords such as this are commonly used by beginners.

SAVE 19% on this TMAS Wooden Tai Chi Sword

Take Great Care

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 tai chi sword if at first you haven’t become adept at the unarmed version. A tai chi sword form is 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. There are some great looking steel ones 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!

Click Below to Save 19%

TMAS Wooden Tai Chi Sword

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Wudang Sword

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:10:25 +0000

Wudang mountain in China is considered a holy place and the spiritual home of internal martial arts, and Wudang Sword is regarded as the purest form of swordplay. Both are found in this comprehensive and wonderfully atmospheric Wudang Sword Dvd.

Wudang Sword

Wudang Sword 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. For more about Zhou and an introductory video …

Zhou Xuan Yun

Zhou Xuan Yun was raised on Wudang Mountainand 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

Click Below to Get Your Copy Now!

Wudang Sword

Technorati Tags: chinese, daoist, jian, kung, martial arts, tai chi dvd, tai chi sword, taichi-sword, taiji, Taijijian, wudang, wudang mountain, Wudang sword, Zhou Xuan-Yun

Tai Chi Dvd

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:22:59 +0000

In the early stages of learning a new tai chi form when practicing at home, it can be quite difficult studying from a book to fully appreciate the subtlety of the movements. A tai chi dvd is much easier as you can observe the movements in your own time and at your own pace.

Tai Chi for Life: Yang Style Tai Chi

In this very popular DVD master GuangZhi Xing teaches Simplified Tai Chi 24 Form and Tai Chi Sword 32 Form. Master Xing provides easy to follow detailed instruction with different views of the movements in this superbly well constructed DVD.

When buying a tai chi dvd it is important to have expert instruction from someone such as Master GuangZhi Xing. Master Xing has a wealth of experienced as a tai chi and qi gong competitor and coach, having trained in China for over 20 years where he received tai chi and qi gong instructor certificates. He has a B.A. in physical education and was a top coach to a Tai Chi Wushu team, helping them to win national championships three times.

Amazing Value in this Superb Tai Chi Dvd!

Tai Chi for Life: Yang Style Tai Chi

Technorati Tags: 32 sword form, GuangZhi Xing, jian, sword, tai chi 24 form, tai chi dvd, tai chi sword, tai-chi, taichi-sword, taiji, Taijijian, yang style tai chi

Collapsible Tai Chi Sword

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:09:59 +0000

Opinions are divided about the use of a collapsible tai chi sword, some people find them very useful, for others there is no substitute for genuine tai chi swords. The main advantage, and some would say the only advantage, is that they are easily transportable.

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A collapsible tai chi sword can retract to under a third of its length in the same way as a telescope, making it easy to carry around either to and from a class, or to enable practice when travelling away from home for a period of time. They are lightweight and can easily fit into a travel bag or case making them convenient and be carried anywhere with discretion.

Detractors would say that the downside of a collapsible sword is that within a form the chi is projected along the sword and that this is not possible or very unlikely unless the blade is solid. Also a collapsible tai chi sword wouldn’t have the same weight or feel as its solid counterpart, and although some can look reasonably good, as with anything else you get what you pay for.

However, a collapsible tai chi sword does have some advantages and many people find them very useful for practice. If ease of transport is a priority, and you happen to be comfortable with a particular collapsible tai chi sword, then why not?

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Extendable Tai Chi Sword unbelievable value!

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Wudang Tai Chi Swordplay

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:15:59 +0000

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

Duration : 0:6:42

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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Tai Chi Sword: Broadsword

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:28:59 +0000

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

The others being the spear, the staff and the straight sword (jian).

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The dao and the jian are the two tai chi swords used most in training.

The main difference between the jian and the dao, is that the dao has a single edged blade (some have a short part of the back edge sharpened), which can be much wider (hence broadsword) and is slightly curved. The guard which protects the hand is predominantly disc shaped and sometimes slightly domed. The hilt (handle) is curved in the opposite direction to the blade which improves balance and handling, and as with the jian there would be a hole in the end for a sash or tassel.

The broadsword, known as ‘The General’ of Chinese weapons, can be all sorts of shapes and sizes, the length and width depending on its use. Being a single edged blade it would be used more for chopping and cutting rather than thrusting and stabbing, some can be highly decorative and quite exotic in appearance. The word ‘dao’ originally referred to ‘knife’, which relates back to when swords were much shorter, in fact some of the shorter, wider bladed ones, can resemble machetes.

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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Tai Chi Sword – Cleaning

admin — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:40:59 +0000

First of all, extreme care should be taken to avoid injury to yourself or others when cleaning a tai chi sword as the steel blade may be very sharp. To keep the sword in good condition and free from rust you should clean it regularly, at least every 3 months and more often if the climate is humid and there is more moisture around. The blade should also be cleaned at any time if touched by fingers as oils in the skin can cause corrosion to occur.

Holding the edge of the blade away from you, wipe it clean with a soft cotton cloth or rice paper, removing any dirt and the previous layer of oil.

Tap a small amount of polishing powder along the blade, then rub with a clean cotton cloth, polishing both sides of the blade and removing the powder.

Either apply oil to the blade or to a clean cloth, then wipe the blade leaving a thin even coating covering every part of the blade.

You can buy the necessary items for cleaning tai chi swords separately, or there are cleaning kits available containing the cloths, powder, and oil.

Deluxe Sword Cleaning Kit

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Tai Chi For Health: Stress Relief

admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:32:59 +0000

Considered by many to be a form of ‘moving meditation’, because the mind is relaxed and focused throughout the movements, tai chi is the perfect antidote for someone going through a particularly stressful time in their life. Living under constant stressful conditions can block the natural flow of energy and cause physical dis-ease within the body.

Health problems caused by stress can include:

headaches
muscle pain
insomnia
fatigue
weakened immune system; colds, infections
high blood pressure
increased risk of heart disease
digestive problems; stomach ulcers, constipation
skin conditions; eczema, acne, psoriasis

To avoid health problems such as these and many others, it is important that stress is managed and its effects minimised. Tai chi is a very effective method of coping with the stresses that modern life brings, by calming the mind, gently exercising the body, and giving a general feeling of well being.

Many doctors these days also recommend tai chi for health problems involving muscles and joints, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia which restrict movement and block energy flow. In conditions such as these tai chi can also help in coping with the pain which can be very draining to the mind, body, and spirit of a person.

The movements within a tai chi form are designed to promote the natural flow of energy around the body. It also improves the circulation of bodily fluids such as the blood and lymph, which helps to transport nutrients around the body, and rid the body of harmful toxins. The steady deep breathing and massaging of muscles during tai chi also oxygenates the blood and improves circulation which is good for the heart.

By taking a little time to learn tai chi it is possible to feel positive results in the lowering of stress levels within a relatively short period of time. Tai chi is a fantastic way of coping with stress and in improving a whole lot of other health problems. When energy (chi) is able to flow more freely it allows the body to function more naturally without stress or imbalances, and a calm mind, relaxed body, and good spirit, can be the result. If you should ever ask yourself “why do I practice tai chi? The answer could well be found in how you feel during and after practice!

Check with your doctor and tai chi instructor first, that any physical exercise is suitable for your particular medical condition!

Discover Tai Chi!

Tai Chi For Beginners

Dr Paul Lam has a wealth of tai chi knowledge and experience, having been a tai chi master for over 30 years. This beautifully made tai chi dvd by the well respected Dr Lam contains easy to follow detailed instruction, showing the forms from different angles and at different speeds.

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