The ‘jian’ is a Chinese sword commonly used 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 a longer heavier version of the jian which is a two handed sword, sometimes used in other martial arts.

The other main type of Chinese sword used in tai chi sword 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.

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 skillful forging techniques. When swords began to be made ‘full tang’ (the blade encased within the length of the handle) this 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.

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; a wooden practice sword can be used by a beginner until comfortable in the handling of a sword.

The jian 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’, this implies that there is great honour and chivalry involved in jian 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.

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.

Technorati Tags: Chinese sword, dao, jian, practice sword, tai chi sword, tai chi swords, tai-chi, Taijijian

Tags: Chinese sword, dao, jian, practice sword, tai chi sword, tai chi swords, tai-chi, Taijijian

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