There are three types of weapons taught in Tai Chi Chuan. As well having self defence applications they also train the body and mind.
The weapons provide a method of exercise quite different to that provided by the hand form. They can stretch out and relax the muscles and bones, promote the circulation of the blood, make the breathing smoother and longer, and are of great benefit to the health and constitution.
The sword nourishes the Chi
Sword
When practising the Sword, the actions employed are chopping, stirring, stroking and stabbing. The techniques are finely linked together. One drawing forth (of opponents attack) and one strike; one flourish and one presentation.
The body follows the movements of the sword which circles the body and can be seen on every direction. Lithe and graceful, surprising and subtle; body and sword are as one.
- Kan to chop
- Liao to stir divert and slash in one continuous movement
- Mo to stroke subtle circular diversion
- Ci to stab/pierce
- Chou to draw forth diverting upwards with a whipping action
- Ti to lift an upward diversion
- Heng to sweep across horizontal diversion followed by thrust
- Dao to invert diverting to the side, sword pointed down
