swords and other weapons?

the value of swords in taijiquan is a debatable issue

in terms of self defence they are useless and illegal

but all weapons used in taijiquan do serve a function albeit not the most obvious or apparent

knife drills train whole body movement

swift changes and strong thrusts

stick and sword drills strengthen the arms and the back

the wrists in particular benefit

especially when training with a rattan stick

nimble footwork comes from the 2-person cane

eye to hand coordination increases

timing

nerve

there is risk

the very real chance of being hit

sabre is about solid grounded footwork whilst building up to hefty chops and deep thrusts

jian is light sly and sharp

dodging

changing

walking stick is playful and varied

with continual shifts of the weapon

all parts of the weapon are employed and the strikes are unpredictable

the small stick drills are small circle

economic and tight

exceptional wrist flexibility is required

as with the 2-person cane there is no opportunity for distraction or carelessness

weapons teach dexterity

ambidextrous body use

coordination of hand mind feet and body

they furnish the exponent with a deft grasp of physical objects

after all - weapons are inert - they are given life through your skill

through your movements