Broadsword form

The sabre form is about large sweeping, circular movements.
This may be considered a moderately short form.
It has a limited variety of postures and a number of repeated patterns.

The stepping is quite straightforward.
Coordinating the hands and feet, and not reaching represent the first challenge.

Any broadsword is suitable for this form, but the Yang-style sabre is the weapon of choice.

Weapons night

Students are given the option of learning weapons after passing their second belt.
Weapons training helps to increase strength, flexibility and coordination.
It improves the ability to use either hand.

Rubber-coated sticks are required for partner exercises.

If a student wants to learn broadsword drills they will need to bring their own sword.

Sword drills (sample)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bunxyBDsT1A

7:00 PM - Qigong & weaponry

New starters learn the basic qigong exercises.

Graded students work on weapons drills:

1. 20 cane/stick drills
2. 13 knife drills
3. 15 broadsword drills
4. 2-person cane/stick
5. 2-person small stick

Completed by 3rd form!

Today I finished learning the pattern of the sabre form. I'm really happy. It was hard work but seems quite short in hindsight. Learning the YCF and baguazhang palm changes was much harder!

Sabre form

Sabre form

The sabre form looks almost as long as side A of pao chui, but is actually a little bit shorter. There are a number of repeated postures too.

Keen to learn broadsword

I'm dead keen to learn broadsword but Sifu wants me to complete the Yang Cheng Fu form first.

Broadsword

Students practice broadsword drills and the sabre form.
This heavy weapon offers a notable workout.

It develops upper body strength, whole body movement and wrist flexibility. Students learn how to extend their energy through the blade.

Buying a sword (1) - waster

Begin with a wooden sword (waster).
This will give you an initial feel of the weapon and can be used in partnered drills safely. 

Buying a sword (2) - lightweight steel

 Try a lightweight metal sword once you are familiar with the wooden one.

 Do not invest in an expensive weapon at this stage.
 There is nothing more embarrassing than a low-ability exponent wielding an expensive blade.

 Trying a heavy sword prematurely may lead to injury. Be patient.
 

Buying a sword (3) - real sword

 As your strength increases and you become familiar with the form, explore a heavier weapon.
 If you can find an unsharpened blade, this is perhaps the wiser purchase initially.

 A genuine sword weighs between 1-2lbs; which is quite heavy when held in front of you.
 Compensating for the weight will require you to connect throughout your body.
 The blade makes it necessary to be both relaxed, alert and precise; you cannot afford to be cut.

 A good sword can cost quite a lot of money and needs to be handled skilfully and maintained carefully.
 The balance of a quality sword is entirely different from a  cheaper weapon.

Broadsword

Students practice broadsword drills and the sabre form.
This heavy weapon offers a notable workout.

It develops upper body strength, whole body movement and wrist flexibility. Students learn how to extend their energy through the blade.

Sabre

The second form is actually a sword form using movements derived from the Yang Cheng Fu form.
This heavy weapon offers a notable workout.
It develops upper body strength, whole body movement and wrist flexibility. Students learn how to extend their energy through the blade.
The sabre was designed for use against multiple opponents.

We do not teach the sabre as a self defence tool.

Sifu's sabre

Sifu Waller uses a Yang-style sabre rather than a broadsword for his Yang Cheng Fu sabre form.