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Showing posts with label sword form. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sword form. Show all posts
Wednesday
Straight sword form
The last form in the syllabus is a very difficult one to learn and will require an extensive commitment to practice.
This is a long, demanding form.
Performing the set accurately will be challenging enough.
Understanding how to manipulate the sword (jian) in combat is another area of study in its own right.
The main initial difficulty is the sheer weight of the weapon.
Its weight can range between 1-3lbs and will tax anyone who uses even a scrap of tension.
A student should start with a wooden sword (waster), then move onto wushu weight and eventually a real sword.
We do not recommend training with a sharp blade but it is an option if the instructor is seeking authenticity.
This type of sword is known as a 'tai chi' sword and is the trademark weapon of tai chi chuan.
True skill requires a massive foundation of knowledge, physical experience and dedication, so we only teach the straight sword form to indoor students.
This is a long, demanding form.
Performing the set accurately will be challenging enough.
Understanding how to manipulate the sword (jian) in combat is another area of study in its own right.
The main initial difficulty is the sheer weight of the weapon.
Its weight can range between 1-3lbs and will tax anyone who uses even a scrap of tension.
A student should start with a wooden sword (waster), then move onto wushu weight and eventually a real sword.
We do not recommend training with a sharp blade but it is an option if the instructor is seeking authenticity.
This type of sword is known as a 'tai chi' sword and is the trademark weapon of tai chi chuan.
True skill requires a massive foundation of knowledge, physical experience and dedication, so we only teach the straight sword form to indoor students.
Tuesday
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.
This will give you an initial feel of the weapon and can be used in partnered drills safely.
Wednesday
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.
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.
Thursday
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.
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.
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