Notes for Broadsword Practice
Tai Chi Yang Style Broadsword
Warm Ups:
Turning from the waist
Wrist rotations – both together down the centre of body in figure of 8’s
Pendulum swings with sword
Walking – cutting up with sword (1 step cutting alternate sides)
Figure of 8’s around body with sword – forwards and backwards
Opening Move as Butterfly Fan Form
Moves:
Opening to step up, and back to open
Sword across, forward to open - change sword hand
Slice around and back to vertical sword
Sweep up and stab
Lower sword to back stance
Retreat to forward stance
Twist to forward thrust
Stepping swirl and turn
Repeat opposite direction
Withdraw, forward thrust and stance on one leg
Turn to protect
Protect move with two handed sword
Chop down to slice
Change hands to right kick
Forward punch/thrust with both hands and sword
Punch left, punch right
Open to right heel kick, change hands
Slice down and stab forward
Turn to protect
Turn back to advancing walk
Turn to closing move
Close
Tai Chi Tigers 2017
Tai Chi Broadsword
Strengthen your body, sharpen your mind, raise your spirit.
Practice with a relaxed body and concentrated mind to lead your Qi through the moves.
Barehand Yang practice should co-ordinate movements with your breathing.
Sword forms must be done slowly in order to maximize the fullness of this elegant and ancient weapon sequence. Patience and practice will develop the sword sequence as a useful and beautiful series of techniques for health and defense.
In order to use the sword effectively the student must learn to use his or her mind to direct and project the Qi through the sword, balancing the flow of energy with the secret sword hand. This is extremely difficult and often takes a lifetime to reach a high level.
It is said, "100 days of bare hand, 1,000 days of Spear, 10,000 days of Sword."
“In actual sword combat, most of the sword motions are done with fluidity and extreme speed, using the whole body. The ultimate goal of the Tai Chi swordsman is to successfully attack by never touching the weapon of the opponent through the use of deceptively quick steps. Mainly used as a defensive weapon, Tai Chi Sword requires a strategy of 'calmness in action.' To achieve this calmness, the student must develop patience, peace of mind, and bravery.
The study and practice of sword techniques, like any martial art, has value that can benefit all aspects of your life. This art form has been developing for over 4,000 years and represents a great development of human culture. Sword training promotes good health. Like any sport, perfecting the art of the sword requires extensive physical training, which results in a strong, finely tuned body. Sword technique retains its personal defense value because it trains one's perceptions and reactions, allowing for quick and correct response to any situation.
Finally, the most important aspect of the art of the sword remains its moral value. The practitioner must develop their endurance, perseverance, and humility. With continued practice, Tai Chi sword will strengthen your spiritual confidence, self-respect, and power”.
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming