Tai Chi Sword – The Best GIF And Tips For Beginners
tai chi sword
This is about a martial art form called Tai Chi Sword. It’s a graceful and traditional style of swordplay that emphasizes a blend of gentleness and strength, like water flowing smoothly.
Stand with feet together, facing south, body upright, eyes looking straight, head and neck in line. Your arms hang naturally, your left hand holding the sword upwards, your right hand guiding with your palm facing inward.
Starting Movement:
Step your left foot aside.
Raise both arms.
Rotate your body while swinging the arms.
Step forward into a bow stance and point.
Extend your arms in a circular motion.
Move into a bow stance while handling the sword. Remember to maintain a distance of about 30 centimeters between your feet during the bow stance.
Sword Pointing Forward:
When pointing the sword, focus your strength using your thumb, ring finger, and pinky.
Thrusting Motion:
Retract your foot while pulling back the sword. (Tip: As you withdraw your right foot, land the front part of your foot first, angling it outward about 60 degrees)
Lift your foot and jab forward. (Tip: Lift your left knee as high as possible, slightly turning your shin and foot inward to protect your groin. Keep your left knee facing forward and in line with your left elbow)
Sweeping Backward:
Step back while swinging the sword downward.
Sweep the sword in a backward step.
Horizontal sweep to the Right:
Bring your foot back and the sword along with it.
Step forward while guiding the sword.
Tip: Step at an angle of about 30 degrees from the centerline.
Move into a bow stance while sweeping the sword.
Horizontal Sweep to the Left:
Bring back your foot and the sword.
Step forward while guiding the sword.
Move into a leftward bow stance.
Independent Swing and Strike:
Swing the sword by rotating your body.
Step forward and raise the sword.
Independently strike downward.
Retreating Withdrawal:
Step back while lifting the sword.
Take a partial step back while retracting the sword.
Independent Upward Thrust:
Rotate your body and lift the sword.
Thrust upward while lifting your knee.
Partial Retreat and Lower Block:
Swing the sword by rotating your body.
Take a partial step back while lowering the sword.
Left Bow Stance Thrust:
Step back while lifting the sword. Tip: Point the sword about 30 degrees to the left.
Rotate your body and withdraw the sword.
Bring back your foot and the sword.
Thrust forward in a leftward bow stance.
Turn and Diagonal Sweep:
Bring your foot closer while retracting the sword.
Adjust your body position.
Move into a rightward bow stance.
Compact Diagonal Sweep:
Lift your foot while pulling back the sword.
Step back while guiding the sword.
Knee Lifting Sword Hold:
Take a partial step while separating the sword.
Lift your knee while holding the sword.
Jumping Stab:
Land and retract the sword.
Thrust forward while holding the sword.
Jump slightly and separate the sword.
Thrust forward in a bow stance.
Left Footwork: Sword Lift:
Bring your foot back and move around the sword.
Take a step around the sword.
Step to the left while moving the sword upward.
Right Bow Stance: Sword Lift:
Rotate your body around the sword.
Take a step around the sword.
Step to the right while moving the sword upward.
Tips for beginners
When is it a good time to start learning Tai Chi swords?
Under the guidance of a teacher, you should first learn Tai Chi for 6 months, then learn Tai Chi push hands for 6 months, and then learn Tai Chi sword. In other words, it is better to learn Tai Chi sword after one year, while continuing to practice Tai Chi.
How to choose a sword?
A Tai Chi sword is a sword used in Tai Chi practice. It consists of five parts: the blade, the guard, the hilt, the pommel, and the scabbard. The length of the blade is generally three feet, also known as the “three-foot green edge.” It is best to hold the sword with your arm hanging down and the tip pointing up, close to the edge of your ear, but not lower than your ear.
If you are proficient in sword techniques, you can choose a long sword to enhance the competitive and viewing effects. In this case, the tip of the sword should be close to the height of your head when you hold it with your arm hanging down, but not higher than your head.
When choosing a sword, it is important to avoid choosing a sword that is too soft or too hard. A soft sword will “lower its head” when thrusted straight, and a hard sword will lack “strength” and be difficult to shake, affecting the performance. Generally, when choosing a sword, bend the tip of the sword towards the hilt by 120° to 180° and then return it to its original position. The sword should still be able to return to its original straightness.
Things to keep in mind when learning Tai Chi sword
Time, place, and clothing:
Avoid practicing Tai Chi sword in the morning before sunrise, as the air in the forest is filled with carbon dioxide, which can lead to chronic poisoning.
It is best to practice a Tai Chi sword in the afternoon or evening.
Choose a sandy area to practice the Tai Chi sword. Concrete or stone floors are too hard and can damage your ankles.
Wear loose, soft, and breathable Tai Chi clothing with tight sleeves and a fitted waist. This type of clothing is not only good for circulation, but it also looks elegant when you are practicing a Tai Chi sword.
Warm-up before practicing:
There are many different ways to warm up. Choose a method that works for you.
Be careful not to hurt yourself or others when practicing Tai Chi sword.
When practicing wrist flowers, do not lower your head. Make sure your sword hand movements are correct.
When practicing sweeping and lifting sword movements, especially reverse lifting sword movements, keep your eyes on the sword and coordinate your body movements with your sword movements. Only use force when you are sure that there is no one behind you.
When practicing in a group, maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents.
Things to keep in mind when caring for your sword:
Avoid hitting the sword tip on the ground, which can damage the tip.
When practicing hanging and chopping sword movements, such as a cloud sword and sweeping sword, be especially careful not to drop the sword. A sword that is dropped to the ground or a wall can easily deform the sword’s body.
When practicing in a group, maintain a safe distance to avoid bumping into each other and damaging the sword blade.
After each practice session, wipe the sword body with a clean cotton cloth to remove sweat and fingerprints, which can corrode and oxidize the sword body.
Do not store the sword in a humid place, and avoid contact with acidic or alkaline substances.
The sheath of a Tai Chi sword is usually made of wood.
Due to different climatic conditions in different regions, the sheath may often crack or shrink. You can use a soft cloth containing a small amount of oil to wipe the sheath and sword regularly. This will help keep the sword smooth and shiny, prevent cracking and shrinkage, and add to the sword’s aesthetic appeal.