The Tai Chi Sword Form (original) (raw)
The Tai Chi Sword is distinguished from the Tai Chi Sabre (or Broadsword) by having two sharp edges and a blade that is perfectly straight.
From my perspective the Sword Form is one of great subtly, nuance and grace. It fosters careful attention to the movements, position and inclinations of the hand as that manifests itself through the sword. There is a complex interweaving of movements of the limbs, manipulations of the sword, changes in directions and feints and deceptions.
The colourful terminology of the postures of the sword form is, in almost every instance, illustrative of the underlying movement dynamic. It is normally executed more slowly than the Sabre form, which can be very quick and dynamic. The Sword Form (Tai Chi Chien) is composed of the following movements:
Opening of Form
- Preparation
- Immortal Guardian Shows the Direction
- Encase the Moon in Three Rings
First Stage
- Needle to the Bottom of the Sea
- Biggest Star in the Big Dipper
- Swallow Skims the Water
- Right Block
- Left Block
- Probe the Sea
- Embrace the Moon
- Bird Seeking Lodging Flies into Forest
Second Stage - Black Dragon Wags its Tail
- Blue Dragon Emerges From Water
- Wind Rolls the Lotus Leaves
- Lion Shakes its Head
- Tiger Hugs its Head
- Wild Horse Leaps the Ravine
- The Smallest Star in the Big Dipper
- Fish the Moon from Sea Bottom
Third Stage
- Shoot the Wild Goose
- White Ape Devotes Fruit
- Brush Dust Against the Wind - right
- Brush Dust Against the Wind - left
- Brush Dust Against the Wind - right
- Push the Boat with the Current
- Meteor Runs After Moon
- Heavenly Steed Soars Across the Sky
Fourth Stage - Lift the Curtain
- Left Wheel
- Right Wheel
- Great Roc Spreads its Wings
- Yellow Bee Returns to Nest
- Embrace the Moon
- Winds Sweeps the Plum Blossoms
- Compass Needle to the South
Closing Form More on the Tai Chi Sword Form from Peter Lim.