Sun Taijiquan Sword (Jian), 76 Movements: Instructions, Lists, Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotes, Notes (original) (raw)
Sun Lu Tang's Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Sun Taijiquan Sword (Jian) Traditional 62 Movements Form
Research by Michael P. Garofalo
Introduction History List of Movements Instructions Performance Times
Bibliography Dictionary Quotations Resources Links Learning Sun Lu Tang (1861-1933)
Best Resources Videos Online Sun Taijiquan Blog Sun Style Taijiquan
Sun Sword Sun Style Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) Sun Style Xing Yi Quan (Hsing I Chuan) Broadsword
Yang 32 Sword Form Yang 55 Sword Form Chen 49 Sword Form Sun 62 Sword Form
Wudang Sword Forms Broadsword (Dao) Saber 13 Sword Techniques Cloud Hands Blog
Taijiquan Jian or T'ai Chi Ch'uan Chien (Gim) : The Double-Edged Straight Chinese Sword
Introduction Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.
Welcome to the Sun Taijiquan Sword (Jian, Gim) 62 Form webpage. I hope this webpage will benefit you in your study of this graceful Sun Taijiquan Sword Form. I welcome your comments, feedback and suggestions. This webpage is currently undergoing daily development, sections are being converted into the PDF format, and the webpage should be completed by the end of September, 2008.
I first learned the Sun Taijiquan Sword Form by using instructionalDVDs or VHS media produced by Taijiquan masters Jiang Jian-ye, Deng Fu Ming, and Sun Jian Yun. I look forward to learning more in the future through my daily practice, research, study, correspondence, workshops, seminars, teaching, and occasional private lessons.
Since personal instruction in the Sun Taijiquan Sword from a qualified sword teacher or Taijiquan sword master, is very difficult to obtain in the United States, most Taijiquan enthusiasts in the USA will need to learn the basics of the Traditional Sun Taijiquan Sword Form on their own. People, like me, who live in less populated rural areas, are extremely unlikely to have access to a Sun Taijiquan sword teacher for regular instruction. Fortunately, using the many outstanding media resources now readily available will make the task of learning the basics of the Sun Taijiquan Traditional 62 Sword Form on your own much easier. I have provided suggestions regarding what I have found to be the best video and print instructional resources for learning the SunTaijiquan Traditional 62 Sword Formbelow. This webpage will also provide written instructions, information, notes, and commentary that might be useful to those persons learning the Traditional Sun Sword Form.
Best Wishes,
Michael P. Garofalo
Valley Spirit Taijiquan,Green Way, Red Bluff, California
April 2008
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Historical Background Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
Grandmaster Sun Lu-Tang (1861-1933), was already a master of the internal martial arts of Bagua Quan and Hsing Yi Quan, an experienced fighter, a renowned author and teacher, and very familiar with many other external and internal martial arts styles before he began a more detailed study of Taijiquan. In 1911, Sun Lu-Tang learned Wu Yu-xiang style of Taijiquan from Hao Wei-Chen (1849-1920). By around 1916, Sun Lu-Tang had created his own version of a Taijiquan bare hand form; and, it is reported, performed his own Taijiquan form every day until he died. In 1921, Sun Lu-Tang published his book "A Study of Taijiquan."
Grandmaster Sun Lu Tang was one of the first persons to write and publish books on all three of the core "internal" Chinese martial arts (i.e., Xing Yi Quan, Ba Gua Quan, and Tai Ji Quan), one of the first persons to openly teach both men and women these three arts in some major cities in China, and one of the first persons to actively and publicly promote the non-martial aspects of these arts to help improve health and fitness, moral character, and spiritual insight. Sun Lutang's books Xing Yi Quan Xue: The Study of Form-Mind Boxing (1915), Baguazhang (1916), and A Study of Taijiquan (1921) were influential early works about the internal martial arts (Nei Jia Quan). His teaching and writing helped interest many modern "Scholar Warriors" in the many interrelations (both real and imagined) between the internal martial arts and Wudang and Emei Taoism, Daoyin (Qigong), Shaolin Buddhism, and traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy (e.g., I Ching, Five Elements, Ba Gua).
Sun Lu Tang says, "There is great emphasis on the method of cultivating the body. All people - men, women, the old, the young - may practice in order to replace temerity with bravery, and stiffness with pliability. Those who are extremely weak, who suffer from fatigue and injury or illness, or who have weakened your qi from the practice of other martial arts to the point that you no longer have the strength to train, all of you may practice Tai Ji Quan. With practice, the qi will quickly come to a balanced state and will become strong, while the spirit naturally returns to a state of wholeness. Disease will be eliminated, and the length of life increased." (A Study of Taijiquan, 1924, p. 60).
Sun Lu-Tang's 1921 book,A Study of Taijiquan, was not very detailed in terms of descriptions of the movements, and there were relatively few photographs in the book, and usually only one black and white photograph of Sun Lu-Tang was provided for each movement. As with most Taijiquan forms, as the years passed after 1921, various Sun Taijiquan teachers modified movements and sequencing of the original 98 movement Sun Taijiquan form. Sun Lu-Tang's many fine students continued to teach the Sun Taijiquan 98 Movement Form long after his death. Three members of the Sun family taught the Sun Style of Taijiquan: his son, Sun Cunzhou, his daughter Sun Jian-Yun, and his granddaughter, Sun Shurong. By the late 1980's there were a number of versions of the Sun Taijiquan forms. This situation, of course, presented problems for those judging Taijiquan "competition" events.
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List of Movements Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements (Movements, Postures, Forms, Attack/Defense Techniques)
List of Movements: Part 1, Movements 1 - 38
List of Movements: Part 2, Movements 39 - 62
2. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
3. Two Dragons Come Out of the Water
4. Harrier Flipping Its Body Over
6. The Immortal Points the Way
7. Blue Dragon Turns Back Its Head
9. Blue Dragon Raises Its Head
11. Blue Dragon Offers Its Claws
13. Sweep the Moon at the Edge of Heaven
14. Fierce Tiger Blocks the Road
15. Blue Dragon Draws Back Its Tail
16. Black Tiger Comes Out of the Cave
17. Wild Geese Land on the Flat Sand
18. Blue Dragon Enters the Sea
19. Embrace the Moon
20. Happy Goose Delivers the Book
22. Single White Goose Out of the Group
23. Dragonfly Skims Across the Water
24. Turn Head Back and Look at the Moon
25. Defeating Style
26. Blocking with the Smart Hand
27. Big Roc Opens Up Its Wings
28. Fierce Tiger Blocks the Road
29. Push the Window Open and Look at the Moon
30. Sweep Sword Alone in the Wind
31. Dragonfly Skims Across the Water
33. Protects the Side Shoulder
34. Sweep Sword with Crossing Legs
35. Blue Dragon Draws Back Its Tail
36. Black Tiger Comes Out of the Cave
37. Embrace the Moon
38. Harrier Flipping Its Body Over
40. Black Tiger Jumps Out of the Cave
41. Take Out Room Beam and Change with the Pillars
43. Embrace the Moon
44. White Snake Lying on the Grass
46. Snap Sword
48. Single White Goose Out of the Group
49. Black Dragon Twists on the Pillars
50. Blue Dragon Draws Its Tail Back
51. Black Tiger Jumps Out of the Cave
54. Single Wild Goose Out of the Group
55. Dragonfly Skims Across the Water
57. Harrier Flies Into the Forest
58. Embrace the Moon
59. Protect the Side Shoulder and Sweep the Sword
60. Insert Flower and Cover the Head
61. Harrier Flipping Its Body Over
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Instructions Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
Section 1, Movements 1 - 10 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
1. Starting Position **(Qi Shi)**預備式
Name of Posure: Starting Form, Opening Posture, Starting Position, Preparation Form/Type. Begin with heels together, feet out a a 45� angle, standing up straight and tall, hands beside the thighs, sword in left hand behind left arm.
2. White Crane Spreads Its Wings (Bai He Liang Chi) 白鹤凉翅
Name of Posture: White Crane Cools Its Wings, White Crane Spreads Its Wings. Open both arms to the sides to about shoulder height, palms facing down.
3. TwoDragons Come Out of the Water (Shuang Long Chu Shui) 双龙出水
Name of Posture: Two Dragons Emerge from the Waters, Double Dragons Come Out of the Water, Two Dragons Come Out of the Waters.
Provide an Explanation:
4. HarrierFlipping Its Body Over (Jian Shen) 踺身折
Name of Posture: Fan Fu 反覆, Zhuan Ti to turn over 转体
Provide an Explanation:
5. Push Left Hand Up (Tui Zou Shou Shang) 推左手上
Provide an Explanation:
6. TheImmortal Points the Way (Xian Ren Zhi Lu) 仙人指路
Provide an Explanation:
7. BlueDragon Turns Back Its Head
Provide an Explanation:
8. Tai-GongGoes Fishing
Provide an Explanation:
9. BlueDragon Raises Its Head
Provide an Explanation:
10. Push Left Hand Up
Provide an Explanation:
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Return to the Sectional Index for the Sword Form
Section 2, Movements 11 - 20 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
11. BlueDragon Offers Its Claws
Provide an Explanation:
12. PhoenixNods Its Head
Provide an Explanation:
13. Sweepthe Moon at the Edge of Heaven
Provide an Explanation:
14. Fierce Tiger Blocks the Road
Provide an Explanation:
15. BlueDragon Draws Back Its Tail
Provide an Explanation:
16. BlackTiger Comes Out of the Cave
Provide an Explanation:
17. WildGeese Land on the Flat Sand
Provide an Explanation:
18. Blue Dragon Enters the Water
Provide an Explanation:
19. Embrace the Moon
Provide an Explanation:
20. HappyGoose Delivers the Book
Provide an Explanation:
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Return to the Sectional Index for the Sword Form
Section 3, Movements 21 - 30 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
21. HappyGoose Delivers the Book
Provide an Explanation:
22. Single White Goose Out of the Group
Provide an Explanation:
23. DragonflySkims Across the Water
Provide an Explanation:
24. Turn Head Back and Look at the Moon
Provide an Explanation:
25. Defeating Style
Provide an Explanation:
26. Blocking with the Smart Hand
Provide an Explanation:
27. BigRoc Opens Up Its Wings
Provide an Explanation:
28. FierceTiger Blocks the Road
Provide an Explanation:
29. Pushthe Window Open and Look at the Moon
Provide an Explanation:
30. SweepSword Alone in the Wind
Provide an Explanation:
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Return to the Sectional Index for the Sword Form
Section 4, Movements 31 - 40 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
31. DragonflySkims Across the Water
Provide an Explanation:
32. Grinding Dish Sword
Provide an Explanation:
33. Protects the Side Shoulder
Provide an Explanation:
34. SweepSword with Crossing Legs
Provide an Explanation:
35. BlueDragon Draws Back Its Tail
Provide an Explanation:
36. BlackTiger Comes Out of the Cave
Provide an Explanation:
37. Embrace the Moon
Provide an Explanation:
38. Harrier Flipping Its Body Over
Provide an Explanation:
39. PushLeft Hand Up
Provide an Explanation:
40. BlackTiger Jumps Out of the Cave
Provide an Explanation:
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Return to the Sectional Index for the Sword Form
Section 5, Movements 41 - 50 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
41. Take Out the Room Beam and Change with the Pillars
Provide an Explanation:
42. BlockDown with Sword
Provide an Explanation:
43. Embracethe Moon
Provide an Explanation:
44. White Snake Lying on the Grass
Provide an Explanation:
45. Exploring the Sea
Provide an Explanation:
46. SnapSword
Provide an Explanation:
47. Harrier Tightens Its Body
Provide an Explanation:
48. SingleWild Goose Out of the Group
Provide an Explanation:
49. BlackDragon Twists on the Pillars
Provide an Explanation:
50. BlueDragon Draws Its Tail Back
Provide an Explanation:
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Return to the Sectional Index for the Sword Form
Section 6, Movements 51 - 62 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
51. BlackTiger Jumps Out the Cave
Provide an Explanation:
52. BlockUp with Sword
Provide an Explanation:
53. Harrier Tightens Its Body
Provide an Explanation:
54. SingleWild Goose Out of the Group
Provide an Explanation:
55. Dragonfly Skims Across the Water
Provide an Explanation:
56. Grinding Disk Sword
Provide an Explanation:
57. Harrier Flies Into the Forest
Provide an Explanation:
58. Embrace the Moon
Provide an Explanation:
59. Protect the Side Shoulder and Sweep the Sword
Provide an Explanation:
60. InsertFlower and Cover the Head
Provide an Explanation:
61. HarrierFlipping Its Body Over
Provide an Explanation:
62. Concluding Posutre
Names: Finishing Movement, Concluding Posture. Provide an Explanation:
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General Remarks Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements By Michael P. Garofalo
Sectional Arrangements of the Sun Style Taijiquan Sword (Jian) 62 Movements Form
Here is my own arrangement of the Sun 62 Movements/Postures Form into 8 sections, segments, or parts:
Performance Times for the Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
| Complete Performance Time Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword 62 Form | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Performer | Source |
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Bibliography, Links, Resources Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
A Note to Readers: The Cloud Hands website has been online continuously since 2001. In this past year, 2007, over 1,041,000 webpages (excluding graphics) were served to readers around the world from the Cloud Hands website. Since 2005, I have also provided an associatedblog to point to changes and additions at the Cloud Hands website: The Cloud Hands: Mind/Body Movement Arts Blog. Since Cloud Hands is a very well-established and stable website, it provides readers with a good and secure starting point for their online research into Taijiquan and Qigong. The Cloud Hands website is funded entirely byGreen Way Research, with volunteer efforts by Michael P. Garofalo.
Unfortunately, as everyone knows, many other websites and webpages and videos appear and then disappear from the Internet scene. Authors do not pay to keep up their web hosting services, loose a "free hosting" option, change filenames, recode away from HTML, or decide to remove webpages for various reasons. Consequently, links to some good webpages or videos become invalid and the files are no longer found on the Internet. You may find a some of these "dead links" to nonexistent webpages or videos cited below; and, there is no way to avoid this troublesome situation. For this reason, when you do find a good and useful webpage, be sure to save the webpage to a folder on your hard drive or server.
I welcome your suggestions for how to improve this webpage. Your comments, ideas, contributions, and constructive criticism are encouraged. Send your suggestions tomy email box.
Artemis Seminars in Sun Style Taijiquan. Instruction video on the traditional original Sun Taijiquan long form, applications, straight sword, broadsword, poster.
Ba Gua Zhang, Pa Kua Chang: Sun Lu Tang Style
Deng Fu Ming, Sun Taiji Master. Instructional DVDs, in Mandarin with English subtitles. Plum Publications DVDs and VCDs. Master Deng demonstrates Sun Style Xing Yi, Ba Gua and Taiji.
Glossary of Sun Style Taijiquan Terms and Movement Names in English and Chinese.
Internal Martial Arts (Nei Jia Quan), Sun Style - Quotations, Sayings, Commentary
List of Movements: 1-62 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) 62 Movements Form
Plum PublicationsSanta Cruz, California. Offers DVDs/VCDs from Sun Jian Yun, Deng Fu Ming, and Joanna Zoya. Sun Lu Tang DVDs/VCDs: Page 1, Page 2.
Quotations: Internal Martial Arts (Nei Jia Quan), Sun Style - Quotations, Sayings, Commentary
Recommended for Learning the Sun Taijiquan Sword Form
Simplified 32 Sword Form, Simplified, Yang Style, Taijiquan Jian. By Michael P. Garofalo. This popular webpage includes a comprehensive bibliography, scores of links to webpages; an extensive listing of the names and name variations for each movement in English, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish; a detailed analysis of each posture and movement sequence with explanations and numbered illustrations and detailed instructions; selected quotations; comments on 20 Taijiquan sword techniques; a comprehensive media bibliography; a chart of performance times; and, a comparison of the 32 and 55 sword forms in the Yang style. This is the standard, simplified, orthodox, 1957, 32 Taiji Sword Form, in the Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. � Michael P. Garofalo, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, January 2008. 245Kb+.
Sun Bagua SwordInstructional VCD, 60 minutes. By Zhang Zhen Hua, Sun Jian Yun. Available from Plum Publications, VCD232.
Sun Lu Tang: Books, DVDs, VCDs, Pamphlets. Plum Publications, CA.
Sun Lu Tang (Sun Fun Quan, Sun Luc Tan) 1861-1933 Chronology of his life.
Sun Lu Tang's Internal Martial Arts: Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Taijiquan, and Qigong. Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Resources, Instructions.
Sun Style Bagua Sword, Traditional, Level 1. Presented by Jiang Jian-ye. Instructional VHS videotape, 120 minutes. Step by step instructions, multiple views, demonstrations. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos.
Sun Style BaGua Zhang, Including BaGua Sword. By Sun Lu Tang. Translated by Joseph Crandall. Plum Publications. 108 pages. New revised edition. Volume XIII of Classical Bagauzhang Series, replaces Volumen VI. Includes original photos of Sun Lu Tang doing the forms. Bagua Quan Xue and Bagua Quan Jian. Originally published in 1916.
Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan: Quotations, Sayings, Commentary
Sun Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form. Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 450Kb, June 2008. This webpage includes an introduction, information on the history of the Sun Taijiquan forms, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, a large collections of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, recommendations on the best media resources on the topic, and suggestions for learning the 73 competition Sun Taijiquan form. A detailed comparative list of the names of each of the 73 movements isprovided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. This webpage includes detaileddescriptions of each of the 73 movements with black and white illustrations for each movement sequence along with commentary and comparisons. Many additional nomenclature lists and section study charts in the PDF format, photographs and graphics are also provided - over 1.3 MB of information. This webpage is the most detailed and complete document on the subject of the Sun Taijiquan Competition 73 Form available on the Internet. This document was published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2008. URL:http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/sun73.htm.
Sun Style Tai Chi. Demonstration of Sun style Taiji form and Sun style sword form. Demonstration by Sun Jian Yun, daughter of Sun Lu Tang, the founder of Sun style. 4 VCD's in 3 boxes, 183 minutes. Narration in Mandarin Chinese. No subtitles. Also, 120 Minutes DVD of Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan Classical Routine by Sun Jian Yun.
Sun Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan Bibliography, links, quotes, resources, lists. 200Kb+.
Sun Style Tai Chi Sword. Presented by Jiang Jian-ye. Instructional VHS videotape or DVD, 120 minutes. Step by step instructions, multiple views, demonstrations. A 62 posture form. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. Capitol District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association of New York, 1997.
Sun Style Tai Chi Sword Actual Combat. Demonstrations by Deng Fu Ming, Sun Master. Instructional DVD, 50 minutes, narration in Mandarin with English subtitles. Plum Publications, DVD 18044.
Sun Style Taijiquan Quotations and Notes
Sun Style Taijiquan Sword Form: Bibliography, Links, Instructions, Resources, Notes, Lists
Sun Style Taijiquan Sword Form: List of Movements: 1-62 Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) 62 Movements Form
Sun SwordInstructional VCD, 60 minutes. By Sun Jian Yun. Available from Plum Publications, VCD27. Now also available in DVD. TheDVD (Plum: # 10027) is narrated in Mandarin and has English subtitles, the VCDs are narrated in Mandarin with no subtitles.
Sun Xing Yi SwordInstructional VCD, 60 minutes. By Zhang Zhen Hua, and some by Sun Jian Yun. Available from Plum Publications, VCD333. ISBN: 788721100X.
Survey of the Sun Style Demonstration VCD, 60 minutes. By Sun Jian Yun, family members, and senior students. Available from Plum Publications, VCD25. ISBN: 788721100X. "Starts with a performance of Sun T'ai Chi by Sun Jian-Yun, herself an "old Shihfu". Other students and family members help demonstrate T'ai Chi, Sun Style Ba Gua Partner Sword practice, Sun Style Hsing Yi Fist Set, and a rather nice Sun style Xing Yi sword." DVD
Taiji Sword Sun Style. UTube, 1:38 min.
Thirteen Sun Taiji Sword Techniques
Traditional Sun Style Tai Chi Sword. Presented by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. Instructional VHS videotape or DVD, 120 minutes. Step by step instructions, multiple views, demonstrations. A 62 posture form. Jiang's Tai Chi Videos. Capitol District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association of New York, 1997.
Videos Online Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
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Quotations Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements
Quotations about Sun Lu Tang's Internal Martial Arts : Tai Ji Quan, Ba Gua Quan, Hsing Yi Quan
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Recommendations for Learning Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword (Jian) Form, 62 Movements By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.
I get email from readers asking me to recommend books, videotapes, VCDs, or DVDs for them to use to study the Sun style Taijiquan Traditional Sword Form. I have viewed VCDs, DVDs, and/or VHS videotapes on the subject of the Sun Taiji sword form. I have collected nearly all of the printed and media materials on the subject. As far as I know,this webpage has the most information online about the subject of the traditional Sun sword form. I welcome suggestions from readers of this webpage about this topic.
I have provided numerous strategies, tactics, tips and suggestions for learning Taijiquan forms on your own on my webpages on the 24 Standard Taijiquan Short Yang Form and the32 Standard Sword Yang Form.
Based upon the products that I have reviewed, I recommend the following instructional resources:
1. Traditional Sun Style Tai Chi Sword. Instruction by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye, Master Tai Chi and Kung Fu Instructor. Albany, New York, Capital District Tai Chi and Kung Fu Association of New York, 1997. Instructional VHS videotape or DVD, 1997, 120 minutes, color. "This is the traditional sword form of the Sun Family, who refined upon the preceding Wu (Hao) Family, Xing Yi Chuan, and Bagua Zhang to show the unique characteristics of this later, further developed style." Includes: 1. Demonstration of the entire form. 2. Explanation and demonstration of each specific posture/movement, then a demonstration of each movement at slow speeds from multiple angles. 3. Multiple demonstrations of parts/sections section/parts of entire form, and the form is divided into 12 sections for teaching. Good color and focus of camera throughout the production. Very clear and understandable audio narration voiceover, with relatively quiet background Chinese music. The instruction is presented in a lovely park meadow with trees in the background. Part 1, Movements 1-38; Part 2, Movements 39-62. This is the VHS instructional videotape that I am using to learn this form.
2. Sun Style Taijiquan Sword Form, 62 Movements. Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 350Kb, September 2008. This webpage includes an introduction, information on the history of the traditional Sun Taijiquan 62 Sword form, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, a large collection of quotationsabout Sun Taijiquan, recommendations on the best media resources on the topic, and suggestions for learning the Sun Taijiquan 62 Sword Form. A detailed list of the names of each of the 62 movements isprovided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. This webpage includes detaileddescriptions of each of the 62 movements with black and white photographs illustrating each movement sequence along with commentary and comparisons. Many additional nomenclature lists and section study charts in the PDF format, photographs and graphics are also provided. This webpage is the most detailed and complete document on the subject of the traditional Sun Taijiquan 62 Sword Form available on the Internet. This document was published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, September 2008. URL:http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/sunsword.htm.
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| StandardDirectional Scheme Used for Describing the Sun Style Taijiquan 73 Form Used By Mike Garofalo Directional Instructions and Alternatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Key | Clock Hour Direction | Compass Direction A | |
| N 12 | 12:00 o'clock | North - Front Side of Body | |
| NE 1 | 1:30 o'clock | Northeast | |
| E 3 | 3:00 o'clock | East - Right Side of Body | |
| SE 4 | 4:30 o'clock | Southeast | |
| S 6 | 6:00 o'clock | South - Back Side of Body | |
| SW 7 | 7:30 o'clock | Southwest | |
| W 9 | 9:00 o'clock | West - Left Side of Body | |
| NW 10 | 10:30 o'clock | Northwest |
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谷神太极拳
Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A. Cities in the area: Yuba City, Marysville, Oroville, Paradise, Willows, Durham, Chico, Hamilton City, Orland, Corning, Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber, Manton, Red Bluff, Cottonwood, Anderson, Shasta Lake, Shasta County, Palo Cedro, and Redding, CA, California
Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Valley Spirit Taijiquan Center, Red Bluff, California
Sun Lu Tang (1861-1933)Biographical Information
Sun Taijiquan Competition 73 Forms
Sun Taijiquan Sword (Jian) Form, 45 Movements
Cloud Hands: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung Website
Detailed Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Sun Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotes, Notes.
Sun Taijiquan: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Instructions, Quotations, Index
Sun Style Taiji Quan: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Instructions, Quotations, Index
Sun Tai Chi: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Instructions, Quotations, Index
Sun Lu Tang's T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Taijiquan, Taiji Quan, Tai Chi
Sun Lu Tang's Bagua Quan, Baqua Zhang, Bagua, Baguazhang
Sun Lu Tang's Xing Yi Quan, Hsing I Chuan, Hsing I, Mind-Form Boxing, Form-Will Boxing
Sun Lu Tang's Sword, Jian, Saber, Dan Dao
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Miscellaneous Research Notes and Findings
The single exercise series of Sun-style Taiji swordplay is divided into two parts. The upper sword one is from the 1 st form to the 38th form. The lower sword one is from the 39th form to the end. The two swords can be combined for single exercise or divided for attack and defence exercises. Sun Style tai-chi, a very important and popular branch of Tai-chi family in China, is famous for its flexibility and activeness. Sun style Taijiquan is the most recently developed of the five major styles. Sun Style is to promote peace and good health, it incorporated the key elements of Pa Kua and Hsing-I into the framework and theories of Taijiquan. The Taijiquan community throughout the world continues to regard Sun Taijiquan as an authentic expression of the internal arts and one of the major styles of the art. Sun Tai Chi and its spirit continues to bring health, morals and martial skills to all those who practice the system. The single exercise series of Sun-style Taiji swordplay is divided into two parts. The upper sword one is from the 1 st form to the 38th form. The lower sword one is from the 39th form to the end. The two swords can be combined for single exercise or divided for attack and defence exercises.
Illustrated and demonstrated by Master Sun Jian Yun (Sun Kim Wuen). Ms Sun is the daughter of the Sun Tai Chi Guru Master Sun Lu Tang. If you practice Sun Tai Chi, you will know how precious this DVD is as Ms. Sun has passed away at age of 90. This DVD records the geniune movements and elegant postures of one of the greatest master of our time. If you have not known Ms. Sun, we encourage you to do an internet search, then you will know what a great treat this DVD is! .
The video is demonstrated by Martial Art Masters in China. You will learn that their first class technique and elegant moves will not only be a great learning tool, but also great just for viewing pleasure. The movements are shot through multiple angles with slow and easy to follow steps specifically designed for people learning through videos. Although unless otherwise specified, all martial art videos are in Chinese, you will find it easy to follow the steps and learn from the masters.
Ironically, since Ku taught in Canton, many of his students would immigrate to other countries. This one reason why Sun style is so muddled in the West despite its increasing popularity in China. Many students of my generation discover the same ambiguities of this initial Yang form and are confused by it. This confusion has inhibited the spread of Sun style. Furthermore, it is one of the youngest styles; It has not had the time to spread. Sun Lu Tang (1861-1933) created his style in the autumn years of his life. Some of his direct students are still alive. However, the appeal of Sun style is definitely on the rise.
What makes Sun Style unique is that it is unites the trinity of internal styles, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Tai Chi Chuan. Sun began his study of internal style with Xingyiquan under master Li Kui Yuan, eventually absorbing all that Li had to offer. Li sent Sun to his own teacher, the renown master Guo Yun Shen. Through Guo Yen Shen, Sun was introduced his Baguazhang teacher, master Cheng Ting Hua, a direct student that system's founder, Dong Hai Chuan. Sun also trained in Tai Chi Chuan under the founder of Hao style, Hao Weizhen.
Sun Lu Tang fused all of these teaching into his new style of Tai Chi. He incorporated the stance work from Xingyiquan, where the stances are seldom wider than shoulder with. Here, both legs are crouched and ready to spring forward, propelling the waist to advance or retreat. The foot work was extracted from Baguazhang. Baguzhang uses circular patterns to pivot around to the opponent's flanks, relying on careful placement of body weight on their heel or the toe, and quick and distinct sifts in balance. The overall softness and flow of the movements come from Tai Chi. This cultivates Qi flow by emphasizing the natural movements of the body. Qi flow was Sun Lu Tang's primary concern. He created is Tai Chi in order to teach his method of channeling internal energy.
This gives Sun style Tai Chi a distinctive character. Its footwork is compact, unlike the wide stances of the other styles of Tai Chi. The hand movements re more linear than the other styles, with minimal extension. It's movements are shorter and tighter. One might even say that Sun is to Yang as Wing Chun is to Shaolin. The most distinctive movement is the "open hands" and "close hands" gesture that precedes the Sun style "single whip". This movement compels the practitioner to center their balance, ground themselves and harmonize their breathing. Sometimes Sun style is known as "open and closed" Tai Chi.
Sun Lu Tang is survived by his daughter, Sun Jian Yun. Now in her eighties, Sun Jian Yun is the current Grandmaster of Sun style and one of the few women who stands among the great Tai Chi Chuan master of China. When the Chinese Wushu Association under the auspices of the People's Republic of China standardized four of the Tai Chi Chuan styles (Yang, Chen, Wu, and Sun) for competition, she openly protested the new modifications. As part of this standardization, a flying kick was added to the form, presumably to add to the degree of difficulty and increase its audience appeal. Sun Jian Yun vehemently opposed this movement stating that Sun style always keeps one food on the ground. Although this standardization represents both "official" recognition and publicity, Sun Jian Yun's name is noticeably absent from verifying committee for competition Sun style.
It is Sun Jian Yun's mission to preserve the authentic legacy of her father. As part of her campaign, she authorized the wing Lam Kung Fu School as the American Branch of the Sun Style Research Institute, joining a family of branches she had formed in China, Hong Kong and Japan. Her disciple, master Paul Tam, established contact between master Lam in America and grandmaster Sun in China. Master Tam's teacher was Lung Chi Cheung, a classmate of Yen Shang Wo and another student of Ku Yu Cheung. Tam learned Ku's school of Sun Tai Chi and even wrote a book on the subject (see Tai Chi Chuan: Theory and Practice (B501) on page 18), but doubted that the Yang from was actually Sun Style. To solve this mystery, he went directly to the source, and found Sun Jian Yum. She taught him the authentic form and he became one of her disciples in 1994, Tam brought calligraphy and Tai Chi banner from Sun Jian Yun to acknowledge the appointment of the Wing Lam Kung Fu School as the American branch.
Lately there has been a lot of interest in the writings of Sun Lu Tang. He contributed five treatises on martial arts theory, each of which remains well respected for the penetrating insights. Finally, these writings are becoming available in English (see Xing Yi Wuan Xue B513 on page 18). While these are available contributions to the field, it is important to remember Sun's legacy of motion as well as his theory. Ultimately, the Sun style Ta Chi form is Sun Lu Tang's masterpiece. As Tai Chi enjoys increased popularity in the West, and more people learn the benefits of Bagua and Xingyi, the Sun shall also rise.
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This document was first published on the WWW by Green Way Research in April, 2008.
This document was last modified or updated on April 12, 2012.