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The Importance of Weapons training in Tai Chi Chuan

Many students come to Taiji and believe all there is to the art is a slow form they've seen in the parks or on the TV. There is much much more; it's a complete system including strengthening exercises, sensitivity exercises, philosophy and weapons. Different schools have various numbers of weapons but generally they all teach the straight sword (Jian). The reasons for this article is to explain their importance and the function of each weapon in their formation of the 'Taiji whole picture'.

I have known schools that teach weapons as a kind of dance; an extra bolt on to make their system more interesting and lucrative. Lets consider the dictionary definition for weapon - an instrument of offence or defence [the Wordsworth concise English dictionary]; I suppose an extremely bad dance could be construed as 'offensive' but I don't think they're quite the same thing.

Different weapons develop different skills or areas of Tai Chi Chuan; although our school practices straight sword, broad sword, walking stick, staff, spear and fan, I will focus on the most popular three to give a common ground. These are broad sword, spear and straight sword. These are sometimes refereed to as the 100 day, 1000 day and 10,000 day weapons respectively due to their level of complexity to master. I will explore each in turn.

Broad-Sword (Dao)

We practice the 32 step Yang style form as described in Weapons of Primordial Pugilism by Dr. Tseng Ju-Pai. The blade is curved and single edge thereby making it a hacking and slashing weapon. There are two types readily available: a light flimsy one used by Wu Shu stylists and a more robust one favoured by Tai Chi Chuan (plus other northern Chinese martial art styles) and made in China by Dragon Well; the blade is usually approx. 28" long. As well as the solo form, individual training exercises are used along with partner work for application practice. This weapon uses coiling and extensively trains the waist as the power is needed to draw the blade through flesh or body (please try not to kill any partners in class). This was ostensibly a battlefield weapon but this does not mean it was designed to be wielded and applied as if you are in an Errol Flynn swash-buckling movie; It is important to use the skill of Tai Chi i.e. sticking, neutralising, redirecting and applying. When blocking a strike this should be done in a sweeping action and with the side of the blade to prevent damage to the cutting edge (the steel wasn't very good quality) in addition to the use of force against force. The circular force developed by this weapon is excellent for use in fixed step push-hands, grappling or throwing.
In terms of modern application the methodology could be applied to almost anything from the new police batons to an umbrella, walking stick or rolled up newspaper. The techniques can be applied empty hand against empty hand, or empty hand against a weapon to allow resistance training. In addition to this, heavy weapons improve strength and stamina; Yang Cheng Fu is quoted as saying "The heavier the weapons the more energies are gained". This is probably the post apt weapon to modern day as it is a close quarters weapons and includes seizing your opponent. It is extremely useful in developing Peng Jing (ward-off energy), the first and most important underlying energy used in Tai Chi Chuan. It is imperative that awareness of the weapon is developed, as both an extension of the body and improvement of focus. Be aware of the cutting edge as it slices through the air, of the hilt and pommel as striking implements in their own right; hitting with the butt of the weapon (pommel) is a very painful point strike as well as a method of creating space for the blade to cut through. Wrist locks can also be practised with this section of the weapon and applied to everyday items, even a coke bottle (most likely not a 3 litre plastic one). We only have to look at Aikido to witness the effectiveness of weapons awareness applied effectively in empty hand techniques.

Spear (Qiang)

The spear is an excellent strength building weapon and I remember being told stories of practitioners thrusting the tip into heavy sacks and attempting to throw them away to build this power. A tale regarding the spear was told of Yang Ban Hou, Yang Cheng Fu's brother, who it was said, ordered the heads be removed from spears after his daughter was killed during spear play.

The most simple and common introduction to spear training is that purported to have been taught by Yang Cheng Fu and is commonly known as shaking. This involves three or four movements, dependant on how you count: (1) swing the head and tassel of the spear anti-clockwise by turning your waist and wrist and draw a circle. (2) swing the head and tassel of the spear clockwise by turning your waist and wrist and draw a circle. (3) thrust the spear forwards sliding it through your left hand. (4) pull back and press down. The first two movements are blocks and the third a strike. Although simple these movements are fundamental to correct use of the spear.

From here you can build on to two person spear work and form training. I have been taught a form developed by my teacher, Master Tan Ching Ngee of Singapore, which I find quite aerobic. The extended focus and footwork is ideal for developing advancing and entering skills. The use of Ting Jing and Fa Jing are apparent and the feeling of energy extension can be compared to form postures such as double push, single whip or left and right toe kick. Two person practice should have the flavour of push hands not of Friar Tuck and Robin Hood!! Techniques to consider are thrusting, controlled deflection and redirection to enter.

The use of same weapon and mixed weapon training/sparring will develop empty hand skills as well as weapons awareness. The ability to coil through an opponents attack and strike at their 'very heart' is a skill especially developed by the extension quality of the spear.

It is said that the red horse hair is used to distract an attacker or their horse (it probably doesn't have the same effect with a car so don't try). It is also said that the hair is to stop blood dripping down the spear shaft and making the user lose grip; I've never put this to the test as you tend to lose students when you stab them....

Straight-sword (Jian)

'Alive hold the sword, dead hold the sabre'. This Chinese idiom means that the Broad-sword is rigid and inflexible where as the straight sword is lively and flowing.

We practice the 54 step form as taught by Professor Cheng Man Ching; this is my teachers favourite weapon. We also practice the 13 sword secrets form, developed by Master Tan, to allow us to focus on the essential methods and hand grips used in proper Jian practice. This has long been considered the gentleman's weapon and it has been said that a scholar has to be well-read, and well-versed in fencing. The flavour of sword application is similar to that used in calligraphy; the smooth flow and sweeps require a skilful and light sensitive grip. It is apparent this weapon requires the highest level of skill and as such is often referred to in Chinese Mythology highlighting its importance in their culture. Nigel Sutton referred to this in his book 'Applied Tai Chi' where he compares it to the legend of Excalibur. These swords were often called 'Bao Jian' (precious sword). He stated that Professor Cheng is said to have owned such a sword and was able to pierce holes in coins.

Robert Smith quotes Professor Cheng as saying "Never put more than four ounces on your opponent and never allow them to put more than four ounces on you". This principle is essential for proper Jian use; to sense your opponents intentions and to offer them nothing is the highest skill in Tai Chi Chuan. Cheng, as with my teacher, lit up at thought of sword sparring; this sparring is not swash buckling, it has the flavour of free push hands. The combination of Ting Jing and swift footwork are devastating in action.

The double edge sword is designed to be razor sharp at the tip and be progressively blunter towards the hilt as the blade thickens. This tapered thickness allows for a spring like quality, as with Peng, and reduces the risk of the opponent finding your centre. It is designed to stick and deflect lightly then slash swiftly at vulnerable areas e.g. ankle tendons or thumbs. Sparring brings a new life to the weapon and in turn your empty hand techniques. The most apparent skill developed would be fast effective footwork which is essential for quick and effective combat. Moving from standard push-hands to striking is a natural progression developed by straight sword methodology.

A notable characteristic of the straight sword is the form of the free hand. This is held with the index and middle finger extended and the ring and little fingers bent and held by the thumb. This is commonly known as 'secret sword hand' and some say is used for striking vital points, in fact one exponent states that it is used to conceal a knife. A more practical interpretation is that it is used to balance the body and focus the chi; the whole body must have Yin and Yang, full and empty, and therefore no life in the other hand would brake the principles of Tai Chi Chuan.

Each weapon develops essential Tai Chi skills and highlights them for correct use in all areas of this wondrous, multi-faceted, art. The many energies including sticking, neutralising, understanding, redirecting and applying, find their place. Search out a teacher that knows and can apply their weapons, not just hang them on a wall. 'How to find a good teacher' is an article in the writing (watch this space) but initially follow a few simple rules:

1. Research the art
2. Ask their background, teachers etc.
3. Check if they are members of your country's relevant governing body
4. Test their knowledge and application.
5. Or just pay me........!

Written by Mark Peters
Kai Ming Association for Taijiquan