WEAPONS TRAINING in T’ai chi is generally a series of weapons forms in which students integrate advanced concepts along with the basic structural dynamics of empty hands taiji. Some of the weapons practiced in various schools of taiji include Jian (double edged long-sword), Tao (single edged broad sword),staff, spear, fan, kwan do (broad bladed pole arm). Because each weapon has a varying dynamic, they effect the practictioner's structure in a variety of ways. Therefore each weapon helps a student of taiji to progressively strengthen their structure in different ways and helps them to achieve a wider range of possible movement within the practice of taichi. Weapons practice also trains a student to more powerfully issue force in a variety of ways.

When considered strictly from a perspective of enhancing taichi ergonomics and structural abilities, weapons have a valid place in the practice of taiji. It is apparent however, that historically, weapons were not merely a devices for training movement. They were used for war and self defense and still are, even though the shape of the weapons has evolved. Therefore, practice of forms alone should not be considered as a complete practice of the weapons curriculum of taiji.

There are a variety of paired forms that have been developed to help practitioners understand the dynamics of actual martial exchange of techniques while using the weapons, and it is likely that these forms have some merit in aiding practitioners to develop practical military or self-defense proficiency with these weapons.

Additional practice methods which were historically used include practice of basic cuts and attacks, paired drills practiced in repetition, and free play with wooden or safety weapons to simulate actual combat. Unfortunately, few schools currently teach or have had access to a complete system of traditional Chinese swordplay or weaponsplay. A reason for this may be that many skills were split, by lineage and politics during the turbulent periods of Communist takeover in the early and middle parts of the 20th century and by the disassembling of traditional arts that followed. However, on the bright side, numerous dedicated masters religously preserved and disseminated what they knew. Because of their efforts and courage, along with the diligence of their successors, it has become possible to collect and reasemble their knowledge and along with the aid of historical practice texts, take steps to restore these martial arts treasures.

For additional information on the specifics of freeplay practice methods, and available instruction please view

Chinese Historical Swordsmanship At Ziran T'aichi Kungfu Center

updated 8/01/05