Professor Cheng said, “While doing the form the Tassel should always be dancing.”
#PhilosophicalFriday
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#PhilosophicalFriday is the Taiji Forum blog on philosophy and theory of the Chinese arts. It works with expressions and calligraphies from East and West to explore parallels and differences between Chinese and „Western“ culture and thought. – And it gives you a little something to chew on for your weekend.
At the moment, we are publishing a section of Ken van Sickle’s book „Tai Chi Sword“ every week. Simultaneously, Gabi’s German translation will be published on our German sister page. Be prepared for some unique insights into the philosophy and practice of the way of the sword in the Cheng Man Ching tradition!
The Sword Fingers are used as a balance to the sword hand and to round out the posture, as in “Raise Hands”.
Ken van Sickle is famous for his swordplay & his photographs of Cheng Man Ching
As we do the sword form, and as we fence, we must take care to move the sword as its nature requires.
We grip the handle the way a baby holds our finger; the fist is firm, but the arm is relaxed.
Tai Chi principles lead us to moving the point by moving our grip / hand in the opposite direction, leaving the centre of the ‘stick’ relatively still like a lever, with little wrist strength required.
The edge of the blade must move exactly in the direction of the blade’s movement.
When doing sword form or fencing the sword is moved from our centre, and on the sword’s centre.
To the degree that you plan or anticipate (think) …
… You are not in the present time, and thereby vulnerable.
The Chinese word ‘Hsin’ is translated as ‘Heart’ or ‘Heart Mind’
“The Sword is the king of weapons.” – CHENG MAN CH’ING
The swordswoman Yue Nu was famous for having vanquished all challengers. She was able to successfully fight several men at the same time and was in charge of training the king’s swordsmen.
A calligrapher will illustrate the correct energy and movement for the brush by displaying a sword movement, and …
What we learn in Tai Chi has universal validity, that which comes at us, should be returned.
I am separating the fencing study into four parts in order to clarify these stages.
It is said in western sport fencing that “It’s all in the wrist”. With Tai Chi sword work “It’s all in the centre”.
Using a sword in the Tai Chi way will enhance your relationship with any instrument, be it a shovel, a brush, or a violin.
In fencing if the O pushes our blade in a circle we take that energy, continuing the O’s circle, adding a little speed and spiral toward the target – the O’s limb or body.
In their wisdom the ancient masters evolved the forms and passed them down. The forms are of a nature that when they are practised they inform us as…
Do we use force? – We do.
What force? – Mostly Yin, some Yang.