T'ai Chi Sword Examples

We often find that the sword is a very powerful symbol in many cultures around the world and perhaps most notably China. For example, you will find that straight swords, also known as chien or jian, are used by many Taoist priests, both for protection and training, because they are symbols of "Yang" energy, roughly translated to mean creative, male or brightness.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the sword represents wisdom and courage, cutting through delusion and ignorance. When we see illustrations we often see swords in the hands of Taoist immortals and Gods, especially Zhong Gui, Lu Dong Bin and ultimately Guan Yu, the God of War and Literature. In Buddhist illustrations and iconography, we can see swords carried by Bodhisattva of Wisdom Manjushri and by those who guard the temple.

We know that swords have been used as China's military weapons for more than 3000 years.

In T'ai chi ch'uan, we often see the jian or chien, or the straight sword. These are principally seen in the advanced forms of training. Here we find the weapon primarily has a long hilt and a three-foot blade, although they were often customarily made for a specific user. The blade will have fine cutting edges on both sides below the tip with very sharp points. The edges will extend for about 6 to 8 inches. Beneath that the blade is blunt, for extra strength and for parrying. Normally the taichi swords have simple cross hand guards and design touches, making it a very precise weapon designed to penetrate specific pressure points on the body or get between gaps in armour. It's not a weapon to be used for brute force and sharpened edges around the tip are meant to impart precision cuts to the windpipe or to arteries.

Furthermore, in accordance with T'ai chi principles, force has to be avoided and we should instead exploit the weaknesses of an attacker.

Certain teachers prefer that the students learn form by using lightweight, blunt or wooden swords. In this way, they will be able to keep the sword under control without relying on their strength. However, many think that as this form is so advanced, it should only be used by proficient students who can deal with the weight of the real sword and use it correctly without falling back on trying to impart strength instead.

Different schools of thought each rely on principles and the dynamism of the specific form. Advanced sword training requires reflex sensitivity and careful partner work.

Yet another form of Chinese sword is the broadsword or dao. This has a military basis as a slashing weapon, but certain schools use this in preparation for the more advanced Jian sword and it is used in resistance and agility training. Remember that the dao is a very heavy weapon used by foot soldiers and can help to stretch and loosen the joints.

Any time training with taichi swords, even ones that are lightweight, great care should be exercised and instruction should be sought from a teacher who is qualified and has an advanced appreciation of the system.


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Dr Stewart McFarlane is a well-known teacher of Chinese Martial Arts and has served in the close personal security team protecting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his UK visits. If you liked this article on taichi swords, download his free report 'The Many Benefits of T'ai Chi Ch'uan' now from: http://www.taichi-exercises.com