Thoughts on the Yang style Broadsword

by Nick Cheang.

When I first started training in Master John Ding’s advanced class I used to delight in watching his son perform his broadsword form alongside the rest of the more senior students: it was inspirational. I didn’t try to learn the movements. Instead I would feel the energy and commitment from each practitioner and compare. What I saw in his renditions was an intensity of spirit, a tangible presence that others couldn’t quite get. He seemed to be light and agile, yet at the same time as heavy and sure as rolling thunder. This was no simple waving of arms, this was expression of energy swelling from the centre to create a ball of power that expanded and swept away all within its influence.

Tai Chi Dao 2 (in Chinese) or Tai Chi Broadsword 2

The Dao is one of the most common weapons practiced by various schools of Chinese martial arts.

In Chinese martial arts, the Dao belongs to short weapon group such as Emei dagger or Jian (sword) whilst the halberd, spear and staff belong to the long range weapon group. The Dao is distinguished from Jian (sword) in that, the former has only one sharp edge and the blade broadens towards the tip and is slightly curved. The Dao is quite similar to the European Sica.

In China, the use of Dao dated back to China’s Bronze Age when the Dao was made of bronze. In ancient times, Dao became a popular weapon as it is an effective cutting tool when it was made with much stronger material such as iron and later steel.

For hundreds of years, knowledge skills and arts have been passed down from generation to generation, father to son, Master to disciple. It is said that discipleship is the highest honour and responsibility that a Master can bestow a student. The event is a rare occasion, and its importance felt throughout the international community.

Research into Tai Chi Chuan’s health benefits have begun slowly. Whilst Tai Chi Chuan offers many claims, evidence-based medicine is needed to substantiate them. The West is perhaps realising at last the diverse treatment potential that Tai Chi Chuan and other Chinese medical disciplines have to offer.

Over time the words Tai Chi have come to mean many different things to different people. It is known as: